I seem to have a problem with my tank please help

I am running two external filters one being a tetra ex 1200 and the other a dolfin c1000 I have about 3 weeks ago changed the pipe on the output on the tetra and noticed it has turned full of dark brown and the dolfin pipes both are clean please help is this something I should worry about I have pictures I really need advice thanks

 

Put new pipes on .Im running exactly the same cannisters

 

Why, what is wrong with the pipes?

 

I don't think it's need to panic - even if it is odd that it developed in the one pipe. It honestly just looks like a type of buildup, either algae or waste products. My bet is that it is some form of algae, where the pipes of the Tetra may be more conducive to growing algae. For example, it might be letting the right amount of light in, or the inner surface is a good substrate for the attachment of algae. It could be anything really.

You could replace the pipes, but I doubt that it'll stop growth/accumulation altogether. I clean my pipes every few months, normally by inserting a wad of filter cotton in the one end, and blasting water through the pipe until the cotton exits the other end, bringing all the algae with it. Repeat if necessary.

 

I employ a "bore cleaner" which is basically a baby bottle brush, with a weighted string attached to the ring of the brush.
Drop the weight through the pipe, pull the brush through, and repeat.
I usually only need 2-3 swipes to get the pipes and tubes clean.

 

Agree.. I do the same to my pipes every couple months
Even a rolled up piece of gauze or sponge or filter floss, take a firm wire that longer that the pipes and just run that through a few times

I think that most canister filter pipes eventually grow this residue inside
As Salmon said, some more some less.. light, amount of food being fed daily etc.. all contribute in different ways so... not everyone will have exactly same
I don't think its to worry about, its unsightly and I like to clean it out now and then

 

When it builds up alot Ive found it affects the flow rate of the filter ,dont know why .

 

Yes I also noticed it
I guess it does take up space in the pipes and restricts the water flow

 

true what everyone said here. i have that everywhere specially on clear pipes on outside pond filters. just clean them and there you go. nothing to.worry about. but there might be a tray inside the canister not sitting right or not sealing properly letting dirt pass amd back out your outlet pipe. ife had that before. to check that dont switch off filter, keep it running and where water comes out keep a clear drinking glass and catch some water and see if there is debris in it. if so need to check the seal on top tray or any seals inside and even check the way your media os packed to make sure no water can slip past without being cleaned.

 

thanks to all for your replies and advice really appreciate the time you all took to responde

 

So last night I took a quick look at my filtration. Couldn't believe what I saw ... my ex1200 pipes have a green algae/slime build up. What I can't understand is that I have only had this ex1200 running for 2 weeks. Anybody know why this is happening ? My dophin pipes have been running 3 weeks since last clean , and still looks cleaner..... perhaps because the canister is cycling ???