Blue dye that doesn't stain/affect pumps?

kalvnhobbz · 06-03-2002, 12:41 AM

I'm looking for a blue water dye that won't stain the tubing/reservoir and won't damage the pump. UV flourescent isn't so important to me. I just want to get rid of the pink from the water wetter and replace it with blue...

Would food coloring be the best choice (or does it stain)? How does the blue flourescent dye at caseetc work? it's a little expensive though...

any suggestions?

bigben2k · 06-03-2002, 08:53 AM

Your question should read: "what type of tubing won't stain?"

Silicone often has a porous surface, which is prime for staining. Vynil on the other hand, has a very smooth finish, and rarely stains.

Tygon 3603 is chemically resistant, so it's a sure bet.

kalvnhobbz · 06-03-2002, 01:36 PM

there's also the plastic reservoir to think about... also want to make sure that the dye doesn't affect the pump (but i haven't seen any posts that indicate any dye does this).

what are the negatives with food coloring? would it stain the reservoir walls?

bigben2k · 06-03-2002, 01:49 PM

A dye won't affect your pump. The only way it would, is if you used a soluble dye (i.e. a powder), and if you didn't dissolve it properly. Otherwise, for all practical purposes, it's a liquid (highly diluted in water).

Since you mention the res, then I have to guess that you're building a "pretty looking" system, with windows, right?

There's not really anyway to tell for sure if the dye will stain anything, just because there's too many factors. You just have to try it, and take some measures to prevent it.

The res shouldn't stain (guessing). If you suspect it might, then try spraying the inside with something like Pam (cooking oil spray), then rinse it out with water. This should fill any of the minuscule cracks with a water repellant substance. (Hey, it's just an idea!)

kalvnhobbz · 06-03-2002, 02:23 PM

hmm... thanks for the advice. i guess i will just have to try it and see.

nope, no windows. but my reservoir and radiator are outside the case so it has to be somewhat aesthetically pleasing.

06-03-2002, 12:41 AM	#1
kalvnhobbz Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 27	Blue dye that doesn't stain/affect pumps? I'm looking for a blue water dye that won't stain the tubing/reservoir and won't damage the pump. UV flourescent isn't so important to me. I just want to get rid of the pink from the water wetter and replace it with blue... Would food coloring be the best choice (or does it stain)? How does the blue flourescent dye at caseetc work? it's a little expensive though... any suggestions?

06-03-2002, 08:53 AM	#2
bigben2k Responsible for 2% of all the posts here. Join Date: May 2002 Location: Texas, U.S.A. Posts: 8,302	Your question should read: "what type of tubing won't stain?" Silicone often has a porous surface, which is prime for staining. Vynil on the other hand, has a very smooth finish, and rarely stains. Tygon 3603 is chemically resistant, so it's a sure bet. __________________ WBTA (Water Block Testing Alliance) Nordic Hardware WC 101

06-03-2002, 01:49 PM	#4
bigben2k Responsible for 2% of all the posts here. Join Date: May 2002 Location: Texas, U.S.A. Posts: 8,302	A dye won't affect your pump. The only way it would, is if you used a soluble dye (i.e. a powder), and if you didn't dissolve it properly. Otherwise, for all practical purposes, it's a liquid (highly diluted in water). Since you mention the res, then I have to guess that you're building a "pretty looking" system, with windows, right? There's not really anyway to tell for sure if the dye will stain anything, just because there's too many factors. You just have to try it, and take some measures to prevent it. The res shouldn't stain (guessing). If you suspect it might, then try spraying the inside with something like Pam (cooking oil spray), then rinse it out with water. This should fill any of the minuscule cracks with a water repellant substance. (Hey, it's just an idea!) __________________ WBTA (Water Block Testing Alliance) Nordic Hardware WC 101

06-03-2002, 01:36 PM	#3
kalvnhobbz Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 27	there's also the plastic reservoir to think about... also want to make sure that the dye doesn't affect the pump (but i haven't seen any posts that indicate any dye does this). what are the negatives with food coloring? would it stain the reservoir walls?

06-03-2002, 02:23 PM	#5
kalvnhobbz Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 27	hmm... thanks for the advice. i guess i will just have to try it and see. nope, no windows. but my reservoir and radiator are outside the case so it has to be somewhat aesthetically pleasing.

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