Stationed in small Army base in Germany. Been plunging since October >4 times a week. The weather kept things to a reliable sub 10c to freezing. It's not working out anymore with the season change.

So I need a water chiller.

I was looking at some Alibaba stuff such as: https://x.alibaba.com/Avjt8q?ck=pdp

Or I could do an eBay thing like https://www.ebay.com/itm/190672090458?trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D260571%26meid%3D19928d249ac14b2fa19d882df8c739ab%26pid%3D101613%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26itm%3D190672090458%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2MobileWithMLR&trksid=p4375194.c101613.m146925&_trkparms=parentrq%3Ab3144ee218d0a24247d43e74fffff726|pageci%3A5cdaa2a0-ccf5-11ee-bebb-ca5888bd17ff|iid%3A1|vlpname%3Avlp_homepage

Or maybe this on Amazon.de:

https://www.amazon.de/Aquarium-Machine-Immersion-Breeding-Jellyfish/dp/B0CJFGDQPY/ref=mp_s_a_1_31?crid=2KMNLWI5EE80O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zNxmJ722xEYyV4PxstVP6A1YWO3RdhPERjXW4xkn_WXsGSoVb9jHVE2IUFWrf44yZaGOxrC9cSXdJkE317ew7IuH8hNLY8WqtFd8uH1TjhQSj34gK4yRPyyHLbCIMTuPWE4Bw2DHaKq31j6NG4mEvz6hg7efyDgU_-IXCFOC_KeQbERazwePc9usn94tP2BnnBGKpwpbDGES-XcxZxd3VA.OU9aZwQxPT3SRYpzJmb2hv0qBBnh16sOJ6-8pxfRB_I&dib_tag=se&keywords=cold%2Bplunge%2Bwater%2Bchiller&qid=1708107113&sprefix=cold%2Bplunge%2B%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-31&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.335e368b-29e8-4542-bb58-939a88195e78&th=1&psc=1

Either way the options are limited out here and I am feeling sketchy about all options that I have available. Does anyone have any Alibaba experience? Is it worth it? Will I pay in the long run trying to save money on a cheaper product?

I have the option of shipping to a German address or using a military APO box.

Thanks for any advice. The cold soaking has been an excellent addition to my physical and mental health. Any help to keep it going is appreciated.

UPDATE:

I pulled the trigger on this model:

https://reefdeck.com/theiling-polar-kuehler?number=SW10176.3

it seems a bit chunky-er than I need, but I really enjoy a 3 to 5 min soak as close to about 3c or lower. Also the power bad on other 1/4hhp models were only a 2/300 € cheaper and I didn't want to risk lower performance on warmer days.

I plan on insulating with foam boards that I can remove for cleaning.

Now my last question, do I need another filter on top of the sponge mesh that is already on my current pump (link below to my model)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0855JHGRM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

I am leaning more towards yes as it's a pricey investment and I want to keep it protected. It's bad enough that I plan on protecting the cool with a simple insulating board shelter cubby as it will remain outside with the dunk tank.

Also, would it be better to swap the outlets with PVC piping for better fitment of a filter, or just pipe clamp the ever living daylights of what ever version I can find.

I'll perhaps have a grizzly one day, but this is all I got now. And also I really appreciate all the support here. It's more active than reddit for the most part.

    Medicroger That is tough that you are so limited. First though, you need to figure out how much BTU you need which is going to depend on your tub and your tub environment. Are you sure you can't find something locally? If you haven't already call garden supply stores and aquarium supply stores to see if they are selling chillers.

        wintermute

        I found a few aquarium chillers, like the DC and aqua med brands. On average the weather is getting to lows of about 10 with highs in the 15's. Not sure how to calculate BTU based on that. My tub is a very thin, rigged rain water storage tank. It's about 300 LT and the temperature has been about 12c. I really want to get that lower.

        Any direction is appreciated 👍.

          Medicroger
          750 watts is equal to about 2,560 BTUs per hour . If you look at the chiller comparison table here: https://forum.opensourcecoldplunge.com/d/15-water-chiller-comparison-table you will see that it's almost up to the AA 1/4HP model which is 3010 BTUs/hr. If your tub was insulated, this would work great. Luckily, your climate is quite cool so I think this will still work out well for you. If you can, insulate your tub and build an insulated lid for it.

              9 days later

              I am also debating on the best method of insulating my current tub.

              This is the tub:

              https://www.amazon.de/Square-Barrel-Various-Filling-Quantities/dp/B003F0YJY0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=OXYTT1SN2A3L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5DioDsWvBu-h_UrwMKUlPBS-tHdJ4PCHy4No-TRCYBGX-GvBgf_3pWhkgjBdyloylmSmn-KrYhLV0UeMKYE9KFYeqDn2Y6fJ7PiZEK9NPCMTSxlFOArFaWbHrNz4txqrRFtbfBcAO22uQfsr4Rg67QrGNN2LNdonv9khHmKheRYBj5ljLlY8gPQ5G7odMsb_M2ACvzRIDSm-HT33r458IQ._wfnslPTDc8oSfdWC7Ue2OEreFzs3tvuOmOnsDx-Rf8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Regentonne+520+Liter+eckig&qid=1709551302&sprefix=regentonne+520+liter+eckig%2Caps%2C615&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.335e368b-29e8-4542-bb58-939a88195e78

              I was thinking I would either use a spray glue to adhere a insulating material to it or use some kind of stiff board that I could adhere insulation to and essentially box it in.

