DIY "Mini chiller" need advice

SCU33ZE

SCU33ZE

Toilet Power
Mar 23, 2005
247
0
0
35
South Miami
I was looking at some computer components last time and i stumbled on a small peltier module cooling thingy,,,,i have used them before on computers but never on aquariums. i was thinking of finding a way to stick it on the glass or adapt it to some kind of copper cable,,,i really need cooling during the day since my tank is by a window and easily does 90* F , i have the central A/C at full blast to prevent this but my dad keeps getting mad that the house it too cold and it cost $$$

so here is the possible component list (Brands not found yet)

Peltier (TEC) cpu cooling module 100W if possible

12V power supply for TEC module

Insulation

fan/heatsink for the TEC modules hot side

Artic silver adhesive for Fan/Heatsink to TEC module

Some kind of cooling cunduction material, aluminum ETC

on/off switch


Thats all folks ,,post your comments and if u can give me suggestions
 
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How large is your aquarium? Unless its 10 gallons or less, I doubt you will see any drop of more than 1 degree.
 
oh sorry i forgot to specify,,,its a 12 gallon glass aquarium also ,,,i might go for a higher wattage on that TEC module
 
slipknottin said:
Alright, now Im not so hesitant to help you out. Have you seen the iceprobe chiller? It is essentially what you are attempting to do- http://www.jonahsaquarium.com/chillcoolworks.htm
Click to expand...


You got it,,but i dont like the fact that its hard to mount and u have to make a hole in the glass,,,no chance of mounting it on top because its an eclipse 1 canopy
 
Well, attaching it to the outside of the glass will be very ineffective, and using copper is not a good idea. Copper is quite deadly to most aquarium inhabitants even at low levels. I would not want copper in my tank for any length of time.

So what you need is a heat exchanger that is safe in fresh water, Stainless steel, titanium, glass (not very good heat transfer) or some sort of plastics, like PEX (which also are not good at heat transfer).

If you arent willing to cut some holes in the hood or glass, the other options are going to cost quite a bit of money. A decent quality titanium heat exchanger will run you at least $100, stainless probably around $50 or so.
 
Ahh i see ,,how about making this inline? will it be more effective on a small metal pipe than somwhere else?i dont mind having to buy a small pump
 
Most metal pipe is going to be copper or a derivitive as well.

What you could do is make a loop out of vinyl tubing, and build a small 'reservoir' out of PVC. Then you can use a small powerhead to circulate water through the loop.
 
Slip! your a genius! am gonna get to it as soon as i get the money,,,,do u think u can describe a bit better your idea?
Thanks
 
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