Hailea HS Series Water Chillers
Charles Austen HS52A Water Chiller
A titanium-evaporator chiller for compatible aquarium and hydroponic cooling systems
The Charles Austen HS52A is an inline water chiller for aquariums and hydroponic reservoirs. It is particularly useful where lighting, pumps or a warm room push the water beyond the comfortable range for livestock or plant roots.
The current listing gives a 1/6 hp refrigeration rating and a 600-2,200 l/h circulation range. That flow range tells us what can pass through the exchanger; it is not a claim that the chiller can cool every aquarium up to 2,200 litres.
Charles Austen uses a pure titanium evaporator for fresh and salt water compatibility and describes the HS range as low-noise. Real cooling capacity still depends on water volume, room temperature, target temperature and the heat being added by equipment.
Size from the Heat Load
Calculate aquarium or reservoir volume, the highest room temperature, target water temperature, lighting and pump heat, and whether the tank is covered. A two-degree trim is a much easier job than holding cold-water livestock ten degrees below a hot room.
The HS52A should be checked against the current Charles Austen capacity chart at those conditions.
Circulation Through the Chiller
Keep flow within the published 600-2,200 l/h range and use a pump curve that allows for hose and exchanger resistance. Too little flow reduces heat transfer and can trigger protection; too much can exceed the unit specification.
Use accessible unions and valves. Keep the intake screened against livestock and debris without starving the pump.
Ventilation and Condensate
The chiller rejects heat into the room, so do not shut it inside an unventilated cabinet. Leave the specified air clearance, clean the air intake and arrange condensate drainage.
Monitor the water with an independent thermometer and change targets gradually.
Our advice: send us the tank volume, room maximum and target temperature. The circulation range alone cannot size a chiller.
Related Heating and Installation Categories
All water chillers · Aquarium heaters · Aquarium accessories · Water pumps · Air pumps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HS52A a pond chiller?
It is sold for suitable aquarium and hydroponic systems; outdoor pond cooling needs a separate duty assessment.
What circulation range is published?
600 to 2,200 litres per hour.
Does 2,200 l/h mean it cools 2,200 litres of water?
No. That is the water-flow range through the unit, not the cooled system volume.
What is the refrigeration rating?
The current HS52A listing states 1/6 hp.
Can it be used with salt water?
Charles Austen specifies a titanium evaporator for fresh and salt water use; maintain compatible water chemistry.
Does the chiller need its own pump?
It needs water circulation within the specified range, whether from a dedicated or correctly designed shared circuit.
Can I put it in a closed cabinet?
No. It needs unrestricted ventilation and the manufacturer clearance to reject heat.
Why is the room getting warmer?
A chiller moves heat from the water into the surrounding air and also adds its electrical heat.
Is condensate normal?
Yes, moisture can condense on cold components. Route it safely and distinguish it from a plumbing leak.
How should I set the temperature?
Use a suitable target for the livestock or crop, adjust gradually and verify with an independent thermometer.
Why does it run continuously?
The heat load may be near capacity, ventilation may be poor, the condenser may be dirty or the target may be unrealistic.
Can a very large pump improve cooling?
No. Exceeding the permitted flow can reduce control and damage performance.
Should hoses be insulated?
Insulation can reduce heat gain where appropriate, but keep connections visible and serviceable.
What maintenance is needed?
Keep the air path clean, check water flow and hoses, clear strainers and follow the refrigerant-service guidance.
Can you check whether HS52A is large enough?
Yes. Send volume, ambient maximum, target temperature, lights, pumps and other heat sources.
