Depositing issues

[233Kosta]

Hi everyone, I've had this loop running for a while, cooling a CPU and a GPU (hopefully the Maximus V soon too), through a Phobya G-Changer V2. I've recently noticed a rise in overall temperatures, which I initially blamed the weather for, but now, the OAT is back down to 10-15*C, and my temps are still higher than I'd expect.

I have been using the XSPC dual bay 750 res, which I assumed would produce sufficient stagnation pressure to keep the loop going, but since adding the GPU and a fair few fittings, it seems the loop is running pretty slow, to the point of essentially steady flow in the res. No waves, no turbulence, etc.

I've heard recently (on threads here ironically) that the 750s really don't like more than one block, so I've decided to get a D5 with a tube res and _hopefully_ mount it on the back of the drive cage, where the fan duct for the GPUs would go (HAF X).

This won't happen for a while though, and in the mean time, I suspect depositing from the fluid on the rad walls and water blocks due to low flow rate. It really doesn't fit with what I've heard from others about Mayhem's X1 coolant, however I imagine at very low flow rates (essentially laminar), it would exhibit the same side effects as any other coolant with additives in it.

The other thing I've noticed is the coolant (Mayhem's X1 UV Blood Red) changing colour slightly. When I first poured it in, it had a slight transparency to it. I could see some of the LED light shining through the res, but now, it's like the res is solid. I can still see some light through it in the tubing, but it's nowhere near what it was.

My questions would be how bad is the situation with the deposit build up, how long would I have to flush the blocks and rad for and would Mayhem's Pastel Red have similar issues with a D5 pumping it at a reasonable rate?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SuB]

Personally, I'd avoid the pastel. It sounds like the red has started depositing or reacting with your tubing which is probably why it's not as clear. Can you extract some fluid to see if it's the fluid or the tubing/res itself?

What tubing are you using?

 

[233Kosta]

Actually, I recently had a coolant loss due to a mishap with one of the fittings, thankfully only the loop was in the case. When I dried it up it ironically mimicked blood red more realistically than when I first got it a year+ ago. I'm almost certain there is depositing on the hose, there always seems to be, but it really doesn't bother me that much as long as it doesn't mess with the rad. The hose has remained fairly transparent, enough for light to shine through the coolant, so I guess it's not that bad in the hose at least.

Anyway, after that coolant loss, I the res level had dropped and there wasn't any sign of colouration on the recently cleared up spot, it was as clear as on the day I bought it, so I'd expect it to have just stayed off the perspex part of the res.

I'm using the standard Masterkleer 3/8 ID 1/2 OD.

Is there anything in particular that's wrong with pastel by the way? I mean I'd love the colour of it, but if it'll cause issues, I might as well get some clear premix and use that instead, maybe with some solid red hose just to keep to the colour scheme.

So yeh, any suggestions on coolant, tubing, etc are welcome at this point.

Cheers!

 

[SuB]

Tom will attest to most of the bad points, but over-time it seperates. The colours look great on screen, but most of them require adjustment. They're 'okay' performance wise (I'm more than happy with mine). But they don't seem to come very recommended for long-term builds.

Also, they're pretty highly toxic as well.

As far as additives/algae and stuff, aint no way its growing in that stuff (not that you would see it if you did).

Tom's experience of the stuff isn't very good, mine is mediocre tbh. It's your choice of course, but I'd get some and take a look at it before you fill your loop with it.

 

[233Kosta]

Well I think this whole Orca fiasco didn't need to happen, it was an experimental coolant as far as I'm aware, so there should have been an explanation and resolution available. I understand Tom's position on it, but I don't know enough about it to call it, so for now they're fair game.

Is there anything else you can recommend? As I said, if push comes to shove, I'll just get some premix so it already has the additives and then just run the solid red hose, or stick a drop or two of MD Red to see what happens. Perhaps I should stock up on premix Sounds like experimentation coming my way :drool:

Obviously this lot is waiting on the funding for the D5, but that's not that far off now.

 

[SuB]

I've used Feser One and ran a loop on that for about 4 years with no need to clean or refill not sure what it's like these days though i have to admit

 

[233Kosta]

Was the tubing tinted at all when you drained it (assuming you did)? It sounds good, I think I'll give it a try if I can find the right colour

I'll check out their prices at some point and see what I can find. Thanks! I'll let you know how I get on.

<EDIT>
I've had a look through specialtech's assortment of coolants and I couldn't find any Feser One, so I'm going to get some EK Premium instead. I was thinking of going down the solid acrylic pipework route, but that'll have to wait, I'm not ready to switch over yet. What's your opinion of acrylic tubing?
<EDIT>