[WaterCooling] XSPC Raystorm Algae :(

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Gravit8

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Aug 12, 2014
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Hi guys, I bought my kit back in december. Today my computer shut off (overheated), the pump sounded super sluggish, I assumed it was XSPC's fault. But after going through it with a flashlight, the inside of the reservoir was coated in algae, and it was very green.
I don't know how I let it get so bad without noticing, but I'm guessing the algae is my fault.
I used a Kill Coil and a Biocide with distilled water. :??:
My question is, what did I do wrong? Sorry for my ignorance if it's something obvious.
Also, are the parts salvageable?
Thanks
 
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Gravit8

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Aug 12, 2014
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It's called "Dead-Water". Came with the kit through Frozen CPU. Reading from the bottle it says 5‰ copper, 95‰ DI Water. I used 3 drops. It says 1 drop per liter on the bottle, and I think the reservoir is like 2.3 or something?
 
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Gravit8

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Aug 12, 2014
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I actually just checked the capacity, apparently it's .625L reservoir. Maybe reaching 1 liter with tubes & radiator filled? Could I have used too much?
EDIT: I just read a thread where it said even 10+ drops wouldn't harm anything, it'd just be a waste.
-
Should I maybe contact the company I bought the kill coil and biocide from?
 
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Gravit8

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Aug 12, 2014
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Hmmm... I'll call the company I purchased the biocide and kill coil from.. Hopefully they'll do something for me.. Is the pump salvageable as is right now? Or is it destroyed

Thanks for all the help by the way
 
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4Ryan6

4Ryan6

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Apr 14, 2002
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I've had silver killcoil reactions before that's why I no longer use one!

Green algae can also occur if your computer is in direct sunlight, it really doesn't matter what protection you use, over time sunlight can break down any coolant, no matter what they claim, it can still happen in direct sunlight.

So is your computer in direct sunlight any time of the day?

Are we talking the XSPC pump inside the reservoir?, if so you'll have to RMA it back to XSPC, if it is the problem!

With algae in the loop the pump could be stalled by clogged water blocks stopping flow, or a combination with the radiator as well, which could appear that the pump has stalled, the only way to know for sure, is inspect inside the water block or blocks if you are running more than just a CPU water block.

You'll have to clean everything, take the water block apart and clean it carefully with a vinegar solution, (If it is a Copper water block, do not use vinegar on a nickel plated water block use dish washing liquid like Dawn), rinse thoroughly and reassemble carefully, make sure the O-ring seals are properly seated in the grooves, tighten the screws with the same pressure you found them set to, tighten snug, but don't over tighten and strip the threads.

If the water block is clogged with algae it will completely stop the water flow, but that doesn't necessarily mean the pump is bad?

You'll have to diagnose this problem one step at a time, so check inside the water block and post what you find?

In this situation I would just replace the tubing altogether, unless you spent a chunk of money on expensive tubing, personally I just use the Walls brand from Home Depot or Lowes and buy it in bulk, it's cheaper that way.

Edit: I searched out some links on the net regarding those that have run into this and how they cleaned theirs, but some of their methods I would not do, so I'm not posting those links.

I will help you all I can with advice, but first discover if the water block is clogged?
 
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Gravit8

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Aug 12, 2014
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Thanks for all this info!
No, the computer was never in direct sunlight. It was always in a dark room, the room was warm, but usually really dark. The only thing close to sunlight is the cold cathode UV lights I used on the inside of the case, could this have been enough to grow algae??
Yes it's the type of resevoir that sits in the 2 CD bays, and has the pump built into it.
I'm not sure what type of metal is in the radiator is, I know the CPU block is all copper, and I'm pretty sure the radiator is too since it's a predone kit. Here's the link to the kit I bought if it's useful to you. You can see the "Comes with free "Dead-Water"!" That's the biocide I used.
I'll take it down as soon as I have time to see if the rad is clogged, or if the pump is working, thanks so much for the help!
 
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