General African Cichlid Discussion • Python Cleaning

[shiftyfox]

Hey,

Just wondered if you guys had a method for cleaning the inside of a Pythons tubing, mines looking a little black throughout mainly the middle part of it..?

[Deeda]

You can fill the hose with a bleach/water solution OR use household hydrogen peroxide and let it set for an hour and then rinse it out well. This is the easiest method.

If you don't have a long enough tube brush to scrub the inside, use 2 lengths of wire, tie a rag between the 2 pieces and run it through the hose and then pull it back and forth from either end of the hose to scrub the section that is black.

Whichever method you use, try and let the hose air dry after use to reduce it coming back.

[shiftyfox]

Thanks for the suggestions - I shall give it a go

[Clarkster]

Thanks for this! I’ve been having this issue!

[sir_keith]

...You can fill the hose with a bleach/water solution OR use household hydrogen peroxide and let it set for an hour and then rinse it out well. This is the easiest method...

It is also the safest method. Residual chlorine at even low concentrations can hurt your fishes, so thorough rinsing will be required. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide is very unstable in aqueous solution, so residual effects are much less problematic.

[Stu W2]

A bore cleaning rod with rag attached to the end work too.

Regards,
Stu

[shiftyfox]

I just wonder if the build up of bacteria in my hose tube over time has contributed in any way to my fishes
Pectoral base becoming red and inflamed, fish flashing and red stitching under the dorsal fin

I’ve considered the hose bacteria
Too high concentration of chlorine
Not enough oxygen
Low ph of 7.4

?

[DJRansome]

I have never cleaned my Python since I joined CF and no health problems. I would look for other factors. Also pH should be fine and I would not expect low oxygen to look like septicemia...have you tested for chlorine?

[shiftyfox]

No, I need to purchase a test kit