Help for an External Filter noob please

[BobCat]

I have an external filter, fluval 406 on a 240l tank. Its my first ever external and is on about 5/6 months.
The flow rate had dropped off considerably and I'm not sure why.
For the first month or two I did not have the impeller cover attached properly so flow rate was poor but when i fixed this it went back to normal.
I have cleaned the impeller and sponges etc but it has not helped much.
I am worried that the pipes could be blocked but the shouldnt be as the strainer has always been on the inlet.
Can anyone offer any advise? Can i clean the pipes somehow or what do you think has caused the reduction in flow rate?
Any and all help is appreciated.

 

[rmkblades]

You didn't mention anything about cleaning out the trays...Built up debris/waste in the canister trays can cause a reduced flow rate. If these have been maintained and cleaned correctly and you still have a reduced flow rate...you may want to try cleaning your intake and out take hoses and of course make sure your impeller/motor is functioning correctly.

 

[BobCat]

Thanks for the reply.

Trays are all clean and the impeller is clean. I don't know about the motor, I'm not sure about getting to or cleaning it...

Cleaning the hoses seems like an awkward job, what do you use to do that?

 

[rmkblades]

I used a metal brush attached to an unwound metal hanger and then pushed it all the way thru while running hot water thru it. Kind of a pain in the ass, but i did get a lot of gunk out.