Stupid Question Regarding External Filter

Everytime I am cleaning my tank, I notice that the external filter's intake is clogged with debri. If I take off the intake the water flow stops and all the debris goes floating all over the tank. Does anyone have an idea/experience on how to clean out the intake hose without getting debrI all over the tank? Once it is trapped it seems kind of stupid for it to go floating all over the place again.

P.S. The picture with the intake is the one with the Rainbow Cichlid in it. And for those of you that say I shouldn't have and African in with S. American, he was getting beat up in the other tank. He is perfectly happy here. The other two pictures are for fun.

 

Sorry but can't really see the intake in the picture, but mine do the same thing, I just put a fish net around the bottom of the intake, shut the pump off and remove the intake pipe while still in the net, it catches most of the crud

 

I'm assuming this is an HOB filter. I would turn off the filter then take the entire filter off the back of the tank and disassemble it from there, this way you keep the debris from going all over you tank.

 

Bye the way nice fish and pictures

 

Thank you. I guess the only way is the hard way. Is there another filter anyone can recommend that I don't have to deal with this issue??//@@

 

I'm assuming this is an HOB filter. I would turn off the filter then take the entire filter off the back of the tank and disassemble it from there, this way you keep the debris from going all over you tank.

I think they are referring to the debris that accumulates on the end of the tube inside the tank. When they turn the filter off, all of this would no longer be held on by suction and would be released into the tank.

I also use a net around the bottom of it if it's small stuff. If it's stuff like java moss, I just yank the strands out by hand.

You might want to see if you can put your intake either lower or higher in the tank and see if it makes as difference.

Also, pay attention to what kind of debris it is. If it's food leftovers, for example, feed less.

I do also agree in removing the entire HOB filter and rinsing it off to avoid debris contained within the filter housing rushing back into the tank once the filter is turned back on.

 

Does anyone recommend a differant type of filter??

 

I don't think it matters what kind of filter you get, all the HOB filters will do this to some extent. If you choose a canister filter, I believe you should not have a problem with this, however they are way more expensive.

 

Yes, I went and got a canister to add to my collection of filters and move more water, they are more expensive.

 

You could find a cheap tube brush slightly smaller in diameter than the intake tube and work it up and down the intake while the filter is running. If your cartridge is not too full during this, all the dislodged slime you are brushing from the inside of the tube should just get sucked up the tube and onto the cartridge.

 

Good morning,

I have never found a way to completely stop detritus from entering the tank once the filter has been turned off and back on. It's just going to happen at least to some degree. It will filter out or settle and really shouldn't be a big issue.

It will be easier on you just to let it happen. With good filtration, it should filter out in no time.

Ken

 

I have the same issue, what I do is net out all the big stuff immediately and then the filter seems to take care of the rest...my darn fish think it's the BEST to swim into/out of the net while I'm doing this, amuses them and frustrates me

 

I have the same issue, what I do is net out all the big stuff immediately and then the filter seems to take care of the rest...my darn fish think it's the BEST to swim into/out of the net while I'm doing this, amuses them and frustrates me

It's amazing how they know when you are coming for THEM with the net, versus other fish and other purposes. I swear the other fish run interference on me.

 

When I drain water from my tank I have to put a piece of stocking tied around the end of the tubing because ALL the neon Tetras think it's a good idea to get sucked up the pipe and then go on a water ride towards the great outdoors (end of tubing goes outside to front lawn).

 

If that weren't so sad I would break out laughing. But that is a good idea.