In/ out tubes of filter

[Ghostknife]

I have a cannister filter, for the tank in my signature. The intake tube, & the out tube are rotten looking. Should I be cleaning them??

[Ghostknife]

Sorry, the reason so far that I haven't is that I know good bacteria is in there! I am really concerned about the out tube though! My main concern, obviously in the intake will be dirty anyway. Just wondering should I clean 1, or both of the tubes, or none for that matter

[cocoa_pleco]

if the flow is getting reduced you should clean it, if not no harm

[Ghostknife]

I dont think the flow is affected! Thanks

[jbeining75]

Most of the beneficial bacteria is kept in the canister itself in the media stored in it. The intake and outtake if you clean them will have very small effects if any on the tank... The sponge and biological media should hold almost all the beneficial bacteria in the tank...