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Copper tube in DWC?

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    #1

    Copper tube in DWC?

    I'm think of using copper tube as a heat exchanger in a DWC 5 gallon bucket. I know Cu is a fungicide. I'm not sure whether it's suitable for this application. Thoughts? Experience?
    Tags: None
    #2
    Hmm...
    it’s not just a fungicide but is also anti microbial. Also great for killing snails in a fish tank.

    As an anti microbial, it would kill the beneficial bacteria that are part of helping roots uptake nutrients. I’m not sure if it would have any negative reactions to the plant, but would be more concerned as to how the copper reacts to all the salts in the reservoir.

    If price was no concern, i would try to use stainless steel tubing. If you do come up with a heat exchanger system, I’d be very interested in following along for ideas.
    Over 30 yrs of back pain management without ever having a pharmacist give me a bottle of pills. Thank you Mother Nature and all the hippies from the ‘60s that became weed-masters.

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    • DW2
      #2.1
      DW2 commented
      01-21-2021, 06:43 PM
      Editing a comment
      Howdy, an other alternative to copper and stainless steel would be to use aluminum tubing. It is less expensive than both and is, usually, softer and easier to form without special tools, and does not react with water. Aluminum also has a better thermal transfer rate as well.
    #3
    Definitely suitable

    Comment

      #4
      Originally posted by Smokesteve View Post
      Definitely suitable
      You would consider this suitable even though it kills all bacteria? Have you tried it? McMaster Carr has aluminum tubing for sale. Any reason not to use Al?

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        #5
        What is your plans for chilling the water? Pumping?

        There are some great peltier in-line cooling modules on Amazon that i have been eyeballing. Unfortunately they consume a lot of electricity to run, so I’m looking for other ideas.
        Over 30 yrs of back pain management without ever having a pharmacist give me a bottle of pills. Thank you Mother Nature and all the hippies from the ‘60s that became weed-masters.

        Comment

          #6
          https://fullbattery.com/products/alu...BoC6xMQAvD_BwE

          So, if this was sitting on the bottom of a bucket and had cold water 40F running through it, would it cool the water to 65-68F? Hmmm

          Smokesteve have you ever tried copper in a dwc? That would be the simplest solution. Does DWC require good bacteria if there is no bad bacteria?

          Comment

          • Smokesteve
            #6.1
            Smokesteve commented
            01-22-2021, 01:04 PM
            Editing a comment
            I haven't although I have some knowledge on the subject through an aqauntence. Ph 5.5-6.5 copper oxide formed on outside of the tubing, reducing leaching potential. Then again if you have a cheaper option go with that. I know of one guy who had success with it.
          #7
          I am looking at one of these with an Arduino Nano to monitor temp to turn it on/off.

          https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1ZFWC6..._b.IcGbKE8P61P
          Over 30 yrs of back pain management without ever having a pharmacist give me a bottle of pills. Thank you Mother Nature and all the hippies from the ‘60s that became weed-masters.

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