Dirty Canister Filter Hoses

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Lecba

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Feb 10, 2004
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My 30 gallon tank has been up and running for many years. I have a Eheim 2213 canister filter underneath, in the stand. The hoses that run to and from the filter to the tank have become quite filthy. I wouldn't call then clogged, but I have noticed that the flow has decreased. The idea of draining 90% of the water (and doing something with the fish) to clean the hoses doesn't seem very practical.

Does anyone know of a way to clean of safely flush these out? Is there some kind of plug that can be used in the aquarium side to stop the tank from draining if I disconnected the hoses?
 
You don't need to drain the tank to clean your hoses...:confused:

Just take all of the filter parts out of the tank, run a cleaner brush through the tubing, and then put it back. As long as you remember to only use tank water to clean the filter media itself you won't destroy any biobugs.
 
There is several feet of hose going to and from the filter to the tank. The traditional wire brushes aren't nearly long enough. They also aren't flexible enough to make the right-angle bend at the tank side.
 
I have a brush that has a cord attached that you can feed through a few feet of hose you can prob find online. I have shutoff valves and disconnects on my lines and usually just buy new tubing and replace. I have been really happy with this place. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/ I just shut off the cannister close valves and disconnect no drips at all if needed I can post the valves I use. Hope that helps.
 
There is several feet of hose going to and from the filter to the tank. The traditional wire brushes aren't nearly long enough. They also aren't flexible enough to make the right-angle bend at the tank side.
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Just disconnect the hoses from the tank and straighten them out. I do this maybe once every six months.

I have several hose brush sets that are 4 feet long.
If you haven't purchased a hose brush yet you rig something- I once tied fishing line to a hose brush, weighted it with a small spoon, and pulled it through my hoses.

Where there is a will there is a way!

You could even remove the hoses and soak them in dilute bleach solution for a couple of hours then flush really well with clean water.
 
I remove my hoses soak them in a bucket with water and bleach. Then I take them outside and blast them with the water hose. This works good for me.
 
Just go to home depot and buy new ones, so much easier then to go through the hassle, and you will never get the old ones as clean as brand new ones. Thats what I did and it was definitely worth it.
 
Thanks for all of the comments. I only have shut-offs at the filter end, not where the hoses go into the tank (just a regular automotice type clamp). With that said, I'll either look for a long brush, or try to make something. Thanks again.
 
Lecba, it sounds like your inlet and outlets are drilled in the tank wall? If so, your best bet was your first guess, plug the inlet/outlet from within the tank, then disconnect and do as suggested. Rubber stoppers from chem labs would work. Maybe a small rubber ball? Just be sure to rinse whatever it is very well b4 putting it in the tank.
Just go buy new ones? The "king of clean hoses" turns out to be a wanna-be. All along saying how clean his hoses are...now we know he was just going out and buying new ones! :shake:
 
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