Anyone ever check their pipes?

[slapshot]

So I decided to upgrade my main return pump to an DC 12000. In doing so I redid my plumbing. Since my filter is in the basement and my tank is upstairs it was quite a project.

Anyway, so I removed the old pipes which is about 12 years old. Holy &@$? imagine my surprise! Look at the inside of my pipes. I know public aquariums shoot an inflatable stopper through their pipes now I know why.

[jimsflies]

That's rob your pump of performance that's for sure!

[slapshot]

Here is another

[Tom@HaslettMI]

That's crazy. Is it calcium build up or just general gunk? Your return pump will thank you once you get that all cleared out.

Tom

[slapshot]

It was crazy Tom. I think they are worms as it is all tunnels. I replaced ally plumbing. That was a fun 10 hour project

[Tom@HaslettMI]

It was crazy Tom. I think they are worms as it is all tunnels. I replaced ally plumbing. That was a fun 10 hour project

I think we need before, during, and after pictures of the plumbing re-do. Please?

Tom

[slapshot]

Ha ha, no befores, for sure no during, other than what I showed above but after:

[Manoj's Reef]

Thats amazing gunk. I am sure your return pumps are thanking you.

[Preuss Pets]

Does make you think about what items we should put into ideal long term mantenance. We had a client whi had a skimmer body which didnt get cleaned for over a decade in similar condition.

The worst though was a similar buildup to your pictures in some vinyl tubing which upon being squeezed became dislodged and made a real mess of plugging up the chiller...

[slapshot]

Does make you think about what items we should put into ideal long term mantenance. We had a client whi had a skimmer body which didnt get cleaned for over a decade in similar condition.
The worst though was a similar buildup to your pictures in some vinyl tubing which upon being squeezed became dislodged and made a real mess of plugging up the chiller...

Any idea what it is? It is a mass of little tubes, so is it worms of some kind? No doubt it needs to be added to the list. That was why I decided to post it, I had no idea. Either I have to figure out a way to clean the pipes or replace them more regularly. This stuff does not just dislodge that easy so to clean them might involve sealing them, pour acid into them, drain and then rinse. Remember mine run from the basement upstairs. I think I would rather just replace them every 5 years. I did put caps at the end of runs so I could open up and insert something but then the junk with just accumulate and clog up at the corners. If anyone has an idea I'm all ears.