Equipment Review and Discussion :: XP3 hoses and algae

[CharlieBear]

I got a Rena XP3 last month for my 29 gallon tank and it works great...BUT the inside of the hoses turned brown because they were coated in what looked like algae. The tank has no algae in it, so where did the crap come from? I cleaned all the hoses but it was annoying and I don't want to have to do it every month...Has anyone else had this problem, or have suggestions for fixing it?

[untsmurf]

I think everyone has it. You can make a rig or buy a tube cleaner. Most people just don't clean it though. I know mine have been brown since like the second week I had them.

When I looked at the FAQ section regarding this, the site said that most people just replace their tubes after a while. I don't know if they're saying that to get you to buy more stuff from them or not, but it sounds right. They aren't that expensive to replace.

[Chrisbarnett]

I let them go about 4-5 months, then i just throw away the tubing and go to the hardware store and buy new. I'm lazy like that.

don't buy tubing from rena.. they want like 20 bucks, such a ripoff when about 10feet of the proper size tubing is about $2.50 from a local hardware store.

[untsmurf]

I know you're on fluval now, but with the rena can you reuse the clips and stuff to keep the hoses attached to the filters? Or do I have to replace it with a zip tie?

I've been meaning to get some new hoses and reorient my filters for a better flow but I worried I wouldn't be able to reconnect it properly.

I think it's time for another step-by-step thread by Chris

[TheComputerGremlin]

We need a poll: Who is too lazy to clean their tubing and just lets the brown stuff take over?

I am! I'm going on 14 months with the filter and the brown tubes. My hubby tried to clean them once and after reattaching the tubes, he said no more. I like the idea of replacing them periodically (didn't occur to me), but I wouldn't know what kind to buy at the hardware store. Chris, what kind do I buy?

[Chrisbarnett]

I know you're on fluval now, but with the rena can you reuse the clips and stuff to keep the hoses attached to the filters? Or do I have to replace it with a zip tie?

I've been meaning to get some new hoses and reorient my filters for a better flow but I worried I wouldn't be able to reconnect it properly.

I think it's time for another step-by-step thread by Chris

I still have a rena running strong on my fish tank

I don't know if the clips are reusable. My filter didn't come with them as it was used, I'd assume they are, try popping them off. If they aren't a simple zip tie will put them back on tightly.

I don't even use any kind of clips on my hoses. Clipless... Ahhh.



The hoses never leak though so I'm not worried.

Chris, what kind do I buy?

Just go to any hardware store, and you want the Clear Vinyl tubing. Get it in 5/8".

It's a super easy process to put new hoses on. Just cut them to length, warm up some water til it's near boiling, then dip the ends in the hot water so they are easier to put on, then just slide them on. Use zip ties to secure it if you want. I've changed the hoses on my rena like 3-4 times. It takes all of 10 min or less.

if you have more questions ask or PM me.

[seanwb]

There are a couple of othe ways of looking (or not looking) at this problem.

1. If you have a background on the tank and have the tubes behind it you can not see the algae! Clean the bits you can see with a Fluval pipe cleaner and the problem is quickly and cheaply fixed.

2. Keep nitrates low to discourage the algae

3. Running an Eheim and Fluval filter in the same fish tank I noticed that the brown Fluval tubes got algae, the green Eheim did not. When I switched the Fluval tubes for Eheim, I still got no algae. Not really a big enough test to prove anything, BUT I only have Eheim tubing on the turtle tank and after 3 months it is still perfectly clear. (Before anyone points out - yes I do know how much it costs, it could be an expensive failed experiment for you.)

[Chrisbarnett]

Hmm that's an interesting point seanwb. I'm curious about this. I know the fluval tubes don't let in any light but they have ridges which allow the algae something to grab onto and grow.. Maybe the eheim hose since it's smooth it gives no surface for the algae to grab, and the green color blocks ot the wavelengths of light that allow it to grow. Maybe the best of both worlds?

[CB]

you can see in the one picture that the intake is caving in the hose trying to pull water thru the gunk. here's what i do because i'm broke and this is easy. i took a cheap-o bottle brush from the dollar store and clipped the small end off and attached it to a piece od flexable plastic rod. i can push it thru my tubes while running hot water thru them. gunk is gone in minutes and my filter flows better. i clean them every 7-8 weeks when i clean my filter, the intake is where i get the gunk.
cb

[LorJ]

I didn't ask this question, but needed the info myself.
Wanted to thank everyone for their input.

[Chrisbarnett]

It's not caving anymore. It was just in the wrong position, with a little rotating of the intake hose and changing the length of the tubing(it was too long) it isn't caving anymore.

[Lantic]

when you go buy new hose from the hardware store make sure you get high pressure hoses, or you will get kinks and clogs due to the vacuum of the motor.

[Chrisbarnett]

I've never bought high pressure hoses for my canisters.

Also, there isn't any vacuum in a canister. It is a closed loop system which relies on siphoning and the pump. It's for this same reason that canisters can be so far below your tank and the pump not have to deal with head pressure.

[seanwb]

There are two circumstances where you can get a significant vacuum effect in a canister, but both are when you are operating them outside normal parameters, and solving the underlying problem is more important

If the canister is beside a shallow tank there will be a vacuum effect due to lack of presure on the inlet side. This is not what manufacturers recomend.

The other one is more a problem in a heavily planted fish tank, where plant debris accumulates and blocks the inlet strainer. It either needs to be kept clear or switched for a strainer that will not clog.

Cheap hose can kink on the bends. Another reason IMHO to get Eheim

[Lantic]

Sorry, didn't realize what i put down. What i meant to say is hoses that are durable and not the type that are flimsy.