algae in HOB tubes
 

I am new at this, and have a tank that's been up for a few months. I tried to clean my HOB filter tubes yesterday. They were very brown with diatoms. Recent purchase of some Otos have done miracles for the tank, but they can't get up into the tubes for the filter. I took the filter parts all apart yesterday, and was able to use a toothbrush on the inside of most of the tubes. However, the upper part of my AquaClear 20 filter is horizontal, and I can't take it apart any further, and can't get anything in there to remove the diatoms. I tried a pipe cleaner and some pieces of heavy yarn moved back and forth. Nothing I tried did anything. Still have this ugly brown stuff in the top, horizontal tube.

Is there a special tool or something I am unaware of that will work to clean out the part of the tubes that is not easily accessible?

Thanks!

A hose brush may work... like this one
You'd push the plastic part through first, so you can pull the brush through last. You might need a long pair of hemostat pliers or similar to grab the end through the shorter length of tube after the bend.

I have a bunch of these in various sizes that I use to keep my filter tubing and various components clean.

Ahhh! I never knew there was such a thing. Looks like it would work. Even though I am the only one who sees the tubes, I don't like the look of it all brown.

Thanks! I will get one next time I go to the big fish store or make an order online.

• The thing about the hoses, it only works if you're routine about cleaning, but once you scratch the plastic enough, or certain types of algae get really established, it's NEVER going to look the same.
  
  
• Steam cleaner would be another option. I'm sure you've seen the TV ads for them. Run about $20-$50 for a 1200 watt model.
  
  
• Make sure you clean this filter tube out while you're crouched down bent over in the bathtub, because that stuff splatters everywhere, makes a great mess all over the walls.

If you think algae's nasty inside of the hose, wait till you get some on a painted wall.

It's sort of a waste of time because it doesn't make a difference in the filtration, it's just unsightly if the housing is clear.

Good luck.

MSG, you have painted quite the picture! Sounds like the voice of experience on painting the walls....

I am hoping to keep the filter tubes clean. Hoping to anyway!