Cleaning Tubes in Canister filter

B2W25

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Jun 28, 2004
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I have been runnin a fluval 404 for about 3 months without any problems. Just wondering if its important to somehow clean out the tubing, and if so wondering how all of you accomplish this... :thud:
 
It becomes important, yes. Bio-film will build up in the tubing, and in the long run, can result in floating solids as the bio-film breaks loose. An easy way to clean them-other than pulling them off completely and running a pipe cleaner through--is to drain them, remove the them from the canister, then start a siphon into a bucket from the main tank, and let the water wash through. This will remove some of the loose film, but you'll still need to plan regular removal and cleaning, IME. I usually can go about 6 months before I need to clean them. Keeping the tubing covered will also help prevent algae growth, which can require more frequent cleaning and result in lower flows.
 
if what you mean by tubes are..

the long, clear plastic intake and exhaust hoses..

I've run a Fluval 404 for 10 yrs w/ no problems and
I've cleaned the intake/exhaust hoses and joints once.
No need to in my exp - but do clean and service the
pump regularly as needed. I 've got the original impeller
and seals but broke the plastic retaining disk twice.
 
k thanks for the replies.

One last thing...when i clean out the filter and start to pump the water back into the filter to start it back up, a buch or flake type junk starts shooting out of the outtake. Has this happened to anyone else, what is it? I end up having to catch all of the flakes with my net which really sucks right after i clean the tank.
thanks
 
Happens to me every week - it's mulm, I believe, and harmless, though unsightly. I just let my filter clear it out of the water. I read this thread yesterday and decided to get a hose-cleaning doodad at the LFS today to stop it from happening; I think it needs to be cleaned out manually, there's no easy shortcut ;)
 
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