Water cooler as a chiller?

[Tead]

Anyone ever used a water cooler for a tank chiller?

I've set up a test system running the neuts thru the stainless steel tank of a home water cooler.
The system can keep the tank water at a steady 60f day and night. Unfortunately, that's the warmest I can adjust it.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

 

[Tead]

I had to do something... it was really getting frustrating. Growing in 80f water was proving to be less than wonderful... and a free old water cooler from a neighbor was a better deal than a $400 chiller.

Cheers!

 

[McBudz]

sounds good. Im buying a chiller at the next bloom cycle

let me know which one you go with.. I'm looking but trying to spend less than 300. One friggin thing after another I tell you.

 

[Tead]

I see the 1/10th HP units available in the $300 range. If active cooling solves my issues, I'll consider a better system. Running your water thru a water cooler is a bit "craptastic" and I'd need to implement a more dependable config for the long run.

Cheers

 

[Kash Krop]

Try putting a dimmer or adjustable pot switch in line to lower the voltage to the cooler.
If you do this,be sure to check the volt & amp ratings of the dimmer.

 

[Tead]

Hmmm... I hadn't thougt of that! Thanks!!!


Cheers!

 

[Stix]

Try putting a dimmer or adjustable pot switch in line to lower the voltage to the cooler.
If you do this,be sure to check the volt & amp ratings of the dimmer.

You run a real risk of burning out the unit by altering the voltage. If it's not meant to dim I wouldn't recommend dimming it.

 

[Tead]

hmmm.... ok.... any electrical engineers in the house tonight? Can anyone give me an opinion on using a dimmer switch on a refrigeration unit (a.k.a. a water cooler)?
Thanks for the feedback Stix!

Cheers