Shoul I worry with Algae?

[KODE]

Hi fellas,

My Chiller is running with Pure Water at 1c to 3c. After lots of tests I decided not to add Car radiator Anti-freeze due to the less capacity in heat transfer and bigger delta T on the loop. But now I started to worry with Algae growing in the system, it not started yet but I´m afraid it will. I need your help now fellas and have some question if you don´t mind:

1- Can Algae grow on such low temps?

2- Would a completely Water change every month solve the Algae problem?

3- If Radiator Anti-freeze is the only option, how much should I add just to prevent Algae? I don´t need the Anti-freeze properties (My Chiller have a total of 2.3 liters of water)

PS: I just called a Pet Shop near my house and they sell Algae Killer. One drop per liter of Water, so will this work? I mean due to the Chiller Characteristics, Cold-Heat, etc...

Regards, KODE.

[Drake]

I doubt changing the water would help with the overall problem. Even though you would get rid of 90% of the algae, there will still be plenty living on the walls of the tubing and in the waterblocks to gunk up the system again.

If you go the antifreeze route, anywhere from 5%-15% should take care of the problem.

[KODE]

Thanks for reply drake. I just bought a small bottle of Anti-Algae in the Pet-shop I mentioned, according to the label 1 drop to 4 liters of Water, so I added 2 for extra safety :D

If this don´t work I´ll go with the Anti-freeze like you said Drake ;)

[Player0]

1- Can Algae grow on such low temps?

Yep, different strain tho, loves cold.

2- Would a completely Water change every month solve the Algae problem?

No. It will slow it down however. You will have slime left over that you cant really clean and it will grow faster in new water. You could cycle with vinegar once in a while but... thats a pain.

3- If Radiator Anti-freeze is the only option, how much should I add just to prevent Algae? I don´t need the Anti-freeze properties (My Chiller have a total of 2.3 liters of water)

Id totally recommend the anti-freeze. It has many other good properties. It protects your pump and tubing, prevent corrosion and really wont affect your performance at all. Id go 10%.

PS: I just called a Pet Shop near my house and they sell Algae Killer. One drop per liter of Water, so will this work? I mean due to the Chiller Characteristics, Cold-Heat, etc...

The algae killer may not prevent all forms of biologicals. But it could work. It may also have other bad side effects on a watercooling system, but I wouldnt know.

[KODE]

Thanks for the info Player long no post since liquidninjas is now blocked at work :( I'm really missing this place.

What kind of Algae normally grows on a WC system? I mean how can I identify it from the beggining? A thin green layer on the reservoir wall?

Is it easy to clean the system if it happens? I think my Water block will be a pain to clean inside since the top wall is soldered to the lower maze body.

[Flybye]

Originally posted by KODE
....Is it easy to clean the system if it happens? I think my Water block will be a pain to clean inside since the top wall is soldered to the lower maze body.
Why let it happen to begin with? Just prevent it all together.

I would think any form of algae will be a pain to clean out, especially once it begins to form on the inside of the block, getting in the smallest of crevices, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't look forward to flushing and cleaning the entire thing every so often...

[Player0]

Its impossible to remove once it gets in there without scrubbing and bleach. It wont grow anymore with stuff, but it will continue to be slimey.

[KODE]

Looks like it´s not worth the try with anti-algae... too risky. Will add some Anti-freeze. Thanks fellas ;)

[dicki]

how about some insanely strong UV lights? that should kill the algea...

[KODE]

Hi dicki, how are you doing? long time no post hope you´re all well :)

The UV light sounds like a good idea too, do you ever attempted that?

[dicki]

yeah i'm cool, just working hard ;)

i've seen a lot of people use them in ponds to good effect so in a sealed system like a WC rig it should be great (unless you get some algea that really likes uv light...)

[Peyton]

What about alcohol along with some kind of liquid that prevents corrosion and leaks? Would that accomplish the same thing as anti-freeze?

[Drake]

Antifreeze is mostly glycol, so alcohol + an anticorrosive additive would basically be the same thing :)

[Peyton]

All right, thanks. To me, a mixture of alcohol and some kind of additive ( any suggestions, by the way? ) would be a nice alternative. Plus, I would like to have clear water rather than water colored by anti-freeze. Then I would have the freedom to dye it any color I want.

[KODE]

I tried ethanol and it works great, but if you don´t have a 100% sealed loop the smell will rise up and it is not good. On the plus side the water will be very very clear.

[Synthohol]

you can find clear antifreeze, plus its hard to debate other alternitives when a: i havent tried them b: the clear concensus is use antifreeze, oh, drake forgot to mention antifreeze also has an anti-foaming agent too.
its the all around best choice.

i have algecide for my pool but its blue and foams or i might have tried it way back when.

[Peyton]

Clear anti-freeze? Will it be availible in any old gas station?