Top 15 Best Aquarium Chillers in 2023

The best aquarium chiller can help with lowering the temperature inside your aquarium could benefit your pet and you. To us, humans, we have to rely on air-conditioning systems to help with lowering indoor temperatures. Aquatic animals are not all that different and would relax better with a cooler for when the water gets warm.

If you are in the market for the best aquarium chiller, you surely will find a lot of value here. I have reviewed 15 of the best products available for sale. You will also find a buyer’s guide attached to help decide which brand will be best for you. Included are answers to some of the frequently asked questions when shopping for a fish tank cooler. So you want to read up till the end.

Is A Chiller Necessary In An Aquarium?

You may be wondering if it is worth spending money on fish tank accessories. You will have to if you want your pet fish, turtle, squid, or any other aquatic buddy to be able to live comfortably.

Maintaining ideal water temperature is as important as feeding your fishes, so in addition to a filtration system, a chiller would also be needed to keep things regulated. Depending on the breed of fish you have in your tank, the water has to be conducive to support the life form.

Are They Safe For Live And Fake Plants?

The best aquarium chiller is safe to use for both live and fake plants. Since they aim to regulate the water and have no adverse chemical or biological effect on the lifeforms, you can use them in any aquarium setup.

Can They Work In Saltwater And Fresh Water?

If you are worried about the safety of a chiller in a salt or freshwater setup, you should be, as a responsible pet mum or dad. Regulating the water temperature is needed irrespective of whether you have a fresh or saltwater tank setup. So, you can include a chiller in your aquarium no matter the type of liquid your fish swims in.

Best Aquarium Chiller Comparison Chart 2023

The table below shows a quick insight into some of the key features that make these products the best aquarium chillers in the market. You can find a detailed review in the next section.

Which Are The Best Aquarium Chillers To Buy?

Below is a short review of 15 of the best aquarium chillers in the market. You can check through for some of the selling points of each product. You can find the details of the pros and cons in the next section. So endeavor to read on.

• Best Overall – JBJ Arctica Titanium Aquarium Chiller
  “The JBJ aquarium chiller comes with a smart memory chip that does all the work for you. The device utilizes less energy and is resistant to corrosion, which makes it highly durable.”
• Best Budget – BOYU iPettie Aquarium Chiller
  “If you need a quality product that sells for less, you should check this BOYU iPettie cooler for fish tanks, although you should know that it can only work in medium tanks with gallon sizes of no more than 32 liters.”
• Best for Small Tank – Petzilla Aquarium Chiller
  “The Petzilla is ideal for a small fish tank. You can make do with just one fan in a 10-gallon aquarium, and you won’t have to worry about your fishes burning out.”
• Best for Large Tank – Hydrofarm Active Aquarium Chiller
  “With the ability to chill up to 80 gallons of water, the Hydrofarm cooler is suitable for use in a large aquarium. With a rate of flow of 1HP, it can comfortably be used in a more extensive setup of up to 250 gallons.”
• Best Value – Active Aqua Aquarium Chiller
  “The Active Aqua chiller is my best choice if you want a product that meets all your expectations. It can work well in a 50-gallon tank set up and requires little maintenance compared to other brands.”
• Best for Pet Gift – Chill Solutions Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller
  “You get a chiller that is easy to use and can work well in any setup. If you are thinking of a suitable gift for an aquatic pet mum or dad, you could add this one to the list.”
• Best Axolotl – Homend Industrial Aquarium Chiller
  “You certainly won’t have any difficulties setting up the Homend aquarium chiller. The device is designed to save energy, highly durable, and comes with an alarm that makes temperature regulation stress-free and straightforward.”
• Best Versatile – Coralife Energy Aquarium Chiller
  “If you need a fish tank cooler that can work in all types of aquariums, consider grabbing this one from Coralife. It is easy to set up, maintain, and is fitted with reusable air filters.”
• Best for Live Plant Tank – Zoo Med Aqua Aquarium Chiller
  “The Zoo Med aqua cooling fan is suitable for use in a live plant tank, where you want the conditions to be kept natural. Built for use in a small container, you can get it to work in a large setup.”
• Best for Artificial Plant Tank – aFAN Aquarium Chiller
  “The aFAN aquarium system can be used in a plastic plant setup where you have to be careful not to burn your plants. With three regulator modes, you get maximum control over the temperature and pressure of the water.”
• Best for Fermentation Tank – Hamilton Technology EuroMax Aquarium Chiller
  “It is equipped with an anti-freezing control making it safe for use in a low light setup where there may low supply of oxygen. The digital LED screen makes for accurate readings and monitoring of temperature changes.”
• Best Low Maintenance – WUPYI Adjustable Aquarium Chiller Cooling
  “The hanging model design and ease of adjustability also make the WUPYI one of the best fish tank chillers in the market. It does not require frequent maintenance, like many other brands, and is equally easy to setup.”
• Best for High Light – IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller
  “The thermoelectric energy of this product makes for noiseless operation. It is also easy to use and can work in a tank with maximum lighting. It can chill containers that can hold up to 30 gallons of water.”
• Best Choice with Pump – LONDAFISH Aquarium Chiller
  “The LONDAFISH aquarium comes with pumps that make it easy to care for your fish tank. If you need a product that is easy to set up without any technical help, you could try out this one.”
• Best for any Water – EcoPlus Aquarium Chiller
  “What you get is a chiller and pump combined that guarantees optimal temperature in any water setup. You can use it in both salt and freshwater setup and can easily set it up without breaking a sweat.”

