Filter Query

[scrufts]

I currently have a 4' tank which houses a 6" oscar. Filtration is a Tetratec EX1200 external filter. The tanlk has been running well, and I recently cleaned part of the filter medium in tank water for the first time. The only thing that worries me is that the plastic pipes leading to and from the tank are starting to get a little mucky - is this normal or should they be replaced periodically? Otherwise I have no real problems and a happy /clean oscar!

 

[andyw823]

You can buy pipe cleaners, basicly there a piece of wire with bristless attached, just thread them through the pipes!

 

[fishnterrapins]

I don't replace my pipes but with the eheim setup i use there are caps you can take off the plastic fixtures where the pipes enter them so you can stick a bottle brush down them. My advice would be when you stop the filter next time to clean it get a bottle brush down them.

 

[The-Wolf]

no the pipes should not be cleaned/replaced untill
the flow is significantly reduced.

just remember when you do clean/replace the pipes you will be
removing a lot of bacteria along with the gunk, so keep an eye on the params afterwards.

 

[scrufts]

Thanks for all the help, I'll keep an eye on the flow rate and go from there. In the meantime I'll be on the lookout for a long reach bottle brush!