Cleaning External Filter Tubes

[ellena]

I've had my tank running for 7 weeks now and the clear tubes to the filter are covered in brown algae, least. I think that's what it is! Even in the cupboard, where it's dark!
How do I clean these? I assume I'll have to dismantle it all to get the tubes on their own? If I have to do this regularly, do they go back watertight without trouble? Is there a special brush/technique?
The flow doesn't seem restricted, how often should I do this?
Thanks and happy new year

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I tend to clean canisters twice a years and I do the hoses only one of these two times.
 
It is not algae, which needs light to grow. It is actually beneficial stuff which, if it builds up over the years, it can slow flow in the hoses which we do not want.
 
There are a few ways to clean it depending on how long the hose is. With shorted runs a flexible rush with a longer handle may be enough- you clean from both ends. I also have a length of wire coat hanger about 16 inches long with a loop on the end that will hook onto the loop on the end of the brush handle. This extends the reach of the flexible brush to by 1/3 to 1/2.
 
It is possible to use a string with a weight that you attempt to drop into one end and have it fall through the hose to emerge at the other end, The you can drag a brush through the hose. However, most hose are not straight and may have permanent bends in them from how they are installed. So this can prove to be a challenge for a longer hose.
 
The other technique I use is bleaching. I have assorted pumps so I can fill a bucket with a bleach solution, put the pump into the bucket as well as the out[put end of the hose and then I run the pump for a while. it is a loop. If you have no pump you can pour a bleach solution into one end of a hose. You must hold both ends at the same height and can pour in the solution until it almost comes out the other end. Then hold the ends even and let the hose soak for 5 - 10 minutes.
 
Whatever method you use above, it is essential to rinse the hoses well when done. Just swap out the bleach solution for clean tap water with dechlor added at an over dose and use this to get out any residual bleach before reconnecting the hoses.

 

[ellena]

Brilliant, thank you

 

[Byron]

In addition to TwoTankAmin's methods, I have another that works for me.  I disconnect the tubing and take it to the laundry room sink (where you can make a bit of a water mess), or the bath tub also works.  With the valves open (canister filters have valves at the filter end) I run hot water into one end and provided you have a bit of a fall it will flush through.  Sometimes I get some water in the tube and swish it back and forth by mouth (don't swallow it!), a knack one can learn with practice.  This works fine with my five and six foot tubes.
 
As for frequency, more often will obviously keep the tubes clearer, or should, but I tend to be lazy about removing these hoses.  I have had them clog to the point of almost completely stopping the water flow once, but usually I find twice a year works.  If you can get in the habit of more often, all the better; this is a situation where more frequently is not going to do any harm.
 
Byron.

 

[dave840f1]

I have a small bottle brush attached to a plant stick 1/4" thick and I push this down to clear the pipeline.