Copper block discussion related to oxidation (NOT EK discussion or flaking)

[Varroa]

Hey Guys, I wanted to start a new thread regarding all-copper blocks (non-plated) and oxidation. I am currently using copper blocks, copper rads and no other metals in my loops. I am using anti-microbial tubing (dark blue), distilled water and a silver coil (so there isn't much risk of algae growth). However, is there a risk of oxidation of all my copper parts? What effect does oxidation have on the cooling ability? Should I be concerned and use a anti-oxidative additive? what is the general consensus? I was under the assumption that nobody used additives anymore since then can gum up the fins in blocks (I have witnessed this myself when I took apart a old block after using the green swiftech water additive). Thanks

[Lanboy]

Originally Posted by Varroa

. I was under the assumption that nobody used additives anymore since then can gum up the fins in blocks (I have witnessed this myself when I took apart a old block after using the green swiftech water additive). Thanks

the question is; it is the anti-corosion additives or the green dyes that gum up ?

[Varroa]

The swiftech Hydrix is a glycol based product so I don't think there are/is any dyes (don't quote me on that). I had a swiftech pump/CPU block die on me and the fins were almost completely plugged with green goop.

But the question is, does oxidized copper have any affect on the cooling abilities of the block?

[Asad_A203]

I was thinking about using this:

DazMode Protector Dazmode Protector [DAZMODE PROTECTOR] - $5.99 : DazMode, Canadian PC Water Cooling and Modding Store

[lowfat]

If you can control bacterial growth in your loop you should be fine. Copper oxidation is easily cleaned up w/ ketchup and either way has almost no affect on performance.

[Dazmode]

+1 This is just looks, not to worry.

Also, assumption that nobody use colored liquid or additives is not exactly correct. They are still popular items; I use one myself without much trouble.

[MattC]

Seems like having dyes might just increase maintenance frequency. Its all very interesting when there really isnt a standard set.

[lowfat]

Originally Posted by MattC

Seems like having dyes might just increase maintenance frequency. Its all very interesting when there really isnt a standard set.

Good dyes shouldn't breakdown in the loop. Dyes like Mayhems shouldn't cause any more maintenance then a loop w/o it. Well besides staining tubing.

[Varroa]

Good to know guys, thanks. I will just stick with my distilled water/kill coil combo for now then. All my previous blocks were Koolance and where coated so my new EK block which isn't coated (bare copper) is my first block that I have had to deal with (besides my swiftech NB block).