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Additive for cooling loop.

Soldato
Joined
28 Aug 2014
Posts
2,507
Topped up with de ionised water from asda and realised I replaced most of my coolant so need to add some additive or inhibitor and cant find any in my stashes. What's the suggestion? I cant remember what I used last time.
 
You need a biocide or inhibitor for long term protection. A wad of pH strips are also handy.

If you have only topped up the loop, not a drain and fill, you'll probably be fine anyway.
 
That's a big top up if you replaced most of your coolant, did you have a leak or are you exaggerating?

How old is the coolant? If it's over 12 months it's probably time to replace it all anyway.
 
It was perfectly clear and older than 12 months. It isn't coloured. Think I might have used the mayhems coolant that comes with it already.

Now that I think about it, it wasn't even a 3rd. Changed the gpu and blocks drained my case components - gpu and gpu block aswell as small reservoir pump combo. I have a 1080mm external radiator so most stayed in there. Its defo time to top up the additives now though.
 
Not sure mixing additives with a premix coolant is a good idea. If it was a Mayhems premix (X1 or XT1) they usually have a 1 Year operational lifetime so will be due to be replaced in full rather than topped up. Its makes no difference if its clear coolant or not with regard to how long it lasts.

If I were you I'd plan to drain, flush with deionised/distilled water and then relace with either a new premix coolant or deionised/distilled water and your addititves of choice at the appropriate ratio.
 
It was perfectly clear and older than 12 months. It isn't coloured. Think I might have used the mayhems coolant that comes with it already.

Now that I think about it, it wasn't even a 3rd. Changed the gpu and blocks drained my case components - gpu and gpu block aswell as small reservoir pump combo. I have a 1080mm external radiator so most stayed in there. Its defo time to top up the additives now though.
You probably used Mayhems X1 concentrate which has a biocide and corrosion inhibitor .
 
I have been watercooling since the last century and have never used any biocide or inhibitor or killcoil. I once had galvanic corrosion in the infamous Swiftech block but that was the block not my coolant. My current loop was filled with "battery water" after shipping it here three years ago and there is no buildup, no sludge, no staining, no issues whatsoever.

I firmly believe the problem to be overstated.
 
I've run rigs for 8+ years with the same water and absolutely no buildup or corrosion.

Just boil water and add a bit of antifreeze.
 
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