question re cleaning tubes for filter

[Maria Ashton]

I bought a second hand filter and left it standing outside for a month, I want to set it up now but have noticed that some of the U shaped tubes which connect the pipes have something in them, not sure if its limescale and or mould. I can get new ones but am loath to throw things away unnecessarily - is there a way of cleaning these pipes, the shape means I can not get a brush to all the affected areas. I have tried soaking the parts and that has removed some of it but not all.

Thanks in advance
Maria

[jimg]

I push a piece of filter wool through it with a wire like a coat hanger.

[Coffee1stLife2nd]

good to know....

[Maria Ashton]

brilliant, Thank You Jim

[DiscusBR]

Since I am lazy and not as creative as jimg, I use this one:

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3896

[Maria Ashton]

Thanks, have been looking for something like that here in Holland but not found anything, am off to the UK next week so will see if I can order there.

[Wahter]

I recently bought the Two Little Fishies MagFox Aquarium Tubing Cleaner - it works pretty well (especially for hoses). The scrubber section is very small, so you'll need to work it around a bit if you have a lot of build up, but it works really well, and I like it better than using longer brushes.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+3764+23699&pcatid=23699

Walter

[Maria Ashton]

cool thanks

[mi-ko]

This is the closest topic I could find to the question I have. I have had Python water changer for years and I don't know how to clean the hose(50 feet). It start looking pretty yucky inside. I need help. Would anybody have suggestions for cleaning inside of these hose?


Sachio

[Musky Hunter]

I use the brushs used to clean you washer/dryer.
You can get these at a hardware store, about 4th long and the Scrubber section is about 12 inches long.
I find these work way better then the ones designed for tanks.

[brewmaster15]

Sachio,
Its been many years since I used a python...but when I did I would fill it up with a really strong batch of PP (potassium permanganate) and let it soak a day or two... That would oxidize anything growing in there..Then I would rinse it out..The residue thats left is brown but harmless..If you want that gone too you could fill a 1-2 gallon pail up with water, add a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and fill the hose with it...let that soak a few hours and it should get rid of most of the residue.

hth,
al

[DiscusLoverJeff]

I use a vinager/water bath for 24 hours to clean my reef equipment I am sure its the same for freshwater lime scale or algae build up. I do a 3 to 1 part water to vinager.

[Maria Ashton]

I never thought of vinegar but it makes perfect sense, thanks

[notrees]

hi maria i clean hoses and tubes by stuffing tissue paper into them.keep pushing the tissue untill it emerges at the other end.
of course the tissue gets stuck at some point time to get wet hold the tube against the outlet of a tap then turn it on pressurize and the water will push the tissue out. in industry this process is called "pigging" and is very effective