❄️ Cool Down Your Aquarium with a DIY Chiller: Step-by-Step Tutorial 🧊

This video is about how to make a DIY aquarium chiller or a DIY Peltier water cooler for aquarium to lower the water temperature in summer. Using this chiller, I was able to reduce the water temperature of my 12 gallon fish tank from 28°C to 25°C in about 2 hours.
If you have a bigger tank, you will need to increase the number of Peltier modules as well as other materials such as cooling fans and small heatsinks etc. You will also need to increase the size of the large heatsink and water cooling block.
This model is suitable for fish tanks up to 20 gallons (with 2 Peltiers max).
N.B.
👉 If you find that the heat-sink is getting too hot and thus the water is not cooling enough, use a larger heat-sink for more heat dissipation and better cooling.
👉 It is for freshwater aquarium use only. Do not use it in saltwater or marine fish tanks, as salt water will damage the aluminum cooling block.
👉 Do not run the pump dry, make sure there is water inside the pump.
Useful Links :
Thermoelectric Peltier Cooler DIY Kit - amzn.to/4a2JiXZ
W1209 Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat - amzn.to/43Ohchd
40mm Aluminum Water Cooling Block - amzn.to/4bBRbov
12V DC Brushless Water Pump - amzn.to/41CLGRh
12V 10A Power Supply - amzn.to/41YsFZV
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Brand Disclaimer :
MadeByKM does not necessarily recommend or endorse any specific company or brand name product that may be discussed or featured in the video. Brand name products are used because they are readily available, likely to be known to the viewers, and their use may aid in the understanding of the video. MadeByKM acknowledges that other brand names or generic products may be substituted and may work similarly or better than what featured in the video.

[@Abdullah_Abbu]

It’s working perfectly I have 60litr tank this is suitable for that tank

[@madebykm]

Great 👍

[@vincentalexzg6952]

@@madebykm Vendes, me interesa uno para un estanque de ajolotes

[@b00482]

thank you for describing the automatic cooling shutdown concept, that was the most important part of cooling

[@mbpro08]

Im actualy really impressed by how well built this is.

[@LucasSilva-gg5qp]

Excelente! Acha que seria uma boa ideia acrescentar um termofusível de 125°C no lado quente em série com a placa peltier?

[@nabyendumahanty1646]

You are making the hobby affordable to everybody.. Thanks for this kind of great ideas...

[@madebykm]

My pleasure 😊

[@syedaltamish2338]

You are amazing! Never thought you would go this far to make a chiller! Thanks Buddy keep uploading I wait for your videos always! :)

[@madebykm]

Thanks, will do!

[@syedaltamish2338]

bro i cannot find 200mmx100mm alumunium heat sink anywhere. should i use 2 100mm alumunium heat sinks? but how should i attach them together???? i have some white silicon thermal compound which is used for LEDs.

[@madebykm]

Yes you can use 2 100mm heat sinks and attach them using nuts & bolts and two small pieces of 4mm acrylic sheet from the sides. You can also use a 12 inch x 100mm (minimum) heat sink. The cooling procedure will work better if you use a larger heat sink. You can also search the markets where electronic products and LED lights are sold.

[@kmusa9498]

@@madebykm what’s the cost of this build?

[@hatyaiweddingmovies]

Thank you for exellent sharing

[@hasanciftci9517]

tebrik ederim seni kardeşim tek kelime mükemmel

[@brahmos2152]

Superb video brother. have been thinking of the cooling solution for summers and just got the right procedure.

[@MrDbpeter]

Great work. Your are diy king for aqurium.

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@anichhatre]

Hi, exactly what i was looking for this summer, music was good but your comentry would have been more helpful. I will try to make 1 and will trouble you if needed. Thank you. Keep doing gr8 work

[@madebykm]

👍

[@shreyasdongare6152]

Your ideas are beyond imagination

[@madebykm]

Thank you

[@Motorola14-dl7bg]

Upgrade: you can use 2 Peltier pads, one on top of the other, one with 12v and the other with 6v, the 12v pad will cool the hot side of the 6v pads and thus increase the cooling capacity

[@malhaar5880]

Someone didn't read thermodynamics properly

[@hot4ff802]

@@malhaar5880actually it's applicable and it's called cascading, it won't be efficient as a single module but it helps in cooling down more watts of energy. Help me if I'm wrong

[@shoumikahmed6373]

​@@malhaar5880Someone thinks he is smart but he is not.

