How to Connect a Chiller to Your HydroBarrel:

A step-by-step guide for correct circulation and easy cleaning

Correctly connecting your chiller to your barrel is essential for efficient cooling, good water circulation, and simple maintenance. This guide explains how to connect different types of chillers, using common fitting options, to achieve reliable bottom-to-top water flow and easy emptying.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Before fitting your chiller, check:

• The type of chiller you are using (hose size and connection type)

• Whether you want quick-release fittings or a fixed connection

Quick Release setup:

• Top hole → water return

• Middle hole → blanked off

• Lowest hole → Water feed & draining

Fixed setup:

• Top hole → water return

• Middle hole → water feed

• Lowest hole → draining

Option 1: How to Connect a Chiller Using Quick-Release Hose Fittings

Best for: Easy disconnection and frequent cleaning

What you’ll need:

• Chiller (Exampe we used a MyoChiller)

• 2 × quick-release taps - one is provided with the HydroBarrel and you can add another here HydroBarrel Tap - Quick Release

• 1 × Inlet / Outlet plug (for unused hole) Fitted by us as standard.

Step-by-step:

1. Fit the first quick-release tap into the lowest hole of the HydroBarrel. The tap sits to the side for easy connection, see photo below.

2. Fit the second quick-release tap into the top hole and secure it from inside the HydroBarrel using the supplied washer and nut.

3. Seal the middle hole with a plug (supplied and fitted by us).

4. Connect the chiller hoses using the quick-release fittings.

Result:

• Water circulates from bottom to top

• Chiller can be disconnected quickly

• HydroBarrel is easy to empty and clean

Option 2: How to Connect a Chiller Using Fixed Hose Fittings

Best for: Permanent installations with minimal hose removal

What you’ll need:

• Chiller (Example we used a LumiMini Chiller)

• 2 × Fixed reducers ¾” BSP (25mm) to ½” BSP (21mm) You can add the reducers here and we'll fit them before shipping your HydroBarrel

• 1 × Tap with quick-release hose fitting (Provided with the HydroBarrel)

Step-by-step:

1. Fit the first reducer into the middle hole of the barrel (We'll do this for you).

2. Fit the second reducer into the top hole (We'll do this for you).

3. Fit a tap with a quick-release fitting into the lowest hole.

4. Screw in the chiller fittings to the reducers and use PTFE tape for a water tight connection (PTFE Tape provided with the HydroBarrel)

Result:

• Fixed bottom-to-top circulation

• Stable, permanent hose connection

• Simple draining via the bottom tap

Option 3: How to Connect a Chiller with a Fixed 25mm Internal Hose Fitting

Best for: Premium or heat-pump chillers requiring larger hoses

What you’ll need:

• Heat pump or premium chiller

• 2 × 25mm hosetails which are in this 25mm Connection Set

• 1 × Tap with quick-release hose fitting (Provided with the HydroBarrel)

Step-by-step:

1. Fit the right-angle elbow into the middle hole.

2. Fit the second right-angle elbow into the top hole with the nut and washer provided. The washer and nut are placed inside of the HydroBarrel to secure the right-angle elbow.

3. Fit a tap with quick-release fitting into the lowest hole.

4. Connect the 25mm internal chiller hoses securely to the fittings.

Result:

• Strong, fixed bottom-to-top circulation

• Designed for higher flow rates

• Easy emptying through the bottom tap

Final Tips for Best Performance

• Always aim for bottom-to-top circulation for even cooling.

• Check all fittings are tight and leak-free before switching on the chiller.

• Label hoses if you plan to disconnect them often.