Reviews Of The Best Aquarium Chillers in 2023

You will find a detailed review of 15 of the best chillers for a fish tank. It would be best if you read through carefully to learn about what makes them worthy of making my list.

1. Best Overall: JBJ Arctica Titanium Aquarium Chiller

If I were in the market for a chiller that would be worth every penny spent, it would have to be the JBJ Arctica. It is everything you need for a stress-free regulation and maintenance of your fish tank. The highly efficient condenser specializes in providing ambient temperatures that aquatic animals are used to in their natural habitat.

The body of the device is resistant to corrosion, and the refrigerant used is ozone friendly. You get three different sized hoses in the box to assist with customizing your installation to your specifications. It is easy to clean and is guaranteed to last longer than many other brands in the market.

Key Features:

• Titanium coating
• Digital LED controller
• Auto temperature regulator
• 1/3 HP flow rate

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	17 x 20 x 20 inches
Weight	54 pounds
Construction Material	Titanium
Flow Rate	1/3
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	50 – 250 gallons
Brand	JBJ Arctica

2. Best Budget: BOYU iPettie Aquarium Chiller

The BOYU iPettie cooler is designed for those who required little or no effort in setting up the device. The clamp mounting brackets can fit on aquarium walls of up to 15MM thickness. It can be used in a tank that holds up to 32 liters of water.

The three fans attached work independently and utilize minimal power in cooling the aquarium. You need to wipe the fans daily to eliminate dirt and keep the device operating smoothly. Aside from that, you end up with a device that is highly efficient and reasonably priced.

Key Features:

• Clamping mounting brackets
• Low power consumption
• No assembly required

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	6.9 x 1.4 x 3.5 inches
Weight	1 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	10 – 30 gallons
Brand	BOYU iPettie

3. Best for Small Tank: Petzilla Aquarium Chiller

The Petzilla is a compact-sized aquarium cooler designed like a portable fan. It is ideal for use in an environment where the water temperature needs to be as low as 2℃. The level of cooling is enough to offset the effect of UV filter and lights in the system.

It is easy to operate with two variable speed control and wide-angle installation that gives you room for adjustments. It comes equipped with everything you need for seamless installation. The unit is durable and requires little maintenance and comes with a one-year warranty with each purchase.

Key Features:

• Variable speed control
• One-year warranty
• Right angle adjustment

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	4.3 x 2 x 6.3 inches
Weight	0.6 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	1 year
Capacity	10 gallons
Brand	Petzilla

4. Best for Large Tank: Hydrofarm Active Aquarium Chiller

Also, on the list of the best chillers for an aquarium is the Hydrofarm Active cooler. The large-sized device is ideal for use in tanks that use up to 250 gallons of water. With a flow rate of 1 horsepower, you could say that it is safer to use them in medium to large capacity aquariums.

The evaporator is designed with titanium, which helps to prevent corrosion of the cooler. So it can be used in both salt and freshwater condition without worries. It is equipped with user-friendly controls, so you don’t need any technical help to operate the industrial type device.

