How often to clean canister filter hoses?

[AmyKieran]

Hi I have 2 canister filters. How often should I clean the hoses? I clean the filters out every 3 months and change filter floss every 2 weeks, water change (75%) weekly. The output isn’t reduced and still filtering well. The hoses are green and black so I can’t see any dirt inside due to colours/opacity. How often to clean?

 

[Slaphppy7]

Clean them when you clean the filters...you have to disassemble them, anyway

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=aquarium...+brushes,aps,116&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=ff0d01-20

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Hm, I don't think I've ever cleaned mine...I guess if I noticed them getting gunked up or if the water flow was diminishing I would. Otherwise I don't worry about it.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Hm, I don't think I've ever cleaned mine...I guess if I noticed them getting gunked up or if the water flow was diminishing I would. Otherwise I don't worry about it.

You may be surprised at what comes out of them...and maybe even increased flow

 

[WhistlingBadger]

By the way, you may know this, but you don't have to change the filter floss. Just wring it out in tank water when you're doing a water change, then put it back in. That way you keep all those good bacteria and save a few bucks. If it starts to disintegrate, replace it.

 

[Playsander]

I will clean mine once a year (if i remember). I just take them outside and blast them through with a hose.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I will clean mine once a year (if i remember). I just take them outside and blast them through with a hose.

Ever had any unexpected life-forms emerge?

 

[AmyKieran]

By the way, you may know this, but you don't have to change the filter floss. Just wring it out in tank water when you're doing a water change, then put it back in. That way you keep all those good bacteria and save a few bucks. If it starts to disintegrate, replace it.

Really? I thought it started to hold less BB over time and hence replace it. I buy 5m of it for £10 and it lasts me about a year

 

[Playsander]

Ever had any unexpected life-forms emerge?

Can't say that I have. Although using a hose means any liforms are going to be 29 foot away

 

[AmyKieran]

Clean them when you clean the filters...you have to disassemble them, anyway

https/www.amazon.com/s?k=aquarium+canister+filter+hose+brushes&crid=1I78F9415T6V5&pldnSite=1&sprefix=aquarium+canister+filter+hose+brushes,aps,116&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=ff0d01-20

I don’t, I simple pull the lever on the end of the hoses that connects them to the filter. Leave hoses in place. Take filters and clean them. Then plug hoses back in, pull lever and siphon starts, power on and that’s it

 

[Playsander]

I used to use floss all the time until I ran out. When I noticed it didn't seem to effect the water clarity I just replaced it with other media.

 

[Playsander]

I don’t, I simple pull the lever on the end of the hoses that connects them to the filter. Leave hoses in place. Take filters and clean them. Then plug hoses back in, pull lever and siphon starts, power on and that’s it

Fluval?

 

[AmyKieran]

I used to use floss all the time until I ran out. When I noticed it didn't seem to effect the water clarity I just replaced it with other media.

I find floss just keeps my water nice and clear. What I have noticed is the floss at the bottom is super dirty but the top is white and clean. Could probably leave it longer but hey hob

 

[AmyKieran]

Fluval?

Fluval 207 and APS ef1000

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I find floss just keeps my water nice and clear. What I have noticed is the floss at the bottom is super dirty but the top is white and clean. Could probably leave it longer but hey hob

Whatever works. Replacing it is probably less work and doesn't hurt anything, as long as you have other media to hold the good bacteria. I prefer sponges, myself.