water, water, water

[xk8boy]

Okay, still waiting for the AC stuff to arrive. so been reading up abit more on h2o. So far, distilled water should be use in the the loops, with some aqua-solution.

question. where are ppl buying/getting distilled water from? in the UK and London plse. searched the forum but cant see it. and how much should it cost?

[fivecheebs]

Halfords sell distilled water ofr batteries. You get 5l for about 5 quid.

[Darv]

If you can't find distilled water then go for de-ionised water. I got a couple of litres in Halfords for a few quid.

Other places to look are supermarkets (water for irons), petrol stations, other motorist shops etc

[Olly]

I may be wrong (I usually am ... or at least thats what the wife tells me :D ),
but isn't de-ionised water better than distilled water for w/c systems?

I have a vague memory reading a post aout this - something to do with having less chance of chemical reactions (corrosion etc) in your system because the water is de-ionised.

me waits to be corrected ......


Olly

[Darv]

Distilled water is better than de-ionised IIRC although it shouldn't make very much difference.

With distilled water I think it's de-ionised in the process of distilling it.

[Knipex]

Distilled water is better than de-ionised IIRC although it shouldn't make very much difference.

With distilled water I think it's de-ionised in the process of distilling it.
Sorry Darv thats not quite true.

De Ionised water is manufactured by passing water through a carbon filter to remove bio matter and then a DI cylinder to remove ecess ions. Used alot in industrial clean lines as it leaves no staining after drying.

Distilled water is made by distilling it to remove impurities. (or morecommonly by filtration)

Di water is also corrosive and in industry is carried either in plastic or stainless pipework.

When used in water cooling the water will actually no longer by DI ionised after a short period of time as it will draw ions from the water blocks.

I use distilled and di-Water which ever is handy at the time. Its a bit of complicated issue and some people swear by Di and other by distilled.

[Darv]

You learn something everyday B)

Am I right in thinking that in terms of water cooling it won't make a significant difference using either?

[Knipex]

Pretty much.

There have been many arguments about which is best but at the end of the day it does not make much difference.

[fillip]

I remember reading a huge article (Pro Cooling possibly) on the possible benefits of using water with a balanced ion level compared to that of the blocks used in a w/c setup. It would illiminate any corrosion since this occurs when there is an imbalance in ions but I can't remember whether there were any potential cooling benefits to be gained.

[Olly]

Thanks for clearing that up Knipex

[Starbuck3733T]

Sorry Darv thats not quite true.

De Ionised water is manufactured by passing water through a carbon filter to remove bio matter and then a DI cylinder to remove ecess ions. Used alot in industrial clean lines as it leaves no staining after drying.

Distilled water is made by distilling it to remove impurities. (or morecommonly by filtration)

Di water is also corrosive and in industry is carried either in plastic or stainless pipework.

When used in water cooling the water will actually no longer by DI ionised after a short period of time as it will draw ions from the water blocks.

I use distilled and di-Water which ever is handy at the time. Its a bit of complicated issue and some people swear by Di and other by distilled.

Damn, took the words right out my mouth (though you were more thorough and provided examples. Good man.

[Knipex]

I remember reading a huge article (Pro Cooling possibly) on the possible benefits of using water with a balanced ion level compared to that of the blocks used in a w/c setup. It would illiminate any corrosion since this occurs when there is an imbalance in ions but I can't remember whether there were any potential cooling benefits to be gained.

In theory the corrosion factor would be a big issue. I recently did some work on a clean line where someone had replaced some pipework with copper and it was eaten through. This however was in a a recirc loop where the water was constantly being put through DI cylinders. In a closed loop system (like watercooling) where the water once added is not put through the cylinders any more it will loose its DI properties pretty rapidly and also its corrosive properties. The main advantage of using DI is that because of the carbon filters it will be free of any organic matter which will help with preventing bacterial growth. (if and only if you loop is spotlessly clean and sterile)

The disadvantage is you will get incresed corrosion for a time after you fill the loop. In real word applications the no loop is 100% clean and sterile and the corrosive properties dont last very long so........

Either Di or distilled water at room temperature or above are ideal breeding ground for bacteria which is why we use (normally toxic) additives. In industry the water is also put through a UV filter to kill the bacteria off but in our applications this does not happen so be carefull when emptying your loop.

[xk8boy]

Once again, thanks for everyone's great comments. you learn new things everyday.