[@toxomanrod]

@@hot4ff802 you are correct sir!

[@burhanshah6134]

Amazing , never seen before👌

[@madebykm]

😊 Thanks

[@shreyasdongare6152]

This is something next level thing

[@madebykm]

Thanks 😊

[@rohitbatham1903]

Brother this one is unexpected you are amazing 👍

[@madebykm]

Thanks ✌️

[@bhartiwormfarm]

You are doing great brother 🙏🏻 keep up the good work ❤

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@gamepuraan44]

Greattttttt Job....! I have a suggestion :) Please voice over in your videos, as you can give detailed information about everything

[@LaagangAngler]

This man deserve more subscribers...thank brother for sharing your talent...❤

[@qaisra-hsfashion2084]

you have made the life easy....please let me know if this also warm the water....I mean this is chiller and warmer both

[@madebykm]

It only cools the aquarium water. Thank you.

[@zpmgbgrls]

Thought of connecting this to the outflow hose of your filter so that the filtered and cleaner water will pass through the chiller instead.

[@CaileighJessTanner]

Very useful video, congratulations! Can I ask why are you using a 120W power supply? What calculations did you do to know it was good for the project?

[@brahmos2152]

Super Idea. Brother when u make it for a 20 gallon tank u have mentioned to use a 12 V 20 Amp SMPS. So when we put both the peltier modules together it should be connected to 20 Amp output or when both the peltier module and both the cpu fans to be wired in parallel together and then hooked on to tge 20 Amp output ?

[@madebykm]

Yes, first connect all positive wires (usually red) of the Peltier modules and fans and connect to the positive terminal (+) of the SMPS, and negative wires (usually black) to the negative terminal (-). Thank you.

[@SRMAquanature]

Wow super I'm so many times to try this method...but failure only happened....I try this method thank you

[@madebykm]

👍

[@user-kj9wb4iq6p]

Great video very detailed on how to build. Why did you a a heat sink on top of the water tank? I am talking about the opposite side of the peptide cell of the tank.

[@madebykm]

The smaller heat sink was installed to enhance the cooling and to attach the Peltier module and water block to the bigger heat sink.

[@madebykm]

Thanks 👍

[@user-kj9wb4iq6p]

@@madebykm Why would it enhance the cooling though? That is the cold side so won't that heat sink be stealing cold?

[@adrianayIlmaz]

Hello, thank you so much for sharing this. I have a question, I have a 200 liter tank and I want the water to be between 15-17 degrees. How would I need to modify your current system to achieve this? Thank you so much 😊

[@anipriyomandal9082]

add 2/3 peltiers and for that use a long block which can accomodate 2/3 peltiers

[@shyamsuvvari]

After so many days ❤️

[@madebykm]

😊👍

[@cablenetworksystems]

Getting to see your 1 by one 😊

[@madebykm]

👍

[@sreemoysaha2536]

Dada tomar kaj sotti ashadharon . I have two queries :- 1. What is the total power / wattage of the system? 2. Can this be also used as heater by the adjusting the temperature controller?

[@madebykm]

1. 77w, 2. Yes, by adjusting the Peltier module and the temperature controller. Thanks.

[@vijayjoseph8164]

I think this is one of the best DIY ideas for planted tank. Great work, bro! Hats off to you. 👏👏👏

[@madebykm]

Thanks 😊

[@mygkgaurav]

Nice video, I have a question. When it totally restarts I have to set the temperature every time?

[@madebykm]

No, the temperature needs to be set just once. Thanks

[@VijayKumar-vu8wm]

Awesome

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@dineshj8055]

Hello Bro, thank you so much for the video. I have gone through the description and I am having a 120 litre tank. For this if I just increase and stack 2 or 3 peltiers together will that be enough ? or I need to increase the heat sink and the fans as well?. Kindly let me know. Thanks 🙏

[@madebykm]

Yes, you’ll need a much larger heatsink and more cooling fans in order to maximize the cooling of the hot side of Peltier modules. The cooler the hot side of the Peltier is kept, the better the device will be able to cool the aquarium water. Additionally, you’ll need a thermostat capable of handling the Load of your Peltiers, cooling fans, etc. Thanks.

