BigBen,
Going more acidic does not sound productive to me. Acids usually attack (or react) to both organic and metalic elements becuase of their very nature.
My chemistry skills are very rusty but from what I think I remember:
Acids are chemicals that are negatively charged particles that want to become neutral. When they come in contact with both organic and metalic compounds, they break apart other compounds around them to create electrically neutral compounds. This reaction "tears" apart the original compound and thus is the reason why you see all that "bubbling" when you pour an acid onto something.
A base usually only attacks (or reacts) with organic compounds. However after a very interesting experience last night with some EXTREMELY HIGH concentrations of Sodium Hydroxide solutions, even a base will react with metailic compounds. (In short, it started eating through the aluminum can I was using to mix the stuff in
)
Personally, I would think it would be better for a watercooled system to be slightly basic, not acidic. Acidic enviroments usually led to the "battery affect" and thus should be avoided like the plaque.
Again I could be completly wrong but at least I try and expand my knowledge base.
