Is my chiller too powerful?

[Poolshark]

Hi,

I just bought a 1/4 HP jbj chiller for a 100 gallon reef tank and im worried it's too big. I've been reading things about short cycling if the chiller is too large. Note I havent hooked it up yet.(according to JBJ website its rated up to 260 gallons with a 10 degree pull down).

here are my specs...
T5 lighting= 150 watts total
powerheads = 30 watts
return pump = 70 watts
skimmer = 30

I keep my tank at 77 and my house in the worst of summer could get close to 90 during the day.

I've heard that keeping the chiller on a 2 degree differential is recommended so that its not turning on and off constantly.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[d5332]

If your home gets to be 90 in the summer then you just answered your own question.

1/4 for a 100 is not oversized.

I am buying a 1/2 for a 120g

 

[albano]

IMO... 1/4hp is more than enough for a 100g, and a 1/2hp on a 120g is way too much...

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Ocean flavored slurpee!

 

[Poolshark]

Thank you all. My main concern is whether there will be any negative consequences from using the 1/4 HP on only 100 gallons. any thoughts?

The only other option would be to send it back and get the 1/5 but I will suffer the shipping costs...

Thanks
Fred

 

[albano]

If you've got it, run it this year. Who knows, you might upgrade next year or add a 2nd tank... Maybe someone will want to trade a 1/5 +$, for your 1/4, in the future, if you're not happy with it

Also if you let your house go to 90* you'll probably need a dehumidifier

 

[d5332]

Albano, at some point I am getting a large tank and I got the 1/2 for 500 dollars sealed and with manufacturer warranty

 

[kres1024]

Stick with the 1/4 bit stronger is always good...I have a 1/2 on a 140gallon and works great...

 

[Poolshark]

ok thanks guys... looks like Im going to stick with the 1/4.