Actually, if you talk about cost, I think it averages over time because for me I'll have the living room 1.5 hp aircon on full blast(5hours) + 2 fans running(24hrs). Even with this, it's not effective to get the temperature down fast enough, most days I get 27-28C with this. With the chiller, so far, I'm not seeing much differences in electric bill as compared to before. (BTW, I got my used CL650 for rm600, it's a fair price for me)

As for heat, doesn't affect too much because it's in my living, I would agree heat would be a problem if you have small space like in a room.

In the long run, when your temperature is stable throughout the day. Your plants tend to do better, so does the critters in the tank. I used to look at the negative side of having a chiller, wait till you see how the plants are doing then you'll know what I mean.

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Isaac Goh©

Moss: Singapore, Taiwan, Weeping, Spiky, Erect, Xmas.

Pellia: Coral pellia, Normal pellia, Medium pellia?, Wild mini pellia.

the cheapest method is non co2 method.[though DIY CO2 is good, a bit of work every 3-7 days] start of with lowest threshold of lighting. about 50-60W for 2 ft tank IMO.
and get plants that can survive in low light. moss are good. don't bother with glosso or other hi light plants...

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So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/

Stan,

Depends how you look at a sump, it can be both mechanical and biological depending on the material you put inside the sump compartments. I figured the o2 out by looking at my canister, if it 'prevents' Co2 losses, it won't be getting enough o2 into my tank either. Amano recommended o2 injection outside of the photo period. Tom said that having alot of o2 in the tank does not mean you have less Co2. (apologize for not posting photos because I am not good in taking shots, am waiting for friend to help to take some professional shots for ADA next year)

Anyway, my sump is a normal one with a bottom 4 compartments sump tank. First 2 is filled with all kinds of filter wool + sponge, 3rd compartment is filled with bacteria o-ring, 4th compartment is for the pump to flow back into the tank. Anyway, I've rigged my sump(to slow down co2 loss) so that it does not have the waterfall splashing by using a PVC pipe(outlet) up to the water level of tank.

Aerobic bacteria dies in 8 hours without water circulation? I don't think so

Fouling the water? Certainly not, crystal clear water and a happy owner can attest to that.

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Isaac Goh©

Moss: Singapore, Taiwan, Weeping, Spiky, Erect, Xmas.

Pellia: Coral pellia, Normal pellia, Medium pellia?, Wild mini pellia.

Loong,

You are right on the point! I hate those water filling days. You know with 2 fans blowing at the water 24x7, I have to fill up the water daily, and because of how my sump works, I need to refill frequently else my sump will run dry. When we have those long weekends or holidays, i'll be worrying how my tank is doing. Now I have a peace of mind when going on long breaks. Like I said before, electricity cost averages over time(maybe a little bit more) but make sure you get an adequate powered chiller, never go underpower. As for the chiller, think of it as a one time investment, I know it's expensive(that's why I bought a used one) but I certainly enjoy the hobby now more than ever before. I think when you are happy and enjoying the hobby, it's a small premium to pay for.

You've mentioned the DIY chiller, yes, anything will do as long as it keeps the water temperature stable and is reliable, in fact some shops selling live seafood uses DIY chiller to keep the water cold too. I've heard from Dom about the DIY chiller that Melvin makes too, but never seen it.

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Isaac Goh©

Moss: Singapore, Taiwan, Weeping, Spiky, Erect, Xmas.

Pellia: Coral pellia, Normal pellia, Medium pellia?, Wild mini pellia.

BTW. How big is your aquarium? How much increase was your electric bill?

My tank is 120cm(width) x 75cm (height) x 45cm (depth) or 4 feet x 2.5 feet x 1.5 feet.

Electricity increase. Hmm...it's hard to measure since my electricity bill is not very consistent month to month. Overall, what I can tell you is the bill for the month after i get the chiller is cheaper than the previous month. 6 hours 1.5hp aircon daily is more expensive than chiller?

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Isaac Goh©

Moss: Singapore, Taiwan, Weeping, Spiky, Erect, Xmas.

Pellia: Coral pellia, Normal pellia, Medium pellia?, Wild mini pellia.

hi isaac,
actually only 2 hours of dead water is enough to knock out aerobic bacteria, not 8.
seems you have a good system working so it's great for you to share.

i agree daily top up with 2 fans system is PITA. i use only one fan and it's every 3-7 days...no big deal. one fan still gets the temp down to 26-27c. without is around 29c.

at what temp is your tank with chiller?
i se some funny guys set it to 25 and the whole tank fogs up with condensation...

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So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/

I'm one of them too..Tank is set at 25C..hahaha...for optimum performance...tried 26C...just didn't like the result on my mossies... No fogging because I think that's down to the outside surrounding temperature. I supposed my living room temp is still ok.

Actually, in a sump tank, you won't see protein buildup too...saves you on getting protein skimmer...hahah..

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Isaac Goh©

Moss: Singapore, Taiwan, Weeping, Spiky, Erect, Xmas.

Pellia: Coral pellia, Normal pellia, Medium pellia?, Wild mini pellia.

isaac, you will never need a protein skimmer for FW tank. ever. it's used for marine tank where the tds is higher so that it can 'foam' and remove the protein from the water. you prob mean the lipid buildup on surface of water in which case you mean a surface skimmer.

mossies really do better at 25C but i need to compromise with the fish so it's 26-28c for me really.

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So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/