Why You Need a Chiller in Your Growing Set Up

The heat in the summer months can be brutal, even in the UK — but not just for you,  for your plants too! Most growers know how to cool their grow room, but there’s one area many overlook: the nutrient solution itself.

If your water / nutrient solution is too warm, it can spell trouble for your plants. The fix? A nutrient chiller.

In this blog we explain why using a chiller to keep your water at a consistent temperature is so important, plus how to pick the right chiller for your setup, and how to get the most from it.

Why Use a Water Chiller / Nutrient Chiller?

When your nutrient temperature climbs, oxygen levels take a nosedive.

That’s bad news. Low oxygen slows nutrient uptake, stunts growth, and opens the door for root diseases like Pythium. To make things worse, warm water is a playground for algae — which consumes even more oxygen.

A nutrient chiller keeps your water in the sweet spot: 18–21°C. That means:

• Higher oxygen levels

• Faster, healthier growth

• Stronger resistance to disease

If you’re running a recirculating system (especially a DWC system), a chiller becomes essential during summer. A single issue in one pot can quickly spread system-wide.

Even in cooler months, stable water temps help boost results.

*Please note: Over-chilling your nutrients can run the risk of cold-shocking your plants, as the temperature can be uncomfortable, so please stick to the above temperature guidelines.

Choosing the Right Chiller

We recommend Hailea chillers — they’re reliable, efficient, and more affordable than most competitors.

To choose the right model:

1. Calculate your system’s total water volume.

2. Choose a chiller with a capacity higher than that number.

Tip: Chillers work best when operating below their max capacity. Oversizing is a smart move.

Tips to Maximize Chiller Performance

1. Smart Positioning

Like your kitchen fridge, chillers generate heat. Keep them:

• In a well-ventilated area

• At least 40cm from walls

• Outside the grow room if possible

• Never pointing the back toward your plants

2. Add a Circulating Fan

If the chiller has to stay in your grow tent, point an air-movement fan at it. This keeps hot air from building up and helps the unit run more efficiently.

3. Always Overspec

For optimal results, run your chiller at half capacity. This reduces heat output and extends the chiller’s life. When in doubt, go bigger.

4. Clean It Between Crops

Mineral build-up and limescale reduce efficiency. Clean your chiller after every grow.

Simple maintenance = longer lifespan and better performance.

5. Don’t Forget the Pump & Pipes

Each chiller model needs a compatible pump and pipe.

Here’s a quick guide to compatble pumps and pipe sizes for Hailea chillers:

Our Final Thoughts

Adding a nutrient chiller to your system isn’t just about surviving summer — it’s about maximizing plant health, root strength, and yields all year round.

It’s one of the smartest purchases you can make.