How to build a DIY Carbon Snake (carbon hose)

[cameracorpus]

yeh i think so?

how hard is it pull apart the glued pieces apart?? ull just lose like 4" or so if u cut it off...

Pulling them apart would be impossible. When you cut the hose and discard the original fittings, you are out about $3 for the two plastic parts. The metal fitting can be re-used. Or you can cut the hose and just re-join it with a single coupler and save $1.50. And by then, you may have decided to do something different, like using the splitter I referred to. The real time-frame also depends on use. If you have a fish house like we all dream of, I'd test the output at least every 6 months. If you are married, it will last much longer since you probably have fewer tanks!

I see a definite advantage to keeping the hose tied up in a coil. I got 15' of hose, however, because I want the length. Some may not need it, but it is a long way from my kitchen to the tanks. Like over 50'. I just use a bike hook in my garage ceiling to hang it from, and a shut-off valve on either end to trap the water so I don't have a pool in my garage.

[jarrodaden]

Is there a reason that the hose is 15' long? Also, does using this completely eliminate the need for water conditioner?

[Gene D]

Is there a reason that the hose is 15' long? Also, does using this completely eliminate the need for water conditioner?

It means that the water has to travel over more media before entering the tank. As well it means that the carbon will last longer. It eliminates the need for dechloninator and most conditioners, however conditioners such as trace elements and ph buffers would still be needed.

[specialone0812]

is there any one interested in sharing the carbon bulk buy? I plan on making one 15' carbon hose but don't need that much carbon. PM ME.

[fshfrk]

They make those adapters threaded and threaded bushings. But when you go turning this stuff it will weaken the glued joint so just cut it off.Reuse the 3/4 x 3/4 brass.

[madehtsobi]

just finished making mine on sunday night!!!

cant wait to actually use it!!

[jarrodaden]

As an engineer, it is my nature to take design like this and try to think up better ways to do them. I made one such attempt a few weeks ago.

Bottom line: my design was not nearly as simple or as good as John's design.

This weekend I pulled mine apart and made it the "John" way.

Good design John and thank you for sharing.

[76dragon]

I just started using mine. It takes longer to fill but much safer for my fish and no need for chemicals

[specialone0812]

just finished installing the hose, now i need to fill it with carbon, and i wonder if this type of carbon can be used. Its a hot deal 5lb for $20. but is it usable and safe?

http://www.petmountain.com/product/aquarium-carbon/514152/blue-life-classic-carbon.html

any advice will help.

[fshfrk]

I use the pelletized carbon. If that stuff is granulated it might restrict flow. It will work just may be a lot slower.

[myjohnson]

do note slower flow means better chemical removal.

Win-win no matter what you pick.

[madehtsobi]

SOB...was refilling my tank and my spa hose has a crack about 1 foot down from the top and it started spraying water all over the floor...

time to saw it off and get new fittings...

[fshfrk]

or put a coupling on it.

[madehtsobi]

or put a coupling on it.

yeh i just gotta take a closer look at it..i was like @#$%# when it happened and just said forget it...

[madehtsobi]

is anyone elses spa hose like super duper hard to maneuver??? its like i have to fight with it to get to not curl up n crap..

any reason why we can just used a 10-15' regular water hose instead??