Intake and Outake Tubes of Canister

[jackie1258]

Is it ok to clean with a brush the insides of the intake and outtake tubes of a canister filter? My tubes are filled with green algae and whenever I turn off the filter for WC and then restart it, tons of algae particles come out of the outtake and into my aquarium water.

[Nick Klimkowski]

Yes it would be ok, make sure that the brush that you use is very clean. You can also run water through the pipe to clean it out. Also check the rest of the filter for any build up in other places.

[Tazalanche]

We used to try those methods, plus pipe cleaners with fishing line & a weight on the opposite end, until I found this: Two Little Fishies Mag Fox (http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-maintenance/two-little-fishies-mag-fox.html).

[discussmith]

It would be worth the cost to replace the clear hoses with those that don't allow light to penetrate and thus prevent the algae growth in the first place. You will still need to clean the waste that collects over time but not as often.

[jackie1258]

The hoses are green and not clear. I will try cleaning them with a brush I bought recently for this specific use. Thanks everyone.

[Udeservit]

putting some nylon over the outtake or even holding your fish net over the outtake at startup is a good idea incase extra pieces come out at start up. :)

[BODYDUB]

We used to try those methods, plus pipe cleaners with fishing line & a weight on the opposite end, until I found this: Two Little Fishies Mag Fox (http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-maintenance/two-little-fishies-mag-fox.html).
I've never seen that before, pretty neat.............

[DiscusLoverJeff]

You could also take a wire coat hanger open it up and make it straight; using electrical tape, tape your wire tube brush to it.

[Trubble]

I've never seen that before, pretty neat.............

It works great. It's taken hose cleaning from a massive chore to a quick easy job. I think it's worth it's weight in gold.

[jackie1258]

Well I bought a brush attached to a long wire for aquarium hose cleaning and it worked just great. My hoses are like new. Thanks for everyone's responses.

[SortSay2003]

Just wanted to add another method:

I use the rods from a new gun/rifle cleaning kit and some of the soft cloth tips. They work GREAT! Used to used tiny gravel/pebbles, fill with some water, and shake. But that was to much work until the gun cleaning kit came alone. Much easier and faster now:)

[aalbina]

It works great. It's taken hose cleaning from a massive chore to a quick easy job. I think it's worth it's weight in gold.

Jsut ordered mine form Ken's Fish! www.kensfish.com (http://www.kensfish.com)