Will this work to prevent ugly growth in a WC system?

[ScissorClaw]

I'm in the process of setting up a watercooled rig and I've read on alot of forums that people have problems with algae growth and other stuff that needs to be cleaned out by flushing the system. Would putting just a couple of drops of bleach in the system prevent growth? There are also ALOT of products at local fish stores that are non toxic and designed ONLY to prevent algae and other nast growth. Anybody try any of these ideas?

 

[StarTech]

What about a few drops of swimming pool algicide? There is one supposed to be effective for green/black algae

 

[BaboonGuy]

stick some of those fish that eat algae and stuff in your system and you'll never have to worry about bad water again

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: BaboonGuy
stick some of those fish that eat algae and stuff in your system and you'll never have to worry about bad water again

LOL

 

[Jeff7]

What about a little bit of antifreeze? It's supposed to help the water transfer heat better, and it's pretty toxic, so there probably wouldn't be anything left alive in the cooling system.

 

[ahfung]

Bleach is strong oxidising agent that can eat up metals slowly, plus they don't last long.
I've seen people suggesting alcohol but it probably need certain concentration to kill living organisms effectively, but that will lower the heat transfer property of water a little bit.
Water wetter can stop algae and germs growing by providing mildly alkaline solution, but in long run water wetter stains tubes to brownish color and it STINKS.

For myself I added 4-5 drops of gentian violet to the reservior and that's enough to kill most known microorganisms. It also stains the water to beautiful violet color.

 

[sodcha0s]

What about a little bit of antifreeze? It's supposed to help the water transfer heat better, and it's pretty toxic, so there probably wouldn't be anything left alive in the cooling system.

Yeah, really. I figured all the WC users would be using some form of anti-freeze or another.

1. It prevents corrosion of metal parts.
2. Nothing can live in it.
3. It glows in UV light.

Not sure about it actually absorbing heat better, what it does do is raise the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of water. There are also some less poisonous/ envion. friendly brands on the market.

 

[pphysicsguy]

Some drops of algicide would probably work. I would just go with Antifreeze though, as people seem to have had success with it.

 

[ScissorClaw]

Are we talking just anti-freeze or a mixture of water and anti-freeze?

 

[scrapz]

bleach drys out your tubes and eats at your metal, get water-wetter for corrosion, a spoonful of betadine from walmart or something for bacteria growth=)

 

[Upstream]

Anti-freeze decreases water's ability to cool but does help to prevent corrosion. I like the fishtank algecide and WW idea best.

 

[GAZZA]

I think you only need like 10 % antifreeze to stop anything growing in a WC setup.

Here is some good honest basic WC info for anyone interested including recommendations on Water+Additives,etc.OC.COM