cleaning a python

by Starfish Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:05 pm

My siphon is starting to get black mildew in the tubing. What is the best way to clean out siphon tubing that is 50m long?

by **Sbenson11** Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:29 pm

50m? you clean your neighbours tanks to Smile

I use bleach personally and rinse WELL.

Steve

by **CAAIndie** Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:02 pm

If I'm cleaning anything for my tank, I usually try to use warm strong vinegar water. Then I give it a good rinse.

by Starfish Fri Jul 18, 2014 7:15 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. How long would you leave the bleach or vinegar in the tubing before rinsing.

Steve, what concentration of bleach do you use?

by nyleveiam Fri Jul 18, 2014 7:50 pm

I also use bleach... I just pour about an eighth cup in about two quarts of water then use the faucet to suck it out of a bucket. When it reaches the faucet end I shut the lever, then unhook the hose and , with both ends closed, slouch it around it there moving it from end to end, usually about five minutes. Then, hook it back up and rinse until I can't smell bleach, THEN put some declorinator in a bucket of water and suck that up until it is all gone. A final rise of tap water and I call it done.

by **Sbenson11** Fri Jul 18, 2014 7:57 pm

nyleveiam wrote:I also use bleach... I just pour about an eighth cup in about two quarts of water then use the faucet to suck it out of a bucket. When it reaches the faucet end I shut the lever, then unhook the hose and , with both ends closed, slouch it around it there moving it from end to end, usually about five minutes. Then, hook it back up and rinse until I can't smell bleach, THEN put some declorinator in a bucket of water and suck that up until it is all gone. A final rise of tap water and I call it done.

That pretty much says it,

Never though of using the declorinator, but makes sense.

Steve

by **CAAIndie** Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:00 pm

I just run it through my gravel cleaner, let it sit. If there is serious growth in there, I might repeat a second time the next day.

by GaryE Sat Jul 19, 2014 6:06 am

I just fill it with hot water, wait, and blast it on through. I've never used bleach or vinegar on a python.

by **Shell** Sat Jul 19, 2014 11:48 am

GaryE wrote:I just fill it with hot water, wait, and blast it on through. I've never used bleach or vinegar on a python.

This is what we do as well, and we do it after each tank cleaning Very Happy

by Starfish Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:22 pm

Sbenson11 wrote:50m? you clean your neighbours tanks to

Steve

okay, so I guess that is really 50ft. Embarassed

50m may be long but it still wouldn't reach my neighbours. Smile

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Shell, I am lucky to find the time just to clean the tanks, let alone clean the hose every time too. You are so dedicated. Wink

by **Shell** Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:26 pm

Starfish wrote:Shell, I am lucky to find the time just to clean the tanks, let alone clean the hose every time too. You are so dedicated.

Takes less than a minute per hose - just made it part of the routine Very Happy

by nyleveiam Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:21 pm

In the interest of NOT sounding like Nanci Neat... I must point out that I only clean mine about once a month or so... normally just blast the tap water thru and drain and put away!