Teco R290 Chiller

• R290 refrigerant – a lower-impact eco-refrigerant than the R134a used in older chiller generations.
• Titanium heat exchanger – safe for both freshwater and saltwater, and resistant to corrosion over years of use.
• Digital thermostat – 0.1°C set-point resolution across a 5–35°C range.
• WiFi-ready – pairs with the separately sold Teco Nnect module for remote monitoring and alerts.
• Three sizes on one page – sized to your tank volume rather than forcing you to buy oversized capacity.

Teco rates each model against a single published condition rather than a full curve across every ambient: water held at 25°C, room ambient at 30°C, with a heat load of roughly 0.3–0.5 watts per litre from lighting and pumps. Under that condition, each model holds its full rated volume at temperature. Teco does not publish a broader table of capacity at other ambient temperatures for this range – where the room runs hotter than 30°C for extended periods, or the tank carries a heavier lighting load than the rated 0.3–0.5 W/L, expect the achievable pulldown to fall short of the full rated volume, and size up rather than run a unit at its ceiling.

Independent bench testing (not Teco's own figures) gives a feel for real-world pulldown: a TK500-class unit has been reported holding a 540L reef tank under 27.5°C in a 30°C+ Italian summer, with the help of an external fan on the unit – useful context, but a third-party result, not a manufacturer spec.

Size up rather than down if your tank runs hot lighting, a large sump return, or sits in a room that regularly tops 30°C – the rated volumes assume the standard test condition above, not a worst-case Australian summer.

• Suitable for: fresh and saltwater aquariums, sumps and systems within the rated volume, plumbed in-line with a return or dedicated circulation pump.
• Not suitable for: running with no water flow through the unit – all three models need the stated minimum flow rate to work safely and effectively; check your pump can supply it before buying.

Mains-powered, 230-240V, 50Hz. Install with an RCD-protected circuit as with any aquarium electrical equipment. Contains R290, a flammable refrigerant gas at high concentration – the sealed refrigerant circuit is not user-serviceable, and the unit should be installed with the clearance space the manual specifies for ventilation.

Keep the air intake and exhaust clear of dust and away from walls on all sides to maintain airflow across the heat exchanger. A chiller starved of airflow works harder and cools less effectively.

Covered by the manufacturer's warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. These units are heavier bench-top items – check the specifications table for weight before choosing a delivery address without easy access.

What does "up to 500L" actually assume?

It assumes water held at 25°C in a 30°C room, with a heat load of about 0.3–0.5 watts per litre from lights and pumps. A hotter room or heavier lighting load will reduce how much volume the same unit can hold at temperature.

Can I add WiFi monitoring later?

Yes – all three models are WiFi-ready and accept the Teco Nnect module, sold separately, for remote monitoring and alerts.

Do I need a dedicated pump to run water through it?

You need enough flow to meet the minimum rate for your model – 400L/h for the TK500, 500L/h for the TK1000, or 600L/h for the TK2000 – either from your existing return pump or a small dedicated one.

Is R290 safer than older refrigerants?

R290 has a much lower environmental impact than R134a. It is flammable in concentrated form, which is why the refrigerant circuit is sealed and not user-serviceable – this doesn't change how you use the chiller day to day.

Will this fit in a stand?

Check the dimensions table against your cabinet's internal clearance and make sure there's room on all sides for airflow – these are bench-top units, not designed to run in a sealed, tight space.