Coolant question

[Charr]

I am about to build my first loop, but want some suggestions on coolant. Preferably I'd like to run without additives, and use just silver for biocidial purposes. However, how much will I need? Also, is this a good idea, even if I change the water everything 3ish months?

[jim0ne]

I would suggest 1 silver coil, that is what i have in my loop. My last setup, i ran for 1.5 yrs without changing the water. I just topped it off now and then. When i did disassemble the loop, everything looked as if i just bought it. But it is recommended to clean out your loop every 6 months.

[BeHappy]

The silver tubing prevents growth itself, but knowing myself, I would use a drop or two of some algaecide anyway. It literally only takes a couple drops to make your loop uninhabitable to algae/loop critters. You can get it from petras tech shop, or most other watercooling stores, or just make a visit to your local pet store.

About changing water in your loop:
I just tore down my loop for the 1st time and I had no growth/gunk in it whatsoever. The water was still crystal clear and same with my res,rad, pump and block. I used the hydrx additive and it seemed to keep my loop in check quite nicely.

I had my loop up and running for over a year without cleaning it. Some change it almost monthly, some almost never at all. I would think that changing your water every 6months should be fine...

[hokiealumnus]

Kill coil + distilled is fine. You won't need more than a gallon, and that will last you quite a while. If you don't play with your loop very often, changing water every six months should be sufficient. There are lots that don't even do it that often without issue. It's really up to you. I play with my hardware so much it's lucky to make three months without needing to drain it for some reason. To each their own though. If nothing gets in the loop, a year with top-offs is not unthinkable and probably won't hurt anything.

[Daddyjaxx]

I just used a couple of drops of aquarium algecide and have never seen anything growing in any loop I have ever had. I think I picked it up at Wally World.

I've left mine go over a year before and never touched the water. When I drained it it was as clear as when I filled it.

[Spawn-Inc]

what are your loop specs?

if no aluminum then distilled water and silver and your good to go.

[Charr]

Thanks for the tips. Here is the parts for the loop:

GTZ, D5 & PA120.3.

If I go no additives, will one killcoil be enough?

[jim0ne]

Yep.. one kill coil will be enough

[iLoki]

Yup one should be enough. I use some PT Nuke myself, 2 or 3 drops is good for the whole loop, and keeps it clean for quite a while.

The kill coil is a good idea though, I'll have to try one one of these days, but the PT Nuke works just fine for me

[ricflairw000]

distilled water a gallon should do

[Diggrr]

I must have went crazy (aka wasn't thinking) and bought a 2.5 gallon jug of steam distilled water, then promptly used almost a whole quart of it. :shrug:

I have an external boxed Swiftech triple res-rad and about 11 feet of 7/16" tubing.
A gallon is plenty, and one kill coil will do ya.
Welcome to the sick....uh....hobby, Charr!