summer is coming, 4k cooling question

Trying to decide on buying a chiller or mini split, was set on mini split but now I am hearing that chiller are more efficient, but these threads are old. So any feedback? I am running 4 4x4 ebb flow tables with each having independent 40 gal res. N about the chiller does it need to be outside??

I really like min splits. They don't exchange any air with the outside and can be set on a thermostat so you can set the exact temperature you want for day/night.

Have you used a chiller?

My grow is in a basement so ambient is about 65 all year, Recently spent 300 on nice ducting so kind of want to buy ice boxes vs going mini split n kicking my self in ass cause now I can go bare bulb

ebbnflow36 said:

My grow is in a basement so ambient is about 65 all year, Recently spent 300 on nice ducting so kind of want to buy ice boxes vs going mini split n kicking my self in ass cause now I can go bare bulb

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There isn't really a need to chill water in a flood and drain table. Since you roots are not constantly in the water temps are not that critical. I specifically run flood tables, and have seen my water temps get as high as 78 degrees with zero problems. Get the mini split. Keep your room a lil cooler at lights off if you want to drop water temps a lil bit.

I hear what your saying I was sold on that, I never ran a chiller in my res even in summer. but now hear me out cause you run like me. Instead of buying mini split get the chiller hook up ice box to each reflector n 1 ice box on the fan on top of filter (sealed room for ac) what you think??

I have never personally used one, but I have done a lot of research and another big reason I use mini spits is they also dehumidify which is a big plus. Also my understanding is that chillers put off a lot of heat.

Do chillers need to be exhausting outside? Or can they be in other room

ebbnflow36 said:

I hear what your saying I was sold on that, I never ran a chiller in my res even in summer. but now hear me out cause you run like me. Instead of buying mini split get the chiller hook up ice box to each reflector n 1 ice box on the fan on top of filter (sealed room for ac) what you think??

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I have never ran the style you are talking of so I really don't want say yes or no to it. I do know that mini split are the standard for air conditioning a sealed room.

ebbnflow36 said:

I hear what your saying I was sold on that, I never ran a chiller in my res even in summer. but now hear me out cause you run like me. Instead of buying mini split get the chiller hook up ice box to each reflector n 1 ice box on the fan on top of filter (sealed room for ac) what you think??

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Ice boxes suck.

- Jiji

did you use 6" or 8"? Or they just fn suck and stay far away from em

ebbnflow36 said:

did you use 6" or 8"? Or they just fn suck and stay far away from em

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8 inch. I figured they sucked but still wanted to try them for a sealed room with passive cooling. Mini-split kept failing at around 0 to -10F .

You need a very powerful water pump, the manifold you make relies on pressure to evenly distribute water, also your pushing around 10ft of head height.

The air resistance from them is crazy, I couldn't even imagine pushing through 4 of them at their reccomended cfm. Two 8 inch centrifugal fans might do it.

I used them in a passive setup in subzero weather. Normally people will use with a chiller. Go ahead and price a Quality chiller not some ecoplus crap.

- Jiji