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VEVOR CL280 1/10HP Aquarium Chiller: features, specs and who it suits
A 1/10 HP aquarium chiller with a titanium evaporator, 1200 L/h circulation and a 65-80°F range, listed for tanks up to 52 gallons. What the specs mean.
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The VEVOR CL280 is an aquarium chiller: a small refrigeration unit that cools tank water and holds it at a set temperature. It is meant for tanks that run warm because of a hot room, strong lighting or a species that prefers cooler water. VEVOR lists it for tanks of about 52 gallons.
How an aquarium chiller works
A chiller works like a small fridge. Water from the tank is pumped through the unit, passes over a cold evaporator, and returns cooler. A thermostat switches the compressor on and off to hold the temperature you set. Unlike a fan, which only cools by evaporation, a chiller can bring water below room temperature.
VEVOR says the CL280 has a 1/10 HP compressor that uses R290 refrigerant and is fluorine-free. The brand gives the adjustable range as 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Titanium evaporator and water compatibility
The evaporator is the part in contact with the water. VEVOR says it is titanium and resistant to corrosion, which matters because salt water is hard on many metals. The brand states that it suits both freshwater and saltwater, and names fish, shrimp, corals, axolotls and jellyfish among the animals people keep at cooler temperatures.
Circulation and tank size
The listing gives a water flow of 1200 L/h (about 317 US gallons an hour). In general, a higher flow moves water through the unit more often, which helps the whole tank reach a similar temperature. The 52-gallon figure is a guide to the tank size it is meant for.
VEVOR notes that results depend on water volume, tank size and room temperature, so the actual water temperature may differ from the setting. It suggests lower settings or less water for faster cooling.
Heat dissipation and placement
A compressor produces heat, and the chiller must release it. The CL280 has a built-in fan and ventilation holes for that. VEVOR asks for at least 24 inches (60 cm) of free space around the unit for airflow. Plan for that clearance, since a chiller tucked into a tight cabinet will usually struggle.
The unit measures about 12.4 x 11.8 x 15.6 inches (31 x 30 x 40 cm) and weighs 30.9 lb (about 14 kg). It sits beside the tank or in a stand, connected by tubing.
Who it suits
It suits hobbyists with a mid-sized tank in a warm room, anyone keeping cool-water species, and people who want steadier temperatures through summer. It is a poor match for very large tanks or for set-ups where the chiller cannot be placed close to the tank.
What to check before you buy
- Tank volume: compare your total water volume, including any sump, with the 52-gallon figure.
- Temperature range: make sure your species' needs fall within 65-80°F.
- Power supply: confirm the voltage and plug type against your outlet, and use a suitable circuit as the manual describes.
- Tubing and connections: check the hose sizes and fittings needed to connect it to your pump or filter.
- Space and airflow: leave the 24 inches of clearance and check the unit fits your stand.
- Upkeep: read the manual on cleaning the vents and draining the unit.
The short version
- A 1/10 HP aquarium chiller, model CL280, with a fluorine-free compressor and R290 refrigerant.
- Titanium evaporator, described by VEVOR as suitable for freshwater and saltwater.
- 65-80°F (18-27°C) temperature range and 1200 L/h water flow.
- Listed for tanks of about 52 gallons; needs 24 inches of clear space around it.
- 30.9 lb; actual water temperature depends on tank size, volume and room conditions.
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