How Do I Clean A Python Hose?

[purple_drazi]

I picked up a really cheap tank on the weekend and the guy had included a python in the deal but there's mildew on the inside of it.

How do I clean it?
This is about 50 feet of hose. I don't think I can bleach it because the plastic will absorb the bleach. Is there something else?

 

[Squid]

Id just leave it running hot water through it for a while and see what that does. if it doesnt come out then, then i doubt it will cause any problems when using it with the tank..

but thats just my 2 penneth..!

 

[ncjharris]

As squid said, rinse it with hot water, but I would use washing up liquid or some antibacterial cleaner of some sort too. Make sure you rinse it afterwards!

I have a camelbak water system for walking, and last year I found that it had some mildew in the plastic pipe. I tried as hard as I could to remove it (pipe cleaners, scrubing brushes, all sorts) but it was stuck. In the end, I figured that it didn't change the taste and so wouldn't be doing me any harm!

If you can't get rid of it, it shouldn't be too hard to replace the piping, either with a similar type thing, or a hose.

 

[steelhealr]

Yikes...no chemicals. Try pouring down some white vinegar thru the hose and pinching the hose together over nasty areas, then flush well. SH

 

[Dorkhedeos]

i have the same problem on my hose too

 

[andyj]

If you find you can't get rid of it, just go to your local DIY place and buy a new length of plastic tubing of the correct diameter !!!

Can't be that expensive......

I've got to extend my Python to use in the new house, and I'd just going to join a length of garden hose pipe onto it

Andy

 

[purple_drazi]

If you find you can't get rid of it, just go to your local DIY place and buy a new length of plastic tubing of the correct diameter !!!
Can't be that expensive......
I've got to extend my Python to use in the new house, and I'd just going to join a length of garden hose pipe onto it
Andy

you're right of course! I went to the lfs and the pythons were so expensive I was completely discouraged but the expense is in the brand name and the bits on the ends, not in the plastic tubing itself.

now I'm wondering if I dare take this mission on now, during Christmas shopping days. It's brutal out there.
....
I'm going to do it, the hardware store can't be that bad!
thanks for the head's up!

 

[Amerce]

Very carefully and wear a hard hat

 

[anvil63]

Um, question here. I've bleached my pythons a couple of times with a 10:1 water to bleach solution letting the solution sit in the hose for about 30 minutes then running hot water through them for about 15 minutes (or till the hot water ran out). I didn't notice any ill effects of doing this and it did get the hoses very clean, though the purpose of the bleaching was in trying to isolate a breakout of a nasty red algae that I still haven't been able to identify and was unable to get rid of until I completely tore down the tank.

I'm not overly worried as this was months ago and as I've said no ill effects, but was this a mistake?

Carl

 

[Tolak]

I've been using a bleach/water solution to clean various aquatics equipment for years. As long as it is rinsed well before use there shouldn't be any problem.

Tolak

 

[Native American]

Bleach/water solution is a useful aquarium item cleaning solution. Marineland recommends it (properly diluted) for cleaning their pleated filters. I've observed no ill effects among plants or livestock after a proper rinsing and drying of the filters. Should apply to other items as well.

v/r, N-A

 

[GrantyBoy]

I wouldn't use bleach but I would try the stuff you use for sterilising babys dummys etc

 

[BigC]

Nip into any mother and baby shop and buy a baby's bottle washing brush, thread some string down your tube and attach it to the twisted wire loop on the brush attach another piece of string to the other end of the brush then draw the brush through the hose back and forth a couple of times. Pouring some salt water solution down the hose whilst doing this (get a friend to help) will help remove the gunge.
Regards
BigC

 

[anvil63]

I wouldn't enjoy trying to thread string down my 50ft. hose.

 

[BigC]

I wouldn't enjoy trying to thread string down my 50ft. hose.

Sorry didn't know it was that long. place a heavy fishing weight on the string and drop it through that way then.