Best liquid for a watercooler?

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SvdSinner

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I'm sure this has been asked, but search is disabled.
I'm finishing my first WC setup (Hydor L30, DDen RBX, Heater core w/2X120mm) and I am wondering what the best thing to fill the system with?

Distilled water only?
Distilled water with some antifreeze? (What kind? How much?)
Distilled water with water wetter? (How much? Is this the same stuff used in photo dark rooms?)
Something else? Some combination?
 
From what I know about ethylin-glycal the half & half ratio is supppose to be most efficient.

I have heard rumors that glycal eats away at tubing material...dunno if thats true. I am curious to hear an answer from someone who knows more about it aswell.
 
It seems to be distilled water, a cap full or so (depending on how much water in loop) of water wetter, and a bit of betadine (I believe is what it is called).

Betadine prevents algae buildup.
 
redline and some other similar products improve heattransfer by reducing the surface tension of water.


a drop of dishwas compound does the same, but you do NOT want that stuff in your tubes :eek:
 
Originally posted by Shieze
It seems to be distilled water, a cap full or so (depending on how much water in loop) of water wetter, and a bit of betadine (I believe is what it is called).

Betadine prevents algae buildup.
Click to expand...

ding ding teh winnar si here
 
Is that the same stuff used in photo labs? If it isn't, or if I my neighbor who has a darkroom in her basement doesn't have any I can borrow, where do you buy watter wetter?
 
No water wetter has nothing to do with photo labs.

Just go to PepBoys and find it next to the radiator sealent and antifreeze.

==>Lazn
 
Where would one find "Betadine" or whatever anti algae products are needed? Are there other brands that are sold at say an aquarium store?
 
Betadine is an iodine solution. It'll kill microbes, but will also react with metal. The silver-based hot tub sanitizers are better.
 
Betadine is a disinfectant and can be found at any decent drug store.
 
You can get Betadine at Walgreens, or any other pharmacy. Or you could try anti-alge products from a fish store, but they will be weaker products because they are designed to not kill the fish.

==>Lazn
 
Originally posted by HeThatKnows
Betadine is an iodine solution. It'll kill microbes, but will also react with metal. The silver-based hot tub sanitizers are better.
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waterwetter takes care of corrosion i believe, so its fine
 
Ok so what do i use to prevent critter growth? Im using a bong setup that the water gets a nice contact with the air. So i need something that doesnt evaporate.
 
Originally posted by nightanole
Ok so what do i use to prevent critter growth? Im using a bong setup that the water gets a nice contact with the air. So i need something that doesnt evaporate.
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If I were you I would look into what Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis (SP?) use for that purpose.

==>Lazn
 
That future mark link said alot. Anyone used half/half glycal? Seems to me very promising, no corrosion or fungi/algae.
 
Originally posted by VX1
That future mark link said alot. Anyone used half/half glycal? Seems to me very promising, no corrosion or fungi/algae.
Click to expand...

worse thermal transfer than plain water.

Cars use this mostly to prevent freezing in winter, or boiling in summer.

==>Lazn
 
I just got some stuff at the fish store that comes in caples. Busted it into the water, and used a TBSP of water wetter. The stuff is supposed to stop biological growth, and starts with an E. Can't recall the name at the moment.
 
Do NOT use Water Wetter! It leaves behind a thin film that coats all your parts. This is not good...
 
I agree with the dood on the futuremark forum that somebody needs to simplify this crap. I'm super confused. So I'll make an attempt.

1. If you have an all-copper system, it doesn't matter what you use as coolant. But you'll want to use an anti-fungal agent if you use tapwater because shit lives in it and will likely stain your tubes. Algae is less-likely to grow in distilled water, but it's still possible.

2. If you have a system with aluminum in it you need an anti-corrosive. WaterWetter is good, but in small quantities (<10%) else it will discolor silicon tubing.

3. A small amount (5%) of anti-fungal and/or anti-corrosive is usually not bad in any case. Higher concentrations can have negative effects on the cooling properties of the liquid.

4. Changing your water often can also help prevent corrosion and algae growth.


I think that covers it. I thought one of the guys said something about how WaterWetter can be bad if you change your water often(?) I didn't understand that, so I left it out.

Please let me know if I missed something, or got something wrong.
 
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