idea for A/C condensing unit

[67hat34c]

I noted for the first time that there is barnicle growth inside the sea strainer going to the Condensing Unit water pump. Can barnicles grow inside the condensor? I remember some of you put chorine tablets in the strainer but some thought it may be too corrosive to the system. Would Bromine be any better? I had another idea. Why not use a UV filter. I have a UV filter on my Koy Pond, very simple design and it should kill stuff without damaging the system. Anyone tried this?

 

[Boatsb]

Or what about flushing it twice a year with an acid??????? Would this be damaging to the inner water jacket ( raw water side if its made of copper?

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I've used the 1" chorine tablets for 6 yrs now in my strainer. I was told to by my A/C guy. So far so good. I put 2 in each time I check the strainer in the summertime (once a week this summer due to the amount of shrimp, minnows and floating grass we had) And then just one during the cold months when I only have to check it once a month.
They do not help if the intake gets clogged with growth or mud but I have a diver clean the bottom monthly (cept I DID have to jump in a few weeks ago as barnicles did build up in a 4 week period)
The AC man did say I still need to clean the units out once a year though.

 

[Norm Mayer]

I am an ASE certified master tech, but for Automobiles, so I know AC systems fairly well. But of course, there are many differences in marine AC. I have been generally impressed with my marine AC tech that installed a totally new Cruisair system in our 1970 44' Tricabin. He recommended AGAINST chlorine tablets in the strainer basket, as they would corrode the system quickly. He DOES recommend the bromide tablets ( available at Walmart much cheaper than the pool places). He has us fill the strainer baskets full every 2 weeks. Even at that, he says occasionally we will need to acid clean the system periodicly (SP?). He seems to know what he is talking about, and I am following his advice. FWIW
Norm Mayer
aboard Runaround Sue
in N Ft Myers, FL

 

[Boatsb]

What type of acid does he recomend.

 

[Banshee36]

The water moves so fast thru the condenser coil, the nothing will grow there. You may however get some calcium build up. Stuff does grow in the strainer, I have a nice sponge city growing in mine right now, but it is still going strong.

I think there were some threads covering this topic, The best way I heard to clean the condenser is to un hook the outflow and inflow hoses from the pump and thruhull, hook up a pump, a bucket and another piece of hose and run vinegar thru the system for a while. That should get rid of any buildup and it is not to corrosive.
JW