Teco TK150 Chiller
Wattage
150 W
Suits tanks
Up to 150 L
Flow rate
400 L/h
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Size
215 x 361 x 315mm
Weight
11.5 kg
Voltage
230-240V, 50Hz
Teco TK150 Chiller
Keeps a smaller tank from overheating through summer. The Teco TK150 is a compact aquarium chiller rated to 150 litres, using a titanium heat exchanger and R134a refrigerant to hold your set temperature as the room warms up.
Key features
- Titanium heat exchanger – safe for freshwater and saltwater, resistant to corrosion.
- Digital thermostat – 5–35°C set-point range at 0.1°C resolution, with a 0.5°C differential.
- Compact footprint – sized for nano and small-to-mid tanks rather than full systems.
- In-line plumbing – runs off your existing return or a small dedicated pump.
Specifications
| Rated tank volume | Up to 150L |
|---|---|
| Cooling power draw | 150W |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 215 x 361 x 315mm |
| Weight | Approx. 11.5kg |
| Minimum flow rate | 400L/h |
| Water connection | 1/2in (12mm ID) |
| Supply | 230-240V, 50Hz |
| Set-point range | 5°C to 35°C, 0.1°C resolution |
Performance – cooling capacity by ambient temperature
Teco rates the TK150 against one published condition: water held at 25°C, room ambient at 30°C, with a heat load of about 0.5 watts per litre. Under that condition it holds its full 150L rating at temperature. Teco does not publish a broader curve of capacity across other ambient temperatures for this model – in a hotter room, or with a heavier lighting load than the 0.5 W/L test condition, expect less than the full rated volume to be held at temperature.
Independent bench testing (not a Teco figure) recorded a TK150 pulling a 250–270L planted tank from 29.8°C to 27.5°C in around three hours – a data point beyond its own 150L rating, and one that came with a return pump and LED lighting rather than a heavier heat load. It's useful context for what the unit can do stretched, but the manufacturer's own rating is 150L, and that's the figure to plan a purchase around.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for: fresh and saltwater aquariums up to 150L with a standard lighting and pump load.
- Not suitable for: running with no water flow through the unit – it needs at least 400L/h through it to cool safely and effectively. Not the right size for anything meaningfully over 150L with a full lighting rig; step up to the TK500 range instead.
Safety
Mains-powered, 230-240V, 50Hz. Install on an RCD-protected circuit as with any aquarium electrical equipment. The refrigerant circuit is sealed and not user-serviceable.
Care and maintenance
Keep the intake and exhaust clear of dust and away from walls to maintain airflow across the heat exchanger – restricted airflow reduces cooling and increases running time.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the manufacturer's warranty, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a bench-top appliance at standard parcel rates.
Common questions
What does the 150L rating actually assume?
Water at 25°C in a 30°C room, with a heat load of about 0.5 watts per litre from lighting and pumps. A hotter room or heavier lighting will reduce how much volume it can hold at temperature.
Can I run this on a bigger tank if I don't push it hard?
You can, but you're outside the manufacturer's rating and results will vary with your lighting, ambient temperature and flow. If your tank is meaningfully over 150L, the TK500 is the sized-for-purpose option.
Does it need a dedicated pump?
It needs at least 400L/h of flow through it – that can come from your existing return pump if it has the spare capacity, or a small dedicated pump.
Is R134a an issue to use today?
No – R134a remains a normal refrigerant for this class of chiller. The sealed circuit means you never handle it directly during normal use.
