2 x 1/4HP chillers better than 1 1/2 chiller?

[solo]

Hi Gurus,

I intend to install a 1/2HP chiller for my 6ft tank.

Currently the price is easily well above $1K. If I were to install 2 x 1/4HP chiller (< $500 each) I will have a total of 1/8HP. With the volume of water constant, will the 2 x 1/4 be able to lower the temperature in a shorter time than a single 1/2HP unit? If so, the running cost should be lower with 2 x 1/4 units, right?

Besides, I will have redunancy in case 1 unit is being serviced.

Appreciate any comments, suggestions or opinions.

Thanks very much.

[Chris]

2 x 1/4 = 1/2.

Think power consumption this way is higher.

[shoelevy]

2x cooler is safer in a way incase one fails, the other one still can struggle to cool the tank.

and, like u said....if both cool faster, it does save elec but 2 coolers means larger resistance for your pump to overcome in terms of circulation

[terryansimon]

http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125010

check out this article from Arofanatics. it may shed some light on your query.

[Clownfish]

2x cooler is safer in a way incase one fails, the other one still can struggle to cool the tank.

and, like u said....if both cool faster, it does save elec but 2 coolers means larger resistance for your pump to overcome in terms of circulation

run seperate pumps shld do the trick!