              I would prefer to us a spray adhesive, but I am worried about mold developing over time.

              Any thoughts or advice are appreciated. Thanks for the help 👍.

                Medicroger You're right to be concerned about mold. If there are gaps for condensation or any water can get in there you have the potential for mold growth. One option would be to build a shell around it and use a liquid expanding foam or perhaps a spray foam that you spray directly on the tank.

                  22 days later

                  Just a quick update, the theiling polar cooler 2500 keeps my budget solution at a reliable 3 c at all times. It does have a small condensation issue on the inside, but I figure a something like a nylon sock around it with the the end stretched to the drain hole to ensure the water flows out efficiently will take care of that.

                  I am using silicone tubing for plumbing and I am not liking the vibe as the cold water makes it as stuff as PVC. Debating on making that switch. I am also using a small debris filter for a pressure washer thats working, but I am utterly shocked at the amount of stuff it captered in like 3 days.

                    Medicroger 5630 BTU/h capacity on that chiller so it's very powerful! Condensation is always a problem, you might be able to insulate it like you mentioned. Post some pictures of your setup so we can see it!

                    Is the debris filter your only filter or do you have a sediment filter as well? Your pump can handle small debris.

                    Are you doing any sanitation?

                    I saw your question about the outlets, I would be able to answer better with pictures. You can actually add pictures straight to this forum if you want.

                        4 days later

                        wintermute

                        Using a hot tub ozonation machine and UV aquarium filter for sanitation ATM. I have a sediment filter, but I have no confidence in it. I plan on building a sealed insulated box for the tub when I have some time in about 8 days or so. It's been going strong about 14 days now with an average temp of about 3c. The frost on the condenser melts fast and drains clean from the chiller.

                        The water smells good and is usually not cloudy. The ozonation clears up any cloudy water fast.

                        Still debating on parts for the box build, like a better filter system and new pump. I would rather keep both in the tub as to help with keeping things cold. The only filtration I have now come from that cheap sediment filter and that black aquarium sponge mesh. As of now I am having a hard time committing to a bulck head fitting that will be long enough to run from the tub to the outter wall with some of the fittings I have in mind that I can get in Germany that I can use for plumbing.

                        Parts are just a bit different in Germany. If y'all have suggestions, please send them via amazon.de as thats pretty reliable here.

                        Thanks for the input in advance!

                            16 days later

                            wintermute Very nice! I'm curious to see what you end up doing for the tub. Perhaps you could make your own longer bulkhead? If you can source any bulkhead you could cut it in half and extend it.

                                11 days later

                                wintermute

                                Ok so I found a bulk head and made a basic wood frame and stuffed it to the brim with foam boards. Found a brass bulk head and fittings to connect it all and it's been very stable.

                                Still waiting on a stronger pump to get to the manufacturer recommend flow rate of at least 1500 LPH, I am barely at like 700 ATM and I am sure that's affecting cooling.

                                My only complaint so far is one. Tiny. Drip. Like do I have to disconnect everything again for this 1 drippy drop. 😑😑. And I know what it was, I lost the seal that came with the nipple shoes attachment, so I just cut down another rubber gasket to fit and replace it. And of course it's a leak. It's like a drop a minute so I just gotta let it go, especially as it's an outdoor setup. Still super irritating. I'll put some pics up later if your interested.

                                    Medicroger I would love to see some pictures. You definitely could use a stronger pump! About the leak, you could drain it a bit, seal it with silicone, and let it cure for 1-2 days if it bothers you enough. As long as it's not leaking inside the tub shell with the insulation you'll be fine like you said 🙂

                                        My feet are kinda gross. Otherwise getting frustrated with pump performance. I bought two, an Oase and Aqqa, both advertised as 2.5kLPH pumps, I am not even touching 1k. I even tried it with out the filtration system attached.

                                        I left the Oase attached as it has that German reliability behind it.

                                        I only lost about 1LPM with out any filtration, so it's probably just the resistance of my plumbing network at play.

                                        I did use hemp and Neo fermit paste on some of the seals and can see some residue from the sealing paste in the water as it gets submerged when I hop in. I am a tiny bit concerned about it, but it's non toxic, so there's that.

                                        And I did take off the hose adapter and just dumped a bunch of silicone sealing glue and set it. Fixed the drip no problem. There is a good bit of water when I come in and out, but I would say its perfect enough. Other than the pump flow rate.

                                        The flow rate is a slight concern as the chiller is rated for about 1.5k LPH minimum, but it does awesome with the slower flow rate.

                                        I hope to find a pump that would better compliment the chill as it is by far the most expensive investment in this setup.

                                        Either way. This took about 10+/- days. I would have GLADLY paid for a grizzly set up. I am just restricted on my Army base here in Germany for what I can actually acquire.

                                        Looks great. I think you did a great job with what you had available. Even though the flow rate isn't as high as you wanted it appears to be still working fine so that's a win!