Key Features:

• 1 HP flow rate
• Titanium coating
• Large refrigeration capacity

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	20.47 x 18.9 x 15.75 inches
Weight	69 pounds
Construction Material	Titanium
Flow Rate	1 HP
Warranty	1 year
Capacity	80 – 250 gallons
Brand	Hydrofarm Active

5. Best Value: Active Aqua Aquarium Chiller

You can also rely on this aquarium chiller from Active Aqua for use in your medium or large tank. It comes with a flow rate of 1/10 HP, which is enough to keep things cool in a 50-gallon container. The anti-corrosive titanium coating makes it safe for use in both fresh and saltwater aquatic environments.

The device is easy to operate and does it quietly, making it one of the best choices if you are shopping for a noiseless chiller. The Freon free refrigerant is also eco-friendly and safe for you and your pet. Both fishes and plants will benefit from the type of refrigeration that the Active Aqua provides.

Key Features:

• Titanium coating
• Noiseless motor
• 1/10 HP flow rate

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	18.25 x 11.75 x 18.25 inches
Weight	30.5 pounds
Construction Material	Titanium
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	50 gallons
Brand	Active Aqua

6. Best for Pet Gift: Chill Solutions Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller

If you are looking for an aquarium chiller that can last for a long time and worthy of gifting out, take a closer look at this one from Chill solutions. The device comes with an inbuilt thermostat that allows you easy control over the cooler.

It can work well in 10 to 30 gallons capacity aquarium, and its versatile design makes it a good alternative for use in a variety of cooling applications. The base attached to the cooler is sturdy enough to provide several placement options depending on your setup. The simple design doesn’t require frequent maintenance and can be used in both salt and freshwater aquariums.

Key Features:

• Inbuilt thermostat
• Thermoelectric chillers
• UV sterilizers

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	10 x 8 x 8 inches
Weight	4.4 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic and Metal
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	10 – 30 gallons
Brand	Chill Solutions

7. Best Axolotl: Homend Industrial Aquarium Chiller

The Homend Industrial chiller is the best choice if you need an option that can work with delicate amphibians like Axolotl. The cooler is designed for use in a small tank where the water requires low power of 60 to 80W for cooling and filtration.

It is compact, portable, and easy to maintain, which is why it appears on this list. It is not the right choice for a large tank but can cool a 10-liter tank quickly. It is equipped with an alarm output radiator that helps protect sensitive components of the device. Altogether, you get a piece of durable equipment that is reasonably priced for a Nano tank.

Key Features:

• Compact design
• Low power rating
• Alarm output radiator

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	21.6 x 18.5 x 14.2 inches
Weight	24.6 pounds
Construction Material	Metal
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	10 – 30 gallons
Brand	Homend

8. Best Versatile: Coralife Energy Aquarium Chiller

Finding a chiller that can work in any type of aquarium setup can be a bit challenging. If that is what you are shopping for, this versatile option from Coralife could be a good steal. It comes with reusable filters that make the device easy to clean.

A flow rate of 1/10 HP allows it to chill a Nano aquarium that holds up to 50 gallons of water quickly. The titanium heat exchanger helps to keep the device operating smoothly. It uses an eco-friendly refrigerant and requires less maintenance than most options in the market.

Key Features:

• 1/10 HP flow rate
• Titanium heat exchanger
• Removable air filter

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	14.5 x 13 x 16 inches
Weight	39.8 pounds
Construction Material	Metal
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	50 gallons
Brand	Coralife Energy

9. Best for Live Plant Tank: Zoo Med Aqua Aquarium Chiller

The Zoo Med Aqua cooling fan is my best choice to use in a live plant tank where the conditions may be delicate. The low profile unit suction cups allow you to attach the device to the bottom of the tank. This allows for the natural cooling of the water without much disturbances to the vegetation and animals.

The light and portable cooling fan design make it a good option for a small tank that holds less than 20 gallons. You don’t need any particular parts to set up the chiller, and it does not need regular maintenance like some other brands.

