Aquarium chillers are now widely accessible and reasonably priced for enthusiasts to acquire; they are designed to keep a constant temperature even in the warmest summers (typically 25-26°C).
Some of the higher-quality systems, such as Teco, now include a built-in heater for improved temperature control during the winter months.
Water enters a heat exchanger, which is linked to a temperature controller and travels through a series of titanium coils filled with a refrigerant.
The heated refrigerant is compressed from a liquid into a gas that reaches the condenser after the heat exchanger raises the temperature.
A fan is forced into the condenser to minimize the temperature that pumps back into the heat exchanger, resulting in a 10°C reduction in water temperature!
The flow rate of water going through them can also impact their performance; there will be optimal flow rates advised by the manufacturer of the chiller you purchase, so you must acquire a pump to fit that model.
Chillers require appropriate ventilation to function properly, and it’s a good idea to vent their hot exhaust air away from the aquarium since it’s counterproductive.
Regular maintenance of the chiller should include cleaning the air intake filter and doing a white vinegar/water (1:4 ratio) flush out once a year to remove any trapped material from the chiller’s tiny network of titanium tubes.