[@dineshj8055]

@@madebykm thanks for your reply 🙏

[@nijad6257]

​@@madebykmhow much will it cost build something likethis for a 200 lt tank

[@Peplearning]

Thank you in advance. Regards.

[@madebykm]

Always welcome

[@madhumehtasayam9004]

Bahot badhiya sir.,.......I like.kya may ye purchase kar sakata hoo kya.kya price padega.batana

[@WhatsNext10]

amazing! I am doing this

[@rjmech-il2lk]

Great job brother..!! Will the same setup work for 75lit water capacity tank ? Or should I increase the size of heat sink, number of modules

[@madebykm]

Yes, you will need to increase the size of the heat sink, the number of Peltier modules, etc. Please check the description for further information. Thanks.

[@apocatreyu]

This is amazing! My only concern is if it will work if I need to reach 15 -18 Celsius on my tank when my ambient temperature can be 35 Celsius, do you think it’s possible?

[@madebykm]

To reach that temperature, you need to use 2-3 Peltier modules. Please check the description box for more information. Thanks.

[@insanity4224]

That’s awesome. Any chance it’s suitable for salt water?

[@madebykm]

Thank you. I think the pump and aluminum water block are not suitable for salt water.

[@nildobernardo6070]

Olá sou aqui do brasil e gostei muito do seu projeto e vou fazer com 3 pastilhas porem tenho uma dúvida o dissipador para 3 pastilhas tem que ter 300mm X 300mm? Pois estou com dificuldade de encontrar com esse tamanho o maior que eu encontrei foi 104mm X 300mm. Posso emendar?

[@luanhonatel2275]

Resolveu?

[@christianabante3977]

Can it cool a 15 gallon tank?... My temp always reach 30 degree celcius

[@abdul2410]

Hi can we not directly use processor cooler...?

[@Skawmaster]

Great Job! Do you know which is the lower temperature that this device could reach? I'm trying to do something similar for my cats' fountain, so they can drink fresh water in summer, but my aluminium cooler is very small in comparison. Regards!

[@vaijujose]

Useful video tnk u bro 3 feet 180 litre tank How much perlite do need?

[@madebykm]

Please check the description, I have given the details there. Thank you.

[@ajayc8520]

Hi bro. Awesome ❤ can I get one please ? Thanks 😊

[@harjeev98]

How many peltier pads needed for 120L aquarium

[@DavidVegaBR]

Hi! Cool project! Just one question here. The fan direction is right? In that way that you show in the video was exhausting hot air instead of cooling the hot side of peltier (and the heatsink) . What's better?

[@roberth3793]

You would usually exhaust it away from the peltier

[@SanthoshKumar-zl4xo]

Great work bro..👍👍👍

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@xtomtomtomx]

how many watts per hour for the use of the tool completed peltier, and fan etc?

[@NguyenNgocHoang-bt1yn]

Hi, I find your work very good and useful, I want to ask can I use the 12v 10a adapter because I tried connecting the wire to the female jack but I don't understand why only the temperature measurement circuit is displayed and the other parts then it doesn't work sorry I'm not an expert in the field, hope you reply soon. Appreciate what you are doing. Thanks

[@madebykm]

Yes, you can use a 12v 10a adapter

[@aldrinnobleza7306]

Cam you make seperate video for saltwater tank chiller? Hope you see this. Thanks in advance 😇

[@madebykm]

You can use the device in a salt water tank if you use a titanium water block and a pump that can operate in salt water. The process of making the chiller is the same.

[@SubrataDas-sj9nd]

honestly bolchi dada tomer video gulo ato details a valo re bojhano thake.... dekhle neshai pore jete icchde kore

[@madebykm]

😊👍

[@Zikomo77]

Very useful. Just one question, for 75G tank only the no. of peltier modules to be increased? Can you please tell me how many to be used for that?

[@madebykm]

Please check Description for details, thanks.

[@vietvinahousevdjpham180]

Thanks. How long does it take to cool? Tank size?

[@madebykm]

Please check description.

[@MGEMLAQUATICS]

this was awesome,,do you even try to use solar in peltier cooler?

[@madebykm]

No, I didn’t. Thank you.

[@MGEMLAQUATICS]

thank you for response sir..hope to see some works like that coz i need it to my saltwater tank😅

[@rajansettu7583]

Really good one....

[@madebykm]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@goutamdutta5108]

Excellent idea! ❤❤

[@madebykm]

Thank you! 😊

[@abhishekchalkar8228]

Hi KM, Thanks for your video. I have made same stuff ordering same spares given in discription. However 12V DC pump is unable to pull off water rest all mechanism working fine. Can u guide/ help me on water pump part. Thanks

[@madebykm]

Of course, check the description box for the solution. Thank you.

[@abhishekchalkar8228]

Thanks KM, I have followed the steps and working perfectly ❤

[@madebykm]

That’s great 👍

[@brahmos2152]

will the aluminium cooling block have any effect on the fishes and can the outlet of the cooler module created here be modified to fit inside the filter to help in much more effective cooling ?

[@madebykm]

1. I have not yet noticed any negative impacts on my fish. 2. It’s working well in this setup, but you can always modify it as per your choice.

[@HRexotics299]

Hello brother , great job , can you make one for me , i am not an electronic person , wont be able to make it .. i can help you with spares to build please brother 🙏

[@palashpawar3057]

Legend video ❤

[@madebykm]

Thanks 😊

[@pradipsom]

I've 400 lt. fish only Marine aquarium. Please suggest for suitable cooling mechanism

[@user-fq8kt7bv2t]

Аквариумный холодильник

[@amitkanojia674]

Sir can we make canister filter and chiller together...inlet from aquarium will go to canister filter and outlet from canister filter to chiller inlet and then outlet from chiller to back in aquarium again,will I have to use 2 diffrent submersible pump with the same volt 800/L? And can we cut and extend the temperature sensor wire because I am planning to hide diy canister filter and chiller under the tank cabin

[@randomweirdo3899]

i have question, at home i have peltier 12704 which can run in 4a and 12v 5a adaptor, if i want the same build like you it is possible ?

[@tortornado8147]

ใช้กับตู้ 24“ ได้ไหม

[@stewbeats3171]

Would it be possible to hook this up to a immersion coil cooler, I'm planning on using this for brewing beer,

[@muruganpassion9943]

Innovative

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@rohitsaf979]

Great! Why it can't be used for marine setups ?

[@jegathusingh]

You can but there’s a chance that the pipes may clog with salt deposits

[@sid24686]

Good job 👌👌

[@madebykm]

Thanks 😊

[@nikkopat]

do you have for larger tank for 200Liters?

[@leducphu2310]

Can you explain why this chiller cannot be used for saltwater?

[@ridholuthfiarisandi8774]

amazing, do you sell it?

[@aquaguidebd104]

Great 😃

[@madebykm]

Thanks

[@revverendr6521]

Can we use a copper cooling block with the same heat sink ? I assume the time to cool will be faster . Also, what’s the total current draw of the unit ? Can this be plugged safely into a standard 6A socket ? Or need a 15A socket ?

[@revverendr6521]

Never mind got the answer. Max current draw will be around 10A for this setup, so 15A socket it is. As for the copper cooling block, while it is more efficient, copper is harmful for fish and shrimp

[@RevealYourEditz23]

I Think it costs approx ₹3k which is very affordable as compare to Redimate chillers👍💯👌 And KM sir you are really great❤

[@madebykm]

It cost me around 2500 rupees to make it. Thanks 🙏

[@Mr.Sopran]

Digital Thermostat you used has 20A power out like most thermostats. Peltier you used needs 6A. by that logic I can't use the thermostat, with more than 3 peltier connected to, right? Not an engineer so no idea, honestly figuring it out as I go. Thanks!

[@Mr.Sopran]

Also, I need to cool a 500L aquarium, to about 5-8 C degrees. By your instructions, I need about 12 Peltiers which is a lot. any suggestion?

[@madebykm]

Yes you are right, for larger tanks, where multiple Peltier modules are required, an AC thermostat should be used. I'll make another video on this, where I'll show the connections and all. thank you.

[@tonyy8825]

Can you tell us where you get all your componets for the DIY Peltier Water Cooler or the brand and name of component you are using?

[@madebykm]

From Chandni Market, Kolkata. These are also available online, please check Description.

[@amitavaduttabanik]

Amazing. What was the total cost approximately? And Where did you get the parts except Amazon?

[@madebykm]

2500 approx., Chandni Market, Thanks

[@amitavaduttabanik]

@@madebykm Thanks Can you please tell me,in which side of Chandni Market this things I will get?

[@madebykm]

Near Chandni Metro, Gate No. 1, opp. LIC building

[@amitavaduttabanik]

@@madebykm 👍

[@sagarmhatre2139]

Hi, I have used 2 peltier modules and 2 12v high rpm fans for better cooling and one water pump but the thermostat temperature keeps fluctuating for the set temperature and the device keeps turning on and off, is the problem with thermostat or something else??

[@AfterLife_Ventures]

@@sagarmhatre2139 yes yes Buy good brand one not the generic one. The generic thermostat keeps on fluctuating all the time.

[@d_setiyanto21]

and does it automatically turn off when the temperature is 25* Celsius

[@krismaganti1268]

Thank you so much for the demonstration, one question, are there bigger components of this for like a 75 Gallon tank?

[@mnlitan65]

How many peltier need to make 24° of 70 litter tank?

[@Peplearning]

Hi, thank you for the tutorial but it’s not working for me, I’ve got a 12 cm block with 2 pettier cells 12V 6A serial conected, mini pump with a tap on the outlet to reduce even more the volum and the water doesn’t flow cooler than the tank, big heat sink with big fan on the hot side and nothing. Tested with my fingers and the cold side works fine but the water doesn’t goes out colder. Any idea why is not working? All connections as your video…

[@madebykm]

The heat sink you’re using is not big enough for 2 Peltier modules. You need to use a bigger heat sink and 2 cooling fans. Check description for more info. Thanks.

[@Hunter47974]

Is the size of the pipe 8mm ?

[@xr1140]

What's the power consumption? Oh and tkx for the video. :D

[@madebykm]

The total wattage of the device is 77w, thanks.

[@shreyashnikam6043]

Can u make diy UV sterilizer??

[@madebykm]

Will look into it

[@user-ok6hq6gj3s]

is this circuit a series circuit or a parallel circuit?

[@pappupatel4316]

Good job 👍

[@madebykm]

Thanks 👍

[@ilhamkusumaaji3536]

Hi sir, can I used power supply 12 here ?

[@nailzeqaj7837]

Hey mate, i have x2 peltier modules (288watts each) that i want to interlink, that is one module feed the second giving a total of 576 watts plus pump and 2 fans. What thermostat controller do i need?

[@madebykm]

You need to use a thermostat like this - amzn.to/454tL7h

[@pritambasak1415]

Dada ami ei rokom akta chiller banate chai 50 litter er tank er jonno Amar monthly ki rokom current bill aste pare

[@clarkbenedictlazo6334]

Is the thermoelectric cooler automated and dependent on the temperature sensor? If not, how do you make sure that the water temp doesn't drop too much?

[@thanhthuannguyen6794]

You wire it to a temperature control switch.

[@jangabriel8742]

what is the lowest temperature this can reach?

[@maryjanegonzales6392]

Is it possible to record the temperature changes over time?

[@madebykm]

No

[@chesteralangeneralao609]

can this work for a 50 gallon tank?

[@semangkamerahputih]

How many watts does this device use?

[@abyankabir1910]

Hi, I saw your video on the diy soil. I was wondering if I can cap it with aqua soil instead of sand or gravel (I have used aquasoil at home). I will make a jungle theme planted tank with only jungle val and dwarf sag. So will I add some root tabs under the soil as well? Also should I add a layer of fine mesh between the soil and aqua soil layer? Finally, how should I fertilise these plants? Since they are root feeders, I’ll need root tabs and the problem is that I will be making a carpet of dwarf sage and jungle val, so how should I add the root tabs? Will low light be enough? And should I use co2? I have some diy co2 available, will using that hurt?

[@madebykm]

Yes, you can cap it with aqua-soil. There is no need to place a mesh between the two layers. Also, no need to add root tabs now, after a month or two you can add them using a tweezer. There will be no problem. They are easy-to-grow plants and can be grown in low light and without CO2 injection.

[@joyrichard8581]

Can i add another 6 a cooling module(1+1) to 12 v 10a supply will it able to handle that? If that which power supply would be sufficient?

[@madebykm]

Check description for details

[@joyrichard8581]

Got it thanks

[@Scoprion_Vendetta]

Hi Bro! Does the concept works for 300ltrs planted aquascape?

[@madebykm]

Please check description

[@dadz6364]

How many liters is your tank