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The dreaded algae

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Brinnswift

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2005
Location
St. Louis
Ok, I was draining my loop to try a different config but I then noticed some green stuff growing in the tubes. Bad sign, I know..

http://vc-lan.org/host/algae1.jpg
http://vc-lan.org/host/algae2.jpg

I'm sitting there thinking how this could happen. I used Hydrex additive from Swiftech and I made sure to mix it right. I have no idea how this happened, can anyone give any advice? Also I would like advice on how to clean it.


Second question is I've noticed my tubes getting cloudier, they now have a white film on the inside.

http://vc-lan.org/host/algae3.jpg
http://vc-lan.org/host/algae4.jpg

Is there anyway to clear those up? I've read that some people advocate using vinegar, but then some people also said that wasn't a good idea. Is there a definitive way to clean it? Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
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Pulling a cloth through the tubes (somehow) will clean them pretty good. The only way to prevent the cloudyness is to use tygon tubing (and even then theres no guarentee).

I think the pre made coolants are lame (personal preference) and I use a mix of my own. Antifreeze and iodine, and I dont get algae.
 
I actually am using tygon tubing. Also is there a solution I can run through that will help kill off whatever might be left? I've taken apart the sytem and manually drained everything. I'm not so concerned about the cloudyness I just want to kill off anything that might be lingering in there.
 
A vinegar and water solution should do the trick. You just don't want to leave it in there as vinegar is slightly acidic. I like to take a waterbed flush/fill kit and literally plug the loop up to the kitchen sink and force flush it out every once in a while.
 
that clougyness does not have any thing to do with Algie does it? I just noticed today in my rig and I'm not looking forward to killing any thing off.
 
voigts said:
A vinegar and water solution should do the trick. You just don't want to leave it in there as vinegar is slightly acidic. I like to take a waterbed flush/fill kit and literally plug the loop up to the kitchen sink and force flush it out every once in a while.

thanks alot, will do.
 
We use a solution of baby steralising solution to clean our Camelbaks when cycling. They get all sorts in them and it seems to work pretty good. Eventually though, things do get cloudy and nothing seems to shift it.
 
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