Cleaning External Filter Pipes

[voo]

My external filter has been running for just over a month now, and the intake pipe is getting some kind of stringy algae? dirt? growing on the sides of it.

It's mainly in the intake pipe where it leaves the tank, as this is directly under the light (overtank lighting), but it's also 30-40cm down the pipe aswell.



Should i be cleaning this or is it ok to just leave it there? Also, how do i clean it? Does anyone have a quick and easy way of doing so?



Thanks.

 

[raptorrex]

My external filter has been running for just over a month now, and the intake pipe is getting some kind of stringy algae? dirt? growing on the sides of it.

It's mainly in the intake pipe where it leaves the tank, as this is directly under the light (overtank lighting), but it's also 30-40cm down the pipe aswell.



Should i be cleaning this or is it ok to just leave it there? Also, how do i clean it? Does anyone have a quick and easy way of doing so?



Thanks.

you can get brushes for the job! sort of like a bottle brush head on a long coiled length of plastic covered wire. cant remember the brand of mine.

 

[voo]

I have some brushes that are meant for the impellers. is that the kind of thing you meant?

 

[raptorrex]

I have some brushes that are meant for the impellers. is that the kind of thing you meant?

not sure guy, the one i have has a wire coil that is about 3 feet or so. oh boy am i sad, it came in a blister pack and i still have the pack. mine is a fluval hose brush with a 36" cord, price sticker says £2.59

 

[voo]

Sounds just like what i need!
Now to find one...

 

[callum_parsons]

Sounds just like what i need!
Now to find one...

http/www.seapets.co.uk/product-details/s...tegory/611.html

here is a website that sells them

 

[voo]

Thanks! Great stuff. Just the thing.
Only problem is it'll cost me £6 inc delivery

Think i'll wait till my next trip to the lfs before buying that.

 

[raptorrex]

Thanks! Great stuff. Just the thing.
Only problem is it'll cost me £6 inc delivery

Think i'll wait till my next trip to the lfs before buying that.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLEXIBLE-TUBE-BRUSH-...1QQcmdZViewItem
one here for £4 inc atm

 

[CFC]

What i do to clean out my hoses is attach them to the end of the garden hose with a hose lock connector and then jet them out with mains pressure water.

If your hoses are in direct sunlight or is being affected by the tank lights it might be an idea to wrap the hoses in some black electrical tape or similar.

 

[raptorrex]

What i do to clean out my hoses is attach them to the end of the garden hose with a hose lock connector and then jet them out with mains pressure water.

If your hoses are in direct sunlight or is being affected by the tank lights it might be an idea to wrap the hoses in some black electrical tape or similar.

lol was thinking that may work.

on this subject, how often should you clean pipes, seems logical to leave them, till they are starting to restrict flow. though thats just a guess. only did mine because i bought the filter second hand. im assuming the alge will do no harm, and the tube will be another area for the bactiria to live?

 

[voo]

Thanks, that looks just what i need!! i'll look in the lfs tomorrow and if they dont have one, which i doubt they will, i'll most likely purchase it. Thanks

I think i will need to cover the pipes somehow, both seem to have this algae growing in it, although it's worse in the inlet pipe. Not sure what i can cover it with without it looking tacky though.

One again, thanks for your help everyone !

Thanks! Great stuff. Just the thing.
Only problem is it'll cost me £6 inc delivery

Think i'll wait till my next trip to the lfs before buying that.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLEXIBLE-TUBE-BRUSH-...1QQcmdZViewItem
one here for £4 inc atm