Key Features:

• Low profile suction cups
• Duckbill control vents
• Miniature design

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	3.9 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches
Weight	1.1 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	10 – 30 gallons
Brand	Zoo Med Aqua

10. Best for Artificial Plant Tank: aFAN Aquarium Chiller

Artificial plants could also do with a chiller included as part of your tanks setup. It is powered by a safe voltage that helps with the temperature regulation and safety of the ecosystem. The three operating modes allow for effortless control of the system while maintaining constant airflow without messy interruptions to the water pressure.

It is safe for use in tanks that holds up to 30 gallons of water and does not need frequent cleaning and servicing. It is reasonably priced but operates a little noisily.

Key Features:

• Safe voltage regulator
• Three operating modes
• Corrosion protection

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	3.2 x 3 x 5.2 inches
Weight	1 pound
Construction Material	Plastic
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	30 gallons
Brand	aFan

11. Best for Fermentation Tank: Hamilton Technology Aquarium Chiller

The Hamilton Technology EuroMax chiller is best for use in a low light tank condition where you need the water to be right for survival. The digital LED control allows for precise and straightforward cooling of the tank with a flow rate of 1/10 HP.

The Anti-freezing system prevents the heat exchanger from freezing out. It is a versatile and durable option and could be used for salt and freshwater habitats. With a high degree of pull-down in temperature, you could make use of this device for large and small-sized tanks. It is, however, a bit on the upper side for those looking for a pocket-friendly option.

Key Features:

• 1/10 HP flow rate
• Digital LED control
• Anti-freezing system

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	14 x 10 x 14 inches
Weight	35 pounds
Construction Material	Titanium
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	50 gallons
Brand	Hamilton Technology

12. Best Low Maintenance: WUPYI Adjustable Aquarium Chiller Cooling

Another aquarium chiller that is simple to use and maintain is the WUPYI adjustable fan for fish tanks. It comes equipped with six fans that allow for easy adjustment to the heat levels in the system. The hanging model design provides you with installation options to suit your setup.

The extended coil reduced the chances of short-circuiting the device, which also helps to guarantee safety. It can work in a fresh and saltwater tank and can be used in containers that hold up to 50 gallons. Due to the numerous numbers of fans attached, you may have to make repairs occasionally.

Key Features:

• Six fan model
• Extended coil
• Hanging mode design

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	23.23 x 5 x 2.56 inches
Weight	2.8 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic
Flow Rate	N/A
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	50 gallons
Brand	WUPYI

13. Best for High Light: IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller

You could equally find the IceProbe Thermoelectric cooler to be safe for use in an aquarium. It utilizes an inbuilt technology to convert electricity into cooling power. It does not have on or off switch. It gets powered as soon as it is connected to a power source.

You will need a separate temperature controller to be able to set pre-adjusted ranges. It can be used in a 20 to 50-gallon tank, and you will need multiple units for a more significant cooling output. You get a one-year warranty with your purchase, which you want to consider if you are looking for a guarantee.

Key Features:

• Thermoelectric technology
• One-year warranty
• Separate temperature controller

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	9 x 0.5 x 8 inches
Weight	3.2 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic and Metal
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	1 year
Capacity	50 gallons
Brand	IceProbe

14. Best Choice with Pump: LONDAFISH Aquarium Chiller

The two-speed wind control on the LONDAFISH chiller makes it a good pick for low water level tanks. It comes equipped with adjustable jaws that make it easy to set up the device in seconds. With a safe output of 12V, you should not worry about losing your fishes to fluctuating temperatures.

The compact design makes it for 20 to 30-gallon tanks, where it can be quite tricky to install a cooler to lower the temperature. It is simple to operate and does not require much maintenance like those that make use of refrigerants.

Key Features:

• Adjustable jaws
• 12V output
• Two-speed wind control

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	7.9 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches
Weight	1.1 pounds
Construction Material	Plastic and Metal
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	9 months
Capacity	30 gallons
Brand	LONDAFISH

15. Best for Any Water: EcoPlus Aquarium Chiller

The EcoPlus chiller is one of the most versatile options you will find on this list. It is equipped with a microcomputer that allows for the smooth operation of the device. With a flow rate of 1/10 HP, you could quickly chill a 30-gallon tank in under an hour.

The titanium heat exchanger encourages optimum performance while preventing the device from corrosion. Overall, you get a device that you can easily care for and equally safe for all manner of plants and fishes.

