filter shooting out flakes of stuff?

[Zenz]

We did a pwc today and when the filter was turned back on (rena xp1), it started spitting out flakes...a lot of flakes of white stuff.

It was all cleaned up again pretty quick by the filter, but it looked really bad when it first happened.

What is this stuff? Is it normal? Is there a way to avoid it?

Tank is 6 weeks old, fishless cycle, no fish yet, filter was brand new.

Should we rinse the filter media?

Thank you!

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Yes, just clean it. Sometimes the hoses will get some buildup in them. It's pretty harmless, just unsightly. Try putting a net in front of the filter return when turning the filter back on to catch the debris so that it doesn't spread all over the tank.

 

[msjinkzd]

I agree, its just unsightly buildup from the hoses. Happens to me from time to time as well.

 

[Rbishop]

Yep, it happens, the net idea is a good trick.

 

[Zenz]

Thanks for the net idea! I'm glad to know that it's not harmful. It looked really horrible!

 

[wataugachicken]

that happens to me too. i feel bad, because when it shoots out of there the fish all think it's food. they look so disappointed afterwards. . . .

 

[gmh]

I put the used floss over the outlet and let it collect any crud that spews out. Then just throw it away.

 

[Cory Keeper]

A good way to prevent that is to take a brush to the tubes once a month.

 

[wataugachicken]

the tubes on mine are like 4 feet long.

 

[msjinkzd]

i almost NEVER clean the tubes, lol, too much of a pita. I take them off once a year and switch them out for other ones i have, clean them, and hang them up until the next time i feel adventurous.