Keeping your hose clean.

[jvin85]

I recently bought two pythons. One used - fugly brown inside the tubing, the other brand spankin new.

I want to make sure the new Python stays clear and no algae forms inside. I was hoping some of you could give advice on how to keep it clean.

Currently I try to empty as much water out of it (there's always water droplets left though), and keep it in my dark closet most of the time.

Anyone have any techniques?

 

[Redearsunfish]

Why does it need to stay clean?

 

[jvin85]

Because clean/clear is better than dirty.

Other possible reasons,

- Easier to spot potential problems siphoning. (rare but possible)
- Can more easily spot your sand substrate in the tube.

 

[geronimo69]

Because clean/clear is better than dirty.

Other possible reasons,

- Easier to spot potential problems siphoning. (rare but possible)
- Can more easily spot your sand substrate in the tube.

How long does it take to get dirty? Mine is still ok ( a bit of algae, but no big deal ) after a few years. When it gets too dirty, go to Home Depot, spend $12 and get some more clear hose. Pretty simple and cheap if you ask me.... PS. Algae isn't dirty, it's a natural part of the system...

 

[jvin85]

Your right algae isn't really "dirt/dirty". I'm just looking for information of proper "Siphon/Tube" maintenance.

I would just like to keep my equipment as pristine as possible. I'm finicky that way. I just like to keep my equipment in top shape. A little preventative maintenance lowers the overall cost in the long run.

Also retains more resale value should it ever come to that.

 

[bob965]

Rinse it by sucking some tapwater through it when you're done using it (assuming you're using a chlorinated municipal water supply). Get it as dry as possible before you put it away.

 

[jvin85]

Yeah, currently after I siphon water I reverse and let it pour new tap water back into the tank. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will help keep the tube clean...

(I put Big Al's water conditioner usually as this process is happening, or right after).

 

[screaminleeman]

How long does it take to get dirty? Mine is still ok ( a bit of algae, but no big deal ) after a few years. When it gets too dirty, go to Home Depot, spend $12 and get some more clear hose. Pretty simple and cheap if you ask me.... PS. Algae isn't dirty, it's a natural part of the system...

It is running $0.31 per foot at Lowes for the standard python hose diameter.

While siphoning water from a fishtank should not require "clean" tubing, siphoning fermented beer from a vat into bottles does. Oxi-wash is used in the food industry for quick cleaning/ sterilization purposes. Bleach can also be used.

At best two to three batches of beer before hose replacement is NECESSARY!

I personally would be a million times more leary of sticking a "steralized" hose into my fishtank(s) to siphon water OUT then an absolute filthy one.

 

[ballinouttacntrol]

Because clean/clear is better than dirty.

Other possible reasons,

- Easier to spot potential problems siphoning. (rare but possible)
- Can more easily spot your sand substrate in the tube.

why are you guys siphoning water back into the tank in the first place? i think people are asking why it needs to be clean because we only use it to take water OUT of the tank, not put it in the tank

 

[geronimo69]

why are you guys siphoning water back into the tank in the first place? i think people are asking why it needs to be clean because we only use it to take water OUT of the tank, not put it in the tank

I believe some people use a python directly from the tap? Not sure anyone said anything about siphoning back into the tank. I don't do either, since I keep a huge tub of water heated and "primed". Buckets for the new water.