Best Aquarium Chillers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Published: March 20th, 2024

🐠Keeping your fish and other aquatic buddies comfortable is a top priority for any aquarium lover. One key piece of gear for maintaining the right water temperature, especially when it's hot outside, is the aquarium chiller. Whether you're dealing with a cozy home tank or a sprawling commercial setup, choosing the right chiller makes a world of difference for your underwater pals.

We've dug into loads of info to bring you our top chiller picks for 2024. Our lineup includes an all-around best, a runner-up, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs. Let's dive in and find the best chiller for your tank, shall we?

🥇
Overall Best: JBJ Aquarium Arctica Titanium Chiller

JBJ Aquarium Arctica Titanium Chiller, 1/10 HP

The JBJ Aquarium Arctica Titanium Chiller stands out as our top pick for 2024 due to its stellar blend of performance, reliability, and advanced features. This chiller is highly energy-efficient, operates with minimal noise, and offers rapid cooling to ensure your aquatic environment remains stable. One of its most impressive features is the smart memory chip, which automatically restores the chiller to its last known temperature setting following a power outage—providing peace of mind for fish keepers. Additional perks include an LED temperature controller for easy monitoring and adjustments. While it doesn't come with a hose or pump, these can be acquired separately. Overall, the JBJ Arctica Titanium Chiller is suitable for a wide range of tank sizes, making it a versatile and reliable choice for maintaining the perfect aquarium environment.

View TLDR Review: JBJ Arctica Chiller 1/10 HP

The JBJ Aquarium Arctica Titanium Chiller receives a low score primarily due to numerous customer reports of poor reliability and inadequate cooling performance, with several users experiencing failures shortly after purchase. However, some reviews acknowledge its initial ability to achieve desired temperatures; nonetheless, the overall consensus highlights significant dissatisfaction and questionable value for money.

2.8

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$696.30 at Amazon

🥈
Runner-up: IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller

IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller - 4 in. x 4 3/4 in. x 7 1/2 in.

The IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller is an excellent runner-up, especially for smaller aquariums up to 20 gallons. Utilizing a thermoelectric probe that directly immerses in the tank water, this chiller offers superior heat transfer efficiency. It runs quietly, requires minimal space, and is straightforward to install either within or outside the tank. However, it lacks an on/off switch, so you'll need to disconnect it from the mains to power it down. Despite this small inconvenience, its overall performance and space efficiency make it a top choice for small aquatic setups.

View TLDR Review: IceProbe Aquarium Chiller

The IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller receives a moderate score primarily reflecting its mixed performance and varied customer experiences. Many users appreciate its ability to cool smaller aquariums effectively, with reports of maintaining temperatures within acceptable ranges; however, others criticize its limitations, especially in larger setups where it struggles to achieve desired cooling levels. While it is generally quiet and well-built, the essential need for a separate temperature controller and potential reliability issues noted by some customers may lead to frustration for those seeking consistent performance.

6.6

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$159.90 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: Active Aqua Chiller, 1/10 HP

42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller 1/10 HP Active Aqua Water Chiller Compressor System Cools Down Quickly, Suitable for hydroponic, Axolotls, Coral Reef with Pump and Pipe

The Active Aqua Chiller, 1/10 HP, is our budget pick, offering significant features without breaking the bank. Despite its affordable price point, this chiller includes a digital LCD display and a microcomputer control system. It is capable of supporting tanks up to 105 gallons, making it a versatile option for various aquarium sizes. While it doesn't come with a water pump and the temperature gauge might be off by a degree or two, it still provides a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining the right temperature in your tank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$259.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Active Aqua 42 Gallon Aquarium Chiller? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🌊

Is the LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller suitable for saltwater aquariums?

The LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller seems like a solid option for saltwater aquariums, though it really depends on what you're looking for. It's got a 1/10 HP compressor, which provides reliable temperature control—pretty important for keeping your marine life happy and healthy. According to the manufacturer's product description, this chiller is versatile enough for both aquariums and hydroponic systems, even handling environments with specialized aquatic life like coral reefs and axolotls. It manages to keep water between 68-78°F (20-26°C), generally a good range for saltwater setups. From what we've gathered, it’s effective at maintaining stable temperatures, crucial for sensitive marine ecosystems. People who’ve used it often mention its good cooling efficiency and tend to find it quiet, which is nice if you're in a warmer climate where outside temps can affect your tank. However, noise could be a mixed bag. The manufacturer talks about built-in mute fans to minimize noise, and while some folks say it's quieter than other chillers, others think it's louder than expected. This might come down to personal sensitivity or how it's set up compared to the rest of your space. Overall, it generally gets thumbs up for keeping temperatures in check. Just remember to consider how it fits with your noise preferences and the specifics of your aquarium's needs.

🌡️

What temperature range can the LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller achieve?

Hey! If you're looking into the LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller, it can keep your tank's water temperatures between 68°F and 78°F (20°C to 26°C). That's what the manufacturer says in the product description, making it a solid option for environments that need stable temps, like setups with axolotls or coral reefs. It's designed to work well, especially with a 32-gallon tank. As for noise levels, that's a mixed bag based on our research. Some folks say it's quieter than a lot of appliances in the same category, but others have noticed some rattling sounds. So, if you're sensitive to noise, you might want to consider that. Another cool thing is that it's more environmentally friendly because it uses R134a refrigerant instead of Freon. Just keep in mind that if you're starting with pretty warm water, it might take a bit longer to hit your target temperature. All in all, it's a decent choice if you're after precise temperature control for your aquarium. Just make sure the noise levels won't bug you because opinions vary on that front. It might be a good idea to read more reviews or chat with other owners to see if it suits what you need.

❄️

How loud is the LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller?

If you're trying to figure out how loud the LABFENG 42 Gallon / 160L Aquarium Chiller is, it's a bit tricky because LABFENG doesn't specify the exact noise level. From what we gathered, similar chillers often sound like a refrigerator—it's a steady hum that's noticeable but not overpowering. This chiller is really meant to keep the water at the right temperature, which can be super important if you're managing a delicate setup like an axolotl tank or a coral reef aquarium. It uses R134a refrigerant, which is eco-friendly and doesn't need to be replaced often, so you don't have to worry about that side of things. Based on our findings, many people seem happy with how it keeps temperatures in check without being too loud. It's the kind of appliance you'd probably put in a basement or a room where a bit of background noise is okay. To keep the sound down, it's best to put it on a stable surface and make sure it has good ventilation. Overall, it seems to do a good job balancing performance with noise level. If you're really concerned about the sound, you might want to skim through some reviews or reach out to LABFENG for more specifics. But if you need something eco-friendly and reliable without the noise becoming an issue, this chiller might just work for you.

View All Answers for

For Large Aquariums: Vivosun Active Aquarium Chiller

Poafamx Aquarium Chiller 79Gal 1/3 HP Water Chiller for Hydroponics System Home Use Axolotl Fish Coral Shrimp 110V with Pump and Pipe Black

For larger aquariums, the Vivosun Active Aquarium Chiller is a standout option. Suitable for tanks up to 165 gallons, it boasts a maximum flow rate of 660 gallons per hour, delivering robust cooling performance. The chiller's digital control LED screen simplifies maintenance, and it's compatible with both freshwater and saltwater tanks, as well as aquaponic systems. Despite its quiet operation, some users have noted issues with customer service, so ensure all queries are resolved before purchasing. This chiller is an excellent choice for those managing sizable aquatic setups.

View TLDR Review: Poafamx Aquarium Chiller 79Gal

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$379.99 at Amazon

For Hydroponic Systems: Active Aqua Hydroponic Aquarium Chiller

Crafted with durability and performance in mind, the Active Aqua Hydroponic Aquarium Chiller also excels in aquarium applications. It features an anti-corrosive titanium evaporator and offers a maximum flow rate ranging from 396 to 925 gallons per hour. This Freon-free chiller can accommodate various tank sizes, offering adaptability and robust cooling options. Available in multiple HP options, including a 1 HP model for up to 975 gallons, this chiller is primarily designed for hydroponic systems but proves highly effective in aquariums. It's a versatile option for those with extensive cooling needs.

View TLDR Review: Poafamx Aquarium Chiller 79Gal

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$379.99 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers