TECO TK500 H/C Aquarium Chiller Heater
The TECO TK500 H/C is a best-in-class hybrid unit that combines precise electronic heating control with an integrated refrigeration circuit, making it the top pick for aquarists who need both reliable heating and cooling in a single footprint. Its PID temperature management, high-quality components and one-unit installation lower operational and installation costs compared with buying separate heater and chiller gear; compared with titanium-only chillers (JBJ) it adds heater functionality, and versus budget chillers it delivers more aquarium-specific control and redundancy.
Heats & chills
PID-perfect temps
Heats & chills
PID-perfect temps
Review Summary
"Users praise the TECO TK500 H/C for rock‑solid temperature stability, quiet operation and professional build quality, making it popular in advanced reef and aquaculture setups. The main complaints are its high price and weight but long‑term reliability is frequently noted."
Chameleon switching
Combined cooling and heating capability for one-unit temperature control
Chameleon switching
Combined cooling and heating capability for one-unit temperature control
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The TECO TK500 H/C is a best-in-class hybrid unit that combines precise electronic heating control with an integrated refrigeration circuit, making it the top pick for aquarists who need both reliable heating and cooling in a single footprint. Its PID temperature management, high-quality components and one-unit installation lower operational and installation costs compared with buying separate heater and chiller gear; compared with titanium-only chillers (JBJ) it adds heater functionality, and versus budget chillers it delivers more aquarium-specific control and redundancy.
Heats & chills
PID-perfect temps
Chameleon switching
Combined cooling and heating capability for one-unit temperature control
Digital controller with setpoint accuracy, alarms, and safety cutouts
Heats & chills
PID-perfect temps
Chameleon switching
Combined cooling and heating capability for one-unit temperature control
Digital controller with setpoint accuracy, alarms, and safety cutouts
$1,800-2,500 CAD
JBJ Arctica Titanium Chiller DBM-250
The JBJ Arctica Titanium DBM-250 is a market leader for marine and reef systems because its titanium heat exchanger resists corrosion and extends service life in harsh saltwater environments. Though it is chiller-only and lacks TECO's integrated heater, its robust material choice and conservative pricing create a lower long-term maintenance cost per gallon, making it the preferred technical and financial option for saltwater setups where durability outweighs hybrid convenience.
Titanium core
Saltwater tough
Titanium core
Saltwater tough
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the JBJ Arctica Titanium DBM-250 for its corrosion‑resistant titanium heat exchanger and good cooling performance for marine tanks, calling it a strong value for saltwater use. Some report fan noise and occasional service issues, but overall satisfaction is high."
Whisper quiet
Titanium heat exchanger ideal for saltwater use and superior corrosion resistance
Whisper quiet
Titanium heat exchanger ideal for saltwater use and superior corrosion resistance
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The JBJ Arctica Titanium DBM-250 is a market leader for marine and reef systems because its titanium heat exchanger resists corrosion and extends service life in harsh saltwater environments. Though it is chiller-only and lacks TECO's integrated heater, its robust material choice and conservative pricing create a lower long-term maintenance cost per gallon, making it the preferred technical and financial option for saltwater setups where durability outweighs hybrid convenience.
Titanium core
Saltwater tough
Whisper quiet
Titanium heat exchanger ideal for saltwater use and superior corrosion resistance
Compact footprint suited to small and medium aquariums
Titanium core
Saltwater tough
Whisper quiet
Titanium heat exchanger ideal for saltwater use and superior corrosion resistance
Compact footprint suited to small and medium aquariums
$1,300-1,900 CAD
Aqua Euro USA Max Chill-1/13HP
The Aqua Euro USA Max Chill 1/13HP is a compact, energy-efficient chiller tailored for small to medium aquaria, offering strong cooling performance in a small footprint at a competitive upfront price. It provides a cost-effective alternative to larger hybrid units when only cooling is required, undercutting many combo systems on purchase price and power draw, though it doesn't offer TECO's combined heating/chilling convenience or JBJ's corrosion-resistant titanium construction.
Compact footprint
Mini iceberg
Compact footprint
Mini iceberg
Review Summary
"The Aqua Euro USA Max Chill‑1/13HP is often recommended for hobbyists seeking a compact, efficient chiller with quiet operation and decent build quality at a midrange price. A minority of users note occasional temp fluctuations under heavy load and mixed customer support experiences."
Low running costs
Small 1/13 HP compressor targeted at nano and small reef tanks
Low running costs
Small 1/13 HP compressor targeted at nano and small reef tanks
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Aqua Euro USA Max Chill 1/13HP is a compact, energy-efficient chiller tailored for small to medium aquaria, offering strong cooling performance in a small footprint at a competitive upfront price. It provides a cost-effective alternative to larger hybrid units when only cooling is required, undercutting many combo systems on purchase price and power draw, though it doesn't offer TECO's combined heating/chilling convenience or JBJ's corrosion-resistant titanium construction.
Compact footprint
Mini iceberg
Low running costs
Small 1/13 HP compressor targeted at nano and small reef tanks
Affordable, energy-conscious design with basic thermostat control
Compact footprint
Mini iceberg
Low running costs
Small 1/13 HP compressor targeted at nano and small reef tanks
Affordable, energy-conscious design with basic thermostat control
$850-1,200 CAD
Active Aqua AACH25HP Hydroponic Water Chiller
The Active Aqua AACH25HP is a budget-friendly hydroponic water chiller that delivers dependable cooling capacity for hobbyist aquaria and grow systems at a lower initial cost. Its strong value proposition makes it attractive for cost-conscious users who need straightforward cooling plumbing, but compared with aquarium-focused units like TECO or Current USA it lacks dedicated aquarium controls and the premium corrosion-resistant materials found in titanium chillers.
Hydroponics-ready
High-flow capacity
Hydroponics-ready
High-flow capacity
Review Summary
"Active Aqua AACH25HP is regarded as a budget‑friendly hydroponic water chiller that delivers acceptable cooling for small setups and greenhouses, with straightforward installation. Long‑term durability and noise are the most common concerns compared with pricier aquarium‑grade units."
Plant whisperer
Designed for hydroponic and small aquarium applications with compact power
Plant whisperer
Designed for hydroponic and small aquarium applications with compact power
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Active Aqua AACH25HP is a budget-friendly hydroponic water chiller that delivers dependable cooling capacity for hobbyist aquaria and grow systems at a lower initial cost. Its strong value proposition makes it attractive for cost-conscious users who need straightforward cooling plumbing, but compared with aquarium-focused units like TECO or Current USA it lacks dedicated aquarium controls and the premium corrosion-resistant materials found in titanium chillers.
Hydroponics-ready
High-flow capacity
Plant whisperer
Designed for hydroponic and small aquarium applications with compact power
Simple temperature controller and straightforward plumbing connections
Hydroponics-ready
High-flow capacity
Plant whisperer
Designed for hydroponic and small aquarium applications with compact power
Simple temperature controller and straightforward plumbing connections
Current USA SeaChill TR-10
The Current USA SeaChill TR-10 is positioned as a modern, aquarium-focused chiller emphasizing quiet operation and user-friendly digital controls tailored to hobbyists. It competes well on acoustic performance and interface versus more industrial or hydroponic chillers, offering a middle ground between premium hybrid systems (TECO) and budget chillers (Active Aqua, Aqua Euro) for those who want aquarium-centric features without the highest price premium.
Digital thermostat
Ultra-quiet
Digital thermostat
Ultra-quiet
Review Summary
"The Current USA SeaChill TR-10 is praised for its compact footprint and quiet operation for very small tanks, but many users find it underpowered for larger systems and report uneven cooling over time. Reliability and limited cooling capacity are the main drawbacks noted in extended use."
Plug-and-play charm
Precision digital thermostat and user-friendly controls for stable temps
Plug-and-play charm
Precision digital thermostat and user-friendly controls for stable temps
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Current USA SeaChill TR-10 is positioned as a modern, aquarium-focused chiller emphasizing quiet operation and user-friendly digital controls tailored to hobbyists. It competes well on acoustic performance and interface versus more industrial or hydroponic chillers, offering a middle ground between premium hybrid systems (TECO) and budget chillers (Active Aqua, Aqua Euro) for those who want aquarium-centric features without the highest price premium.
Digital thermostat
Ultra-quiet
Plug-and-play charm
Precision digital thermostat and user-friendly controls for stable temps
Engineered for low-noise operation suitable for living spaces
Digital thermostat
Ultra-quiet
Plug-and-play charm
Precision digital thermostat and user-friendly controls for stable temps
Engineered for low-noise operation suitable for living spaces
$1,200-1,800 CAD