In-line chillers are preferable for the most part. I have one drop in, but I don't think I'd get another one... I have a couple inlines. The in-lines have more efficient heat exchangers, and in general use slightly less electricity. Also the inlines are much much easier to relocate locate outside the growroom & away from the reservoir which is a huuuuge plus, as these things put out a buttload of heat into the atmosphere.
The only advantage of a drop in is the ease of cleaning. If you use organic hydro nutes then I might recommend using a drop in... You can simply scrub the heat exchanger with a brush an your good to go... Pump ins are a lot tougher to clean, and you have to be concious about not letting them sit full of water or they'll grow gunk inside. If I'm letting one sit, unused I'll usually fill up the tank with a strong solution of h2o2. I think the best way to clean the in-lines is with a pressure washer, after soaking them in bio green clean. But thats a method I've recently come up with and have yet to try.
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