Can the Inlet / Outlet ball vlvs be opened w/out the quick disconnect being attchd to the motor?

by David
(King of Prussia, Pa.)

I periodically clean both tubes with a very long thin wire handled soft bristled brush by disconnecting the tubes from the spray bar & plastic inlet pieces. The tubes & quick disconnect are then lifted away for cleaning, but there's still water in the tubes. It would be easier to brush clean the tubes with out water in them if possible. Can the Inlet / Outlet ball vlvs be opened w/out the quick disconnect being attchd to the motor? Thank you for your consideration.

A: The valves are locked closed when the handle on the QD is lifted. This is a safety feature that prevents water from draining the aquarium if it becomes detached from the top of the filter and water trapped in the intake tube also primes the filter on restart.