Tubing - clean it or replace it?

[DukeNJ]

Just completed a thorough cleaning if my canister and a ton of detritus still belches out when I restart the filter. Obviously the hoses are dirty.

I've never cleaned hoses before. Wondering if it's worth the effort. Since I have to disconnect everything anyway, why not just spend a few dollars replacing 10ft of it. It's cheaper than fish food and I'm guessing that "cleaning" is never perfect anyway.

What do you do?

[dutchy]

Dirty hoses are very flow restrictive, so I clean them about every two months.

[ShadowMac]

I used to clean, but now replace the tubing. It is so cheap, why not. When I cleaned I used a bleach solution then rinsed with water and prime combo.

Not as "eco-friendly" but its like 18 ft of hose a year...

[DukeNJ]

Yeah, just checked. $6 worth of tubing. Not worth scrubbing, bleaching, etc... Should have just looked before.

Thanks.

[dutchy]

That tubing will still be around when people are already extinct....

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi DukeNJ,

It's not the cost or replacing the tubing that I dislike, it is having to cut and run the new tubing and fight to get it where it belongs. That is why I just clean my tubing in place; it takes me just one minute per tube and I am done and they look brand new.

5' long tubing brush with 1" head

[DukeNJ]

Thanks Seattle. Another option to consider.

My tank is in the corner of my study on a hardwood floor, so I'm a little cautious regarding mess and accidents.

For my other tank, that would be much easier.

Thanks