The Best Chillers for Your Home Aquarium

Whether you keep fish, coral, or amphibians in your home aquarium, keeping your tank’s water at an optimal temperature is always a good idea. While some life requires warmer temperatures, there are many cases in which cooling your tank’s water down becomes imperative. Thus, it’s no wonder why so many aquarium owners employ aquarium chillers to ensure the life inside can thrive. We made this guide to showcase some of the best aquarium chillers for small tanks, large tanks, and those in between.

Shopping for an Aquarium Chiller

• Tank Size: Naturally, aquarium chillers are not a one-size-fits-all product. To ensure that your aquarium chiller will be a good choice for your aquarium, be sure to consider its water capacity and suggested tank size. This way, you can know that it will work nicely with your tank setup before investing.
• Cooling Speed: Some aquarium chillers are better than others at quickly bringing water temperature down to your desired temperature level. For those who only plan on using their aquarium chillers on occasion, a quick and efficient model can save you time and ensure you are running the device less in order to get your tank to its optimal temperature.
• Efficiency: Temperature retention is another important factor to consider. While most aquarium chillers let you set a temperature range for maximum efficiency, not every product on the market is ideal for maintaining it. Finding an efficient device with advanced functionality (such as automation and memory settings) can really help you maintain the perfect water temperature in your tank with minimal user input.

Best for Large Tanks: Active Aqua Hydroponic Water Chiller

Cooling a large tank can be challenging, but the Active Aqua Hydroponic Water Chiller is up to the task. Featuring a corrosion-resistant titanium evaporator ideal for freshwater and saltwater, this aquarium chiller uses freon-free R134a refrigerant to great effect for fast, efficient cooling. Given its power, it also runs very quietly compared to similar models. This aquarium chiller is efficient at maintaining the set temperature once it has been achieved, and if you factor in the user-friendly control system, this product is a must-have.

Best for Small Tanks: Petzilla 1-Fan Aquarium Chiller

For those with small tanks seeking a way to lower their water temperature on hot summer days without breaking the bank, this single-fan offering from Petzilla is a must-have. While this fan has two speeds, the lower setting is more than adequate to cool down a 10-gallon fish tank to your optimal temperature when contending with an elevated ambient temperature. Although this fan is great at what it does, it does get a bit loud and may not be the best option for rooms where people sleep.

Best Value: Petzilla 4-Fan Aquarium Chiller

If you are seeking an inexpensive product that can quickly cool a tank by a few degrees or offset the temperature increase due to UV filters or lighting, then the Petzilla 4-Fan Aquarium Chiller is for you. This aquarium chiller is designed to clamp onto lids that are less than 0.5 inches thick and does so very securely so that you won’t have to worry about your fan or your tank when it’s in use. This model is ideal for tanks with up to a 40G capacity, and while not the quietest model out there, it operates quietly enough to keep in your living room. The adjustable speed settings are also a nice touch to help you achieve your aquarium’s perfect cooling routine.

Quiet Option: JBJ Arctica Aquarium Chiller

For those easily distracted by noise, the JBJ Arctica Aquarium Chiller is a no-brainer. It would not be an exaggeration to say that many might wonder if this unit is working at all due to its almost silent operating volume. However, those with aquarium thermometers will note the extremely efficient cooling this unit is capable of, thanks to its high-quality, corrosion-resistant titanium coil construction. Despite its lack of noise, this aquarium chiller also gets your tank cooled in a hurry, making it great for those who don’t mind spending a little extra for their aquarium setup.

Versatile Option: BAOSHISHAN Aquarium Chiller

The BAOSHISHAN Aquarium Chiller comes in three different sizes, giving you plenty of options when considering what is best for your aquarium. Due to its real-time monitoring of your water’s temperature, this unit is extremely efficient at maintaining the water temperature you set yourself. It also features a power-off temperature memory, meaning that you won’t have to tinker with the temperature settings after losing power or resetting the device. Factoring in this aquarium chiller’s ample temperature range and quiet operating volume, there is a lot to love about this device.