Should I use distilled water+kill coil or a pre-mixed coolant?

Nuclear101 · Oct 27, 2013

I am recently about to build another water cooled system, but I don't know if I should use distilled water and a silver kill coil or to buy a pre-mixed coolant eg. EK-Ekoolant, mayhems, etc. I had heard both highly positive, negative, and in-between reviews, so which coolant should I use?

Thanks,

Nuclear101

letsrelax · Oct 27, 2013

I just use distilled water and a silver coil and it works well

manofchalk · Oct 27, 2013

Distilled Water with a Killcoil or Biocide is whats typically recommended here, and what I use.

4Ryan6 · Oct 27, 2013

All I use now is distilled water period no kill coil, I have my reservoirs set up so about once a month I siphon off a full reservoir and refill it fresh, no problems.

Unless your setup is in direct sunlight you'll probably not get any crud anyway, but a monthly siphon works great for me.

I'm the mother hen type over my cooling system, but if you are going to set it up and forget about it for about 6 months or so, then you may need a coolant solution that has no problems lasting that long.

It's really all about how you run your system and if you inspect it regularly.

Everyone knows I'm crazy here anyway, so for what it's worth!

manofchalk · Oct 27, 2013

You could go UV light, have a clear reservoir and stick a UV cathode next to it, that'l stop critters from growing in there.

4Ryan6 · Oct 27, 2013

manofchalk :

You're right, I think that's how Moto does it!

Speaking of Moto?

Where's Moto?

manofchalk · Oct 27, 2013

Dunno, he disappeared about the time Lutfij did, since then I'v only seen him a few times in the System gallery.
Last post was on the 4th of July. He did get a BA a few days ago on a post he made back in 2011 :lol:

4Ryan6 · Oct 27, 2013

manofchalk :

He is missed!

His knowledge sharing, and critiquing, was much appreciated, I hope he comes back!

Nuclear101 · Oct 27, 2013

manofchalk :

So can I just use distilled water from the grocery store or what % pure does it need to be?

Nuclear101 · Oct 27, 2013

manofchalk :

So can I just use distilled water from the grocery store or how pure does it need to be?

manofchalk · Oct 27, 2013

Whatever distilled water is available at your local store, after a few minutes in the loop its all the same.

4Ryan6 · Oct 29, 2013

I use 100% steam distilled water with zero additives.

True steam distilled water is getting harder and harder to find, there are other purifying process being used today and tagged as distilled, and even some with additives which you do not want, the additives may be good for drinking but not computer cooling.

Read the label to see what actual process was used in the distillation, and that there have been no additives added to the water.

schmuckley · Oct 29, 2013

I would use distilled water with equal dropperfuls of bleach and vinegar.

4Ryan6 · Oct 29, 2013

schmuckley :

You do know that equal amounts of vinegar and bleach makes chlorine gas, right? :pfff:

manofchalk · Oct 29, 2013

4Ryan6 :

...
You run evaporation cooling don't you Schmuckley?
Might want to look into that.

Nuclear101 · Oct 30, 2013

manofchalk :

So can I just use a silver kill coil or do I need to also use a biocide?

manofchalk · Oct 30, 2013

Either on their own will do fine.

ctguy1955 · Aug 12, 2014

manofchalk :

I was just searching for info about what coolant would lower temps the best and one site said that all
the brands that are offered for 20 bucks a bottle basically have all the same thermal properties and that
you should only buy the one that you like the look of.

The system I built is my first and what I did was just boil distilled water and I used a killcoil in my
Res and added three drops of dead water. I was happy to see that many only use water and not
buy expensive coolant if it is not going to get rid of heat any better than water alone.

steam distilled water is a term I see, and do not know the difference between the distilled water I boiled and
used ????

Thank You for helping me with your post !!!

Should I use distilled water+kill coil or a pre-mixed coolant?

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