If you can, measure the temperature of the hot side of the TECs (or of the heatsink as close to the TECs as possible). The temperature difference between the coolant and the hot side will give you an idea of whether the TECs are accomplishing anything at all. Frankly, I think that with a 55° C water temp most of the heat is being dissapated by the tubing and reservoir and that TECs are doing nothing useful.
For experimental purposes, go ahead and use another power supply so that the TECs can have full power. That'll let you figure whether the current heatsink can handle the heatload and help determine what size TECs you want for the final product. Even better, buy a variable voltage supply and use it for your tests.
Information on the pump would be good - max flow, max head, model?
Are you committed to the TECs (for their l33t value)? Even a small radiator would beat your current setup.
When our forums have finished designing your system, you're going to donate one for us to raffle off to help out Brian and Heather, right?
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