Could this honestly be algae? (Now with pics..)

[eponymous]

Hi,

So my loop has been running for a couple of months now and I've noticed like a green gunk forming only on the bottom threads of the EK multi-option reservoir.

This is happening in both loops which use distilled water and a silver kill coil each. I'm also using Primochill LRT Pro which has an anti-microbial coating on it.

As I say, it's only forming on the very very bottom thread of the bottom section of the EK reservoir but I'm sure it's gotten worse since day one.

Could this be algae or is it something else? If so, how can I stop it? I would've thought the silver killcoils would've worked better...

Apart from this part of the loop, everything else looks crystal clear. Could it just be general gunk from the rads or plasticizer that's getting caught in the threads?




Thanks.

[millertime359]

The UV lights used in comps are not actual Ultra vilot light. Therefore, doubt it makes a difference.

Is that the only place you are seeing it? It does look like algae to me too, that is odd. Where is the o-ring on those EK res'?

[eponymous]

I'm not sure where the o-ring is - I've never taken the reservoirs apart. What I cannot understand is how it's only forming there. The pumps are clear :S

There seems to be a higher build-up in the GPU+Mobo loop (green tubing) than in the CPU loop (blue tubing).

[TechloGoblin]

the O-ring is at the very very base almost right near where the buildup is showing

[eponymous]

I just wish I knew what it was.

Thoughts were also:

1) Plasticizer
2) Rad flux mixed with copper oxide?

Surely if it was algae it would be all over the loop, not just in one place.

The case does have a window side. It also stands next to a house radiator underneath my window. As it is winter, there is very little direct sunlight (if any) shining into the case.

Again, I would've thought there would be algae all over the reservoir if that's what it is...

I'm lost

[disturbed13]

i would almost throw in some algae killer

[eponymous]

i would almost throw in some algae killer

I have a silver kill-coil (iandh one) at the inlet going into the reservoir. This kills algae.

I've had a second opinion from someone who's had a close look at the res and they say it doesn't look like algae as it would be furry, and that it looks more like a green compound. Also, they said if it were algae, the water would be green instead of being crystal clear.

It's a shame the photos weren't better.

[zads]

Hmm the first picture looks like it could be a diffuse light reflection but the second doesn't..
If that area is outside of the reservoir o-ring seal,
then there could be a minuscule amount of liquid gradually seeping out.
Therefore that area is damp with liquid and not affected by the killcoil?
Just my best guess really..

[Weevil]

I think it is algae, the liquid that's made it's waY down the threads and is out of the main circulation and the kill coil can't help down there. Algae killer might help, but if not I would drain the loop and wipe down those threads.

[tool_462]

I think it is algae, the liquid that's made it's waY down the threads and is out of the main circulation and the kill coil can't help down there. Algae killer might help, but if not I would drain the loop and wipe down those threads.

Agreed, but I don't think algae killer will help.

I'd just wipe the threads down with alcohol and put it back together, or just not worry about it.

[zeropluszero]

Agreed, but I don't think algae killer will help.

I'd just wipe the threads down with alcohol and put it back together, or just not worry about it.

dont put alcohol anywhere near your plastic parts.

[tool_462]

dont put alcohol anywhere near your plastic parts.

It is fine on plastic. The threads are plastic and inert and alcohol wont solubilize an inert solid.

[eponymous]

Thanks guys.

What's to stop this happening again and again though?

Has anyone else had this problem?

I'll just leave it if it isn't going to cause any problems as taking the loop apart would be a nightmare - unless you think it's necessary?

My other concern would be striping the threads as those EK reservoirs are screwed together really really tightly. What do I do with the algae killer stuff?

[Weevil]

Couple of drops of PT nuke should do it. that is if it can make its way down there.

[tool_462]

Algae killer is just a couple drops of liquid that will at least keep the active flow of the loop free of algae. Probably a good investment to make so it doesn't spread to areas like your blocks and lower flow areas.

[millertime359]

That is the only place then? It could be algae as someone already stated, there is not circulation down there, so the silver isn't really going to help. If that is the only place, I would just let it be, then tear your loop down later. You could put some silicon on the threads to keep water from getting in there after you clean it.

Algae killer is just a couple drops of liquid that will at least keep the active flow of the loop free of algae. Probably a good investment to make so it doesn't spread to areas like your blocks and lower flow areas.

Seeing he has silver and the Primochill tubing, don't think he needs to add any PT Nuke too.

[eponymous]

Algae killer is just a couple drops of liquid that will at least keep the active flow of the loop free of algae. Probably a good investment to make so it doesn't spread to areas like your blocks and lower flow areas.

That's why I bought the silver - it was supposed to stop this kind of stuff from happening.

That is the only place then? It could be algae as someone already stated, there is not circulation down there, so the silver isn't really going to help. If that is the only place, I would just let it be, then tear your loop down later. You could put some silicon on the threads to keep water from getting in there after you clean it.



Seeing he has silver and the Primochill tubing, don't think he needs to add any PT Nuke too.

Yeah maybe. Seems funny no-one has had this problem before.

If I were to re-use the same water after cleaning (i.e. the water supposedly full of silver ions) would that work?

[millertime359]

Yea, that is the reason why i recommend it so much is I have heard of stories of guys over/under using PT Nuke and getting nasty results, but nothing bad about the use of silver. I think Naekuh has had a loop running for a couple of years on silver and distilled with no issue.

If you can drain it and keep it containment free. I'm not certain if I would try though. Best bet is just to get some silcon and coat the threads in it. Not too thick though as you don't want it getting into the res itself. That should keep the water from getting down in there and silicon doesn't negatively effect plastics or rubber o-rings.

[eponymous]

Yea, that is the reason why i recommend it so much is I have heard of stories of guys over/under using PT Nuke and getting nasty results, but nothing bad about the use of silver. I think Naekuh has had a loop running for a couple of years on silver and distilled with no issue.

If you can drain it and keep it containment free. I'm not certain if I would try though. Best bet is just to get some silcon and coat the threads in it. Not too thick though as you don't want it getting into the res itself. That should keep the water from getting down in there and silicon doesn't negatively effect plastics or rubber o-rings.

Thanks. Would PTFE work instead of silicon?

[Chruschef]

you're sure its not just the reflection of the tubing? (it looks about the same shade on the other res.)

[eponymous]

you're sure its not just the reflection of the tubing? (it looks about the same shade on the other res.)

Heh - I wish it were. Gonna be so much hassle draining the loop and taking the reservoirs apart :'(.

[Waterlogged]

e, looks like it is. Silver is a long term bullet, when your loop is "relatively" fresh like yours is, there isn't enough ion buildup to prevent growth, especially in a no flow zone like the threads.

[millertime359]

Thanks. Would PTFE work instead of silicon?

edit: wasn't thinking, you talking bout thread tape. Yea it should work too, just make certain you do a nice job of wrapping it as it will be seen.

[Sparky]

It is fine on plastic. The threads are plastic and inert and alcohol wont solubilize an inert solid.

Just don't get it on the acrylic. Alcohol + acrylic = BAD.

[eponymous]

So guys, should I wait until I do my routine replacement of the water (this is every 6months or so right?) or should I clean this gunk off now?