DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING

EVEN PROS MAKE MISTAKES. During initial testing and after filling and priming your loop, always do what we call a leak test. In short, cover all your hardware in paper towels, ensure everything is disconnected, except for the pumps, and cycle the loops using a PSU bridge. This way, you can tell whether there are any leaks, and correct them. The last thing you want is a leak while your rig is turned on. It’s advisable to do this while the initial fill occurs.

We foolishly forgot to check one of our horizontal reservoir caps properly, and after several failed attempts at tightening it in a bid to stem a leak, realized that one of the caps was actually missing its O-ring entirely. A quick drain, analysis, and refill, and we were good to go.