Key Features:

• 1/10 HP flow rate
• Microcomputer sensor
• Titanium heat exchanger

Product Specifications:

Dimensions	17.1 x 15.5 x 18.3 inches
Weight	30.6 pounds
Construction Material	Titanium
Flow Rate	1/10
Warranty	N/A
Capacity	30 gallons
Brand	EcoPlus

Essential Things To Consider When Purchasing A Aquarium Chiller

With the number of different brands of chillers out there, it can be a hard task finding one that will work well in your tank. If you are shopping for aquarium accessories for the first time, you may be better off checking the review section above to help save time.

However, if you are up for the task and want to know what to look out for in a quality fish tank cooler, you could find some of the top features below.

Tank Size

The size of your tank is essential when shopping for a suitable cooler for your aquatic pets. Most products are designed with power capacity designed to work depending on the ability of the tank. You want to ensure that the chiller can cool all that gallon of water in your container.

Most chillers designed like a portable fan are best for small to medium-sized aquariums. Those that make use of a refrigeration system are a good alternative for 50-gallon capacity tanks and over.

Plastic Or Live Plant Tank

You want to note the type of plants in your tank when looking for a cooler for your aquarium. Live plants do better with more oxygen in the system. For this reason, you want to ensure that the filter, chiller, and pressure regulators all work together to make the tank conducive for both plants and fishes.

You may not have to worry much about your plastic plants. Still, you want to get a cooler that doesn’t burn out the green life.

Nature Of Setup

You want your chiller to conform to your tank setup. If you have a Nano tank configuration, you will need an easily adjustable system. The type of water in the tank will also determine what device you should choose. Saltwater could be corrosive to low-quality metal materials. So you want to go for brands that feature a Titanium coating.

Durability

If you are going to spend hundreds of dollars on an aquarium chiller, consider the lifespan of the product. The surest way to guarantee durability is to go for a device with a quality material construction. Those made from titanium materials last longer than brands that feature plastic and other lightweight components. So you want to keep that in mind when in the market for quality.

Maintenance

Keeping your tank hygienic and safe for your fishes could be an everyday job. It does make things a lot easier if your extra gear does not require much maintenance. Aside from the regular cleaning of the fans and dusting of the delicate areas, you may need to replace some parts from time to time.

Price

Also, you want to set aside a budget for an aquarium chiller. Many of the best options available cost hundreds of dollars. So you want to be prepared to make such expenses. There are cheaper options that are reasonably priced, but they may not be long lasting as the more industrial brands that sell for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will find answers below to some of the useful questions you may have when in the market for the best aquarium chiller.

How Does an Aquarium Chiller Work?

They function just like air conditioners to lower high water temperatures. The best options come with a thermostat that makes it easy to monitor and regulate the water temperature. You will need a pump to be able to set up your cooler to function correctly.

Why is High Water Temperature Bad?

Temperature changes in the water can be adverse for both fishes and plants. Warm water lowers the oxygen levels, while icy water could cause a problem of algae growth. Also, when the aquarium is extremely hot, it could cause animals and plants to burn out. This is why you need a filter and chiller to help with temperature regulation.

How do I Decide which Chiller is Best for Me?

The important things to consider are the size of your tank, nature of water and animals, and the temperature of your environment. You could check the buyer’s guide section to help you with finding the best option for you.

When do I Use an Aquarium Chiller?

You will need one if you have cold water fishes that prefer low-temperature water. Some examples include Koi, Minnow, Barb, Goldfish, and other members of the carp family. It could also come in handy for turtle tanks to assist with maintaining homeostasis.

How can I Install an Aquarium Chiller?

The compact design of most of the fish tank aquariums are easy to set up without any technical skills. Some of them come with clamps that allow for easy adjustments to suit your preference.

Final Note

A cooler in your fish tank could help with lowering the temperature of the water. If you have a cold water fish in your setup, it is worth spending on one. Finding the best aquarium chiller is not easy, given the number of options screaming for your attention. When it comes to finding the best choice for your pet, you want to be careful with your selection.

The JBJ Arctica Aquarium Chiller is my best choice if you want a versatile product that is durable and easy to use. It makes use of an eco-friendly refrigerant and is highly resistant to corrosion. You could also consider other options on the list to find one that works for you.