Filter Tubes Gathering Gunk

[BryceHockey]

I didn't really know what to call "it" in the topic title, and didn't even know what term to search for on the forums. My external filter has transparent tubes for the intake and outtake, and after about two months of being setup (fishless cycling), a white substance has begun "caking" or gathering onto the insides of the tubes. If I gently squeeze the tube in one spot, the pressure of the water on that area gets rid of some of it and it flies out (or into the filter, depending on the tube obviously) into the tank as white flaky-grime type stuff (really have no clue how to describe this, other than just as build-up). Right now it's not a major problem, but if after only 2 months of running and no fish this is already building up, wouldn't it start to hurt water flow after a few months? And wouldn't this build up bother the fish? It really goes all over the tank when I turn the filter back on after cleaning media.

Does anyone know of a method to get rid of this without getting it in the tank?

 

[Tolak]

The cheap & easy way is to get a length of strong string or twine a foot or so longer than the tubing. Tie a small scrap of rag to one end, a small nail or screw to the other. Feed the nail through, grab the string & pull the rag through. After a couple of passes it should be reasonably clean.

The expensive way is to go to a music shop, ask for a bore brush for a slide trombone.

 

[BryceHockey]

Excellent, thanks!

The tubes were pretty difficult to attach to the filter outlets, but I guess if I only clean them once every month or other month, it can be done. The problem is having the build up fly into the tank when the filter is turned on.

Still, nice to have a solution.

 

[thefubar]

I have this problem too, and it then creates blockages in my spray bar (along with the pesky snails i have)

Would i be better off removing the spray bar and just letting the inlet "flow" straight into the tank. (it at the opposite end to the outlet)

The nail, twine, rag idea works a treat BTW. I also have an attachment that is the right size for my Karcher (keep the hose straight and pinned down, else you'll get wet!)

 

[raptorrex]

Hagen do a nice, fairly cheap brush for the  job. but, by the time you got something and done the job, i find its easer, and not that much more expensive, to change the pipes out.

 

[BryceHockey]

Hagen do a nice, fairly cheap brush for the  job. but, by the time you got something and done the job, i find its easer, and not that much more expensive, to change the pipes out.

How often do you replace them? I would imagine that this would get very expensive over time.

 

[Rooster]

How often do you replace them?

Only when damaged or degraded !!!!!
Bit of string + bit of rag (called a "pull through" !) shifts all grime.

 

[raptorrex]

Hagen do a nice, fairly cheap brush for the  job. but, by the time you got something and done the job, i find its easer, and not that much more expensive, to change the pipes out.

How often do you replace them? I would imagine that this would get very expensive over time.

i changed them once. on only one of my filters. and then they had been on the filter for 5 years. I understand there was, probably, no need too. but, to me, for the cost. why not?