Clear Tubes Now Milky White?

[Monte20]

My airation tubes (some) have turned a milky white color. And My transparent filter siphon has turned whitish also. weird. anyone know what causes this> kind of an eyesore for me.

 

[randalthor]

Did you use the air tube for water changes?

 

[Monte20]

nope. but the one that is white is the one that i have turned off.

 

[triliaeris]

the clear tubes turn white and then sometimes get rock hard. we found that our the hard way. really weird.

there's this blue silicone stuff that is working really well so far for us. it stays soft

 

[Clairel]

Ive also got the blue air piping in my tank... I think the clear tubing is actually harder than the blue, the blue seems much more softer etc..

C x

 

[Dubby]

The transparent tubes change colour because of the type of plastic used for manufacturing them, and this is normal. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Bignose]

Dubby is right. In a little more technical terms, the plastics continue to react, albeit slowly, and so the polymers continue to cross-link even when you have to product in hand. In general, the more highly cross-linked the polymer is, the stiffer it becomes. Opaqueness is not uncommon, either. Light helps speed up this process, but you are probably not going to remove light from your tank.

Have you guys ever pulled an old piece of plastic out of the attic or the storage shed? Ever notice how brittle it is after several years or decades. I am specifically thinking of something like Bakelite plastics that used to be used in molding on the walls or for electrical outlet covers. It is not used nearly as much today, but if you find one of those pieces from the 60's it is extremely brittle today.

So, in conclusion, it is all normal, and if it really bothers you, go purchase new tubing -- it is reasonably cheap. But, there is nothing wrong with it the way it is. If it is an eyesore, put a plant in front of it.

 

[Monte20]

Thanks for the info