Inlining a chiller with a canister filter?

Question

I have a Fluval 404 canister filter on my 55 gallon aquarium that I use for mechanical and chemical filtration.

I would like to add a chiller to the system. Is it possible to inline the chiller with the filter so I don't have yet another thing hanging on the back of my tank. Or is it better to have a dedicated pump for the chiller.

Converting to a sump is out of the question at the moment.

Answer 1

i would say deticated pump, i looked up the fluval 404 and its gph is only 340, most chillers would require more flow. so i would buy another pump and plumb it on its own line.

good point on the real world gph magic, but most chillers i have llooked at have 500-600gph for the chiller large enough for a 55g. that was my point, and you are 100% right, as the filter media clogs it will pump less, another reason to have a deticated pump

Answer 2

Assuming the canister will provide a flow rate within the suggested range for the chiller, you could inline them without a problem. Personally I would suggest you call the manufacturer of the chiller with your actual GPH flow rate from the filter before you try it. Don't go by the flow rate on the canister information, in actual use it will be lower so measure it yourself. Certainly wouldn't want to damage the chiller.

MM