Heater/ chiller talk!

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#1
My chiller has been on a lot lately and I live in LA where it’s been pretty cold lately. I can’t figure out why this is happening. I have it turn on when the temp gets to 80 and heaters go from 77- 77.5 is that common to y’all? Maybe I’m doing something wrong?


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reefes pieces

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#3
I'd keep an eye on the heaters. Are you using a controller or just have the heaters set? May need to re-calibrate the controller temp probe, or if no controller then your heaters may be stuck on or need calibration as well. I can't see why your chiller would even be turning on in this weather unless you're keeping your house at 85+ degrees.
 
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#4
Great idea I use apex but can’t figure why there is such a huge gap between the two.


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#6
Has to be one of the 2 are giving you off reading. Both can be calibrated, heater and chiller.
I appreciate it, both are run by apex so the only thing that would need calibrating is the temp probe no? I have the chiller and heaters set so that the keep tubing as long as apex tells them


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reefes pieces

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#7
Technically yes, but it's always a good idea to use a thermometer and see when the heaters actually shut off as well. It's another safety measure in case the Apex is off or gets stuck on. I would calibrate the heaters so that they are programmed to shut off below 80 on their own.

Also, check your apex programming/rules to make sure it is in fact shutting the heater outlets off when it's supposed to do so. If you see the heater lights on at the same time the chiller is on, then most likely there's an error in programming or an issue with the energy bar itself


I appreciate it, both are run by apex so the only thing that would need calibrating is the temp probe no? I have the chiller and heaters set so that the keep tubing as long as apex tells them


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#8
Wow just put a thermometer in and it’s reading 71!!!! That’s so bad! Everything seems fine my apex was reading 80.1 I recalibrated it and set my heaters to max out at 72 I guess I’ll bring it up 1 degree a day till I’m at 78. I’m shocked how off this was. I feel like apex let me down.


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joseserrano

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#12
Unfortunate, but better cold than hot. Corals should be fine. Bring it up slow as your are suggesting. Make sure to test parameters if you are dosing. Consumption will drop at lower temps
 
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#13
From my experience dealing with heat issues like failing equipment or insanely hot weather, I always buy my tanks an old school mercury thermometers, tried & true, never have failed me. I have owned an array of thermometer & the mercury kind are always on point. Also, I would recommend pumping the temps 1/2 a degree every other day. A 7 degree bump in less than a week sounds a bit to rapid for the coral to handle & might cause ill effect, my 2 cents. Good luck.
 
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#14
Yes i agree. mercury thermometers are the most reliable out there in the hobby. For one,it is fail proof without any requirements.
 

reefes pieces

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#16
Glad you found the issue. Sucks that it was due to broken equipment of the expensive kind. 72 is cold but not terrible. I've known tanks that kept that temp during the whole winter without any issues.
 
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#17
How is the tank? Is everything fine?


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Looking good I have it up to 75.5 a degree a day about sometimes a bit more. It was at 65 at one point. Both my heaters failed and the plug on apex that they had been plugged into. Thanks for asking!


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#18
Glad you found the issue. Sucks that it was due to broken equipment of the expensive kind. 72 is cold but not terrible. I've known tanks that kept that temp during the whole winter without any issues.
Yea for sure but I was at 65 for a while there lol just so frustrating when expensive equipment fails. What’s the point of it then?


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