Water chiller to Wattage ratio

Dr.Green

Active Member
Does anyone know about how big of a chiller you would need to cool a 1k HPS in say a 8" liquid fixture running on a 30 gallon res, with an ambient temp of around 80degrees? I've done some searching and theres a variety ranging from 2GPH@60degrees to 8GPH@70degrees. But of course thats not commercial grade Chillers Which can run 500GPH@40degrees. Man, I hope someone has an answer. Cause theres no way I can figure it out lol.

maybe like a mathematical equation or some shit:joint::joint:
 

DR. VonDankenstine

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know about how big of a chiller you would need to cool a 1k HPS in say a 8" liquid fixture running on a 30 gallon res, with an ambient temp of around 80degrees? I've done some searching and theres a variety ranging from 2GPH@60degrees to 8GPH@70degrees. But of course thats not commercial grade Chillers Which can run 500GPH@40degrees. Man, I hope someone has an answer. Cause theres no way I can figure it out lol.

maybe like a mathematical equation or some shit:joint::joint:
If you don't plan on adding more lights you can go with a 1/15th hp chiller---it can handle a 40 gallon load. You must run a 300 gph minimum or 600gph maximum pump---the chiller will run you about 300 and the pump under 40. If you plan on adding more lights you will need to go with a bigger chiller.(don't worry about the mathematics for cooling-just look at the load--how many gallons your res is plus number of lights cooled. The chiller manufactures will give the load handling capabilities of the chillers.-------ONE LAST TIP--------------before you purchase a chiller- you can cut a whole into the lid of the res and build a fan to move the warm air out---just mount the fan to the lid--it will surprise you how well this works-you might not even need a chiller. hope the info helps.
 

lorenzo08

Well-Known Member
I've thought about trying a heater core from a car to cool water to cool a lamp. I know it works great with computers with about 80 watts of heat to dissipate, but I'm not sure how much more heat a HID lamp puts off.

as VonDankenstine suggested, (great idea) if you have enough water surface area for your fan to blow on, you can cool the water directly like that. it's called evaporative water cooling. you can also try a shower head sprayer on your return line from the lamp with a fan blowing in it's direction. this gives much more surface area. just keep an eye on your humidity.
 

FullMetalJacket

Well-Known Member
Water chilled lights are available but do not as effiecient as water cooling other objects as you are not cooling the heat source directly. You are actually doing the majority of the cooling by the layer of insulation of water...which also decreases the lumens. Best is air cooled lights for effeciency. That being said i wouldnt even chill the water. Just let it slowly gt to 90 during the day and it will cool to room temp during the night.

I would never buy a 1/15 water chiller. Go with a 1/5 from ebay. 3 times the power same cost as the all the 1/15 that i have found.
 
Last edited:

gogrow

confused
Water chilled lights are available but do not as effiecient as water cooling other objects as you are not cooling the heat source directly. You are actually doing the majority of the cooling by the layer of insulation of water...which also decreases the lumens. Best is air cooled lights for effeciency. That being said i wouldnt even chill the water. Just let it slowly gt to 90 during the day and it will cool to room temp during the night.

I would never buy a 1/15 water chiller. Go with a 1/5 from ebay. 3 times the power same cost as the all the 1/15 that i have found.

thanks for answering my question; i misunderstood what the guy was asking about...i dont do hydro
 

DR. VonDankenstine

Well-Known Member
You don't need to go with a 1/5 and they are a lot more money than a 1/15 size----The 1/15 will more than handle the load you need and the size/weight/power usage/cost--will save you extra cash------We have also done testing with the water cooled lamps and the lumen-loss is there but very minimal---The water-tubes work well in a hot env. keep up the grow.---------If you decide to go with the 1/15----go to "PET MOUNTAIN"-------279.00 DELIVERED!!!----NEW PRIME 1/15.
 
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