What pump to use in an all aluminium loop?

marlies · 28 Apr 2020 at 13:43

I have a two aluminium radiator from a broken AIOs that I want to reuse. The best known DDC/D5 pump has a stainless steel rotor/impeller, so that's a no-go unless I use coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Does anyone know if there's an all-plastic (on the wet side) pump with decent reputation? I have an Aquacomputer Aquastream too, but that also has a metal rotor/impeller.

Bugbait · 29 Apr 2020 at 18:32

Every pump will have some form of metal to varying degrees so best to just use an inhibitor.

marlies · 30 Apr 2020 at 17:59

Got any suggestion for what fluid to use? There will probably be aluminium, stainless steel, and nickel plated brass/copper in the loop.

Bugbait · 1 May 2020 at 09:46

Something like https://www.overclockers.co.uk/mayhems-x1-clear-premixed-watercooling-fluid-1l-wc-035-mh.html should do: "Blended with non-toxic corrosion & scale inhibitors for protection of Copper, Brass, Steel, Nickel and Aluminium. Proven to ASTM D3306 and BS6580 standards."

Or equivalent from another manufacturer. Just look out for "corrosion inhibitor" in the product description.

WantoN · 1 May 2020 at 13:33

XT1 Nuke is my fluid of choice. I avoid aluminium components at all costs, but in your situation of I'd feel comfortable using a D5.

I take it the blocks are aluminium too?

marlies · 2 May 2020 at 00:42

I only have two Al radiators at the moment. The rest of my watercooling gear is Cu, or Ni-plated Cu.

If something like Thermaltake C1000 (I intend to use clear, since I don't like days long flushing cycles to get rid of the staining) actually works with mix metals, I might just plumb all the parts I have on hand and test it externally by itself until quarantine is over and check for corrosion after. I worry about the pre-mix attacking my existing tubing though (mayhem ultra clear, PVC)

WantoN · 2 May 2020 at 08:58

I'm the same, I only ever use clear. XT1 Nuke clear has been great for me with ZMT tubing.

marlies · 2 May 2020 at 11:16

Can I link to another forum here? I found a decently detailed post about the various pre-mix/concentrate on the market. Google for "The Best Documented PC Coolants" Need to do some more googling for reviews of the listed clear tier 1 coolants.