How To Clean Algae From Filter Hose

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Algae and canister filter tubes

oOBlueOo

Mar 24, 2015

I have an API Filstar XP medium filter that's been set up for about a month and a half now. I empty the filter water out every week to get rid of the gunk on the bottom, but I have no idea how to clean the filter tubes.

I can't exactly take them off. I had a really hard time getting them attached to the filter in the first place. I imagine they'd have to be cut off in order to be removed.

I'm more worried about the return flow than the intake. The flow isn't impacted. But with the algae growing, would it grow enough to actually block the flow?

I'm sure there was algae in my previous filter and I just didn't notice it due to the plastic tubes being black. But the new filter tubes are clear and it kinda has me wondering.

So short of cutting off the tubes and getting new ones, how can they be cleaned?

ImageUploadedByFish Lore Aquarium Fish Forum1427235745.961223.jpg

zaraspook

Mar 24, 2015

My canister filter came with a brush with a plastic line attach to it so you can run it down a tube and clean it out. Its works great.

Dolfan

Mar 24, 2015

Here is a great product I found that I use with great success. You need to be able to have access to at least one end of the tubing though, so maybe the other end of the tubes (not shown in photo) you could open up and access. You just slide in the little magnetic scrub brush and run the magnet up and down the length of the tubing. It will loosen all the crud up real good. I usually rinse out at sink, but you may want to run the canister with some dechlorinated water in a bucket so that stuff doesn't blow out into your tank.

oOBlueOo

Mar 24, 2015

Thread Starter
#4

My canister filter came with a brush with a plastic line attach to it so you can run it down a tube and clean it out. Its works great.

Unfortunatly, mine didn't come with that. You'd think they'd provide a way to clean it. Or at least directions on what to use to clean it.

Here is a great product I found that I use with great success. You need to be able to have access to at least one end of the tubing though, so maybe the other end of the tubes (not shown in photo) you could open up and access. You just slide in the little magnetic scrub brush and run the magnet up and down the length of the tubing. It will loosen all the crud up real good. I usually rinse out at sink, but you may want to run the canister with some dechlorinated water in a bucket so that stuff doesn't blow out into your tank.

I never thought to use magnents. I have a few pretty strong ones that I can try. I feel a DIY project coming on.

Btw...that lady in the video severely reminds me of a teacher I used to have that I really did not like...LOL

zaraspook

Mar 24, 2015

Yea that's for sure. I sure if you look online you could find one. My canister is a Marineland 350 Mag.

oOBlueOo

Mar 24, 2015

Thread Starter
#6

Is there any problem with just leaving it alone or should it really be cleaned? I've read some info saying that if it's not obstructing the flow, then don't worry about it.

Junne

Mar 24, 2015

I don't know... if that were me, I would probably get new tubing and clamps and start fresh.

It seems like down the line, it would cause a problem with obstruction, maybe higher nitrates, etc. but probably not immediate if water is flowing through it.

I had some less than adequate flow with my canister on my 6.6 gallon and I now take the end of a pressure washer ( the as-seen-on-tv brand cheapie ) and blast the water through it ( both ends removed, of course )

Seems like it would be easier to start fresh and then keep regular maintenance on it. Just my opinion.

Good luck either way!

oOBlueOo

Mar 25, 2015

Thread Starter
#8

If I get new tubes, I have to figure out a better way to put them on. My hands were covered in blisters last time

zaraspook

Mar 25, 2015

Get a glass of water and add a little soap in it. Put some on the inside of the tube and fitting. Then push on. When done rinse the tubing out to get soap out of the tubing. This will help.

slade

Mar 25, 2015

Stay away from soap. Let the end of tubing sit in a bucket of hot water for 2 minutes then add some Vaseline to the fitting and it should slip right on.

Dadio

Mar 25, 2015

I wouldn't suggest Vaseline either as it is a petro-chem product which can breakdown plastics and similar materials. Vaseline is a very misleading product and even though used in the cosmetic industry we as formulators and experts in care of the skin and wellness never suggest this what so ever. I'd use any household oil (olive, sunflower or other) as it is vegetable and residue would not be harmful

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