Custom Loop Questions

[Made In Canada]

So i am thinking about doing my first custom loop in a pc planned for about 7 months from now (still need to get the money and such, but i am asking questions now) and i want to ask a few things about custom loops so here it goes.

 

1. Would a PETG loop with all the proper chemicals needed prevent bacterial growth and corrosion, need to ever really be cleaned? (silver coil, biocides, anti-corrosion, etc)

2. Can there be two or more pumps in my custom loop? (some parts i see have a built in pump with them but i would rather get a dedicated, high quality pump).

3. I hear some coolants have harder times than others to be cleaned out, can anyone recommend a good company or type of coolant (specifically a blue one and red and one) that would be easier to be cleaned out if needed? (i say if needed in case there is a possibility question 1 is possible to not need to be cleaned often).

 

That is it for now. Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.

[PokeCatz]

Watch a few of JayzTwoCents video's if you feel you need to learn something.

[Made In Canada]

Just now, PokeCatz said:

Watch a few of JayzTwoCents video's if you feel you need to learn something.

My first question cant seem to be answered anywhere from what ive looked through.

[Naeaes]

1. Yes. The kinds of chemicals that kill 100% of bacteria and algae are toxic to humans too and usually a bad idea to use as coolant addatives. 

Keep an eye on your temps. They'll tell you when the right time comes. Also smell the liquid every once in a while. I'd suggest you set a calendar alert for a checkup first after about three months, then six, then a year max from then on.

2. One good pump is better. Can't go wrond with D5 but replace the top. The stock top sucks balls. A tube reservoir as a top is great if you got the room for it. You can have two pumps but it's really not for redundancy as much as for the added power/distance. For instance have one reservoir and from it, take two loops (one for CPU and 1st GPU and the other for the 2nd GPU) then connect the loops back in to the radiators. Or if you want to set a free-standing radiator outside the case and take it a few meters away from the system, you'll prrobably need a second pump way out there.

3. I personally only use premixed EK liquids. To my experience only clear liquids are particularly easy to clean. But all in all, it's the gunk from growths is the real pain in the ass. Some coloration is easy in comparison. Here's a pro-tip: replace the tubes when you clean the system.

[done12many2]

1 hour ago, Made In Canada said:

So i am thinking about doing my first custom loop in a pc planned for about 7 months from now (still need to get the money and such, but i am asking questions now) and i want to ask a few things about custom loops so here it goes.

 

1. Would a PETG loop with all the proper chemicals needed prevent bacterial growth and corrosion, need to ever really be cleaned? (silver coil, biocides, anti-corrosion, etc)

2. Can there be two or more pumps in my custom loop? (some parts i see have a built in pump with them but i would rather get a dedicated, high quality pump).

3. I hear some coolants have harder times than others to be cleaned out, can anyone recommend a good company or type of coolant (specifically a blue one and red and one) that would be easier to be cleaned out if needed? (i say if needed in case there is a possibility question 1 is possible to not need to be cleaned often).

 

That is it for now. Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.

1.  All those proper chemicals you speak of will break down after time and eventually need replacement.  If you use something like EK-Ekoolant it states that it has a 2 year shelf life and I'd think the usable life would be much shorter.   Since you have plenty of time, incorporate a drain system into your loop.  I use to run without them and just pull the lowest hose, but ever since installing a valve, I'll never got without one again.  It almost makes you want to change fluid more often.  

 

2.  I run two EK D5 PWM pumps in my loop due to the size of the loop.  One is more than enough even for moderately large loops, but two was even better in my case.  I chose PWM pumps because I wanted to ability to have my motherboard control speed automatically as temperature dictated.  Both pumps spin down to around 800rpms when thermal load is low.  At any point that the thermal load increases the pumps automatically and progressively spin up to their peak RPMs.

 

3.  Your best bet is to avoid red.  It is the most painful of all colors to clean from your loop and will generally lead to staining of components such as blocks with continued use.  The truth is any color will eventually lead to some type of staining whether it be minor or major.  If you are concerned about it, stick with clear fluids such as distilled water or coolants in their clear variant.  I personally use EK_Ekoolant Pastel White and like it a lot.  I've noticed no staining or color shifting in my loop, but I attribute that to the fact that white is the least aggressive of colors I change my fluid and flush often.

 

Short and skinny.  Install a drain valve at the lowest point in your loop.  Pump quantity is based on size of loop and the number of blocks you install.  Take it easy with fluid color choice.

 

Enjoy your build.  Custom water loops are a lot of fun!

[Made In Canada]

On 4/14/2016 at 6:57 PM, done12many2 said:

1.  All those proper chemicals you speak of will break down after time and eventually need replacement.  If you use something like EK-Ekoolant it states that it has a 2 year shelf life and I'd think the usable life would be much shorter.   Since you have plenty of time, incorporate a drain system into your loop.  I use to run without them and just pull the lowest hose, but ever since installing a valve, I'll never got without one again.  It almost makes you want to change fluid more often.  

 

2.  I run two EK D5 PWM pumps in my loop due to the size of the loop.  One is more than enough even for moderately large loops, but two was even better in my case.  I chose PWM pumps because I wanted to ability to have my motherboard control speed automatically as temperature dictated.  Both pumps spin down to around 800rpms when thermal load is low.  At any point that the thermal load increases the pumps automatically and progressively spin up to their peak RPMs.

 

3.  Your best bet is to avoid red.  It is the most painful of all colors to clean from your loop and will generally lead to staining of components such as blocks with continued use.  The truth is any color will eventually lead to some type of staining whether it be minor or major.  If you are concerned about it, stick with clear fluids such as distilled water or coolants in their clear variant.  I personally use EK_Ekoolant Pastel White and like it a lot.  I've noticed no staining or color shifting in my loop, but I attribute that to the fact that white is the least aggressive of colors I change my fluid and flush often.

 

Short and skinny.  Install a drain valve at the lowest point in your loop.  Pump quantity is based on size of loop and the number of blocks you install.  Take it easy with fluid color choice.

 

Enjoy your build.  Custom water loops are a lot of fun!

Well, at least i tried asking, guess custom loops dont take "non-maintenance" breaks.

 

Okay, well i cant say if my loop is really that big or small, i think its around a medium loop with cooling planned for my CPU, GPU, and RAM. I will try to find a decently strong pump as i now assume its better to pay up front and get good gear now than later.

 

And i was thinking about doing red mainly because i got my central build idea off a blue and white build (which i think looks great) and i dont want to exactly copy the build, however, i might try using white fluid instead as that seems to look good as well.

 

And even if i try not to have to drain my loop (or at least often) i will install a drain as that seems to be the only good way to drain a loop, if not, the only way.

 

Thank You very much for the help and advise, it is much appreciated.