Python Question(s)

Dwarf Puffers

Dwarf Puffers

Registered user
Dec 11, 2006
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NS, Canada
Sorry herp experts, that's not what I mean.

Okay, so I've been getting a little confused with my python, and more questions than this may occur. Anyway, my question is: It says to switch off the flow before moving the python to a diff. portion of the tank. Is this true?? I can't switch 2 buttons 100+ times, even if it is at arm's length. Can't I just chug it along, getting waste and moving on, like I do with my gravel vac?

Also, it says not to clean more than a third of a "very dirty tank", I'm taking this as something to help potential OTS situations. Am I right, or should I just not clean with my python lower than 1/3 of the tank?? My WCs are usually around 40%, verying from 35%-45%, and I change once every 2 weeks (Note this is a (so far) lowly stocked 75g planted). Thanks,

-DP
 
I never switch it off when taking it out to move to a different part of the tank and I've never had any problems doing it this way.

You sure they're not talking about while filling as opposed to while siphoning? You definitely need to switch off the flow at the sink while filling as opposed to using the python valve if you need to move the python. The water pressure from a sink will blow that cheap piece of crap apart at the valve fitting. I know, I've done it once :P

As far as cleaning more than a third of a very dirty tank... I have no idea. You're probably right in your guess, though.
 
Only time I switch mine off is if I am moving to the other side of the tank to get over the center brace. I only do this so I can keep the tubing full of water so the suction will start back when I switch it back on. But I drain my water out the door into the backyard instead of using the sink. I get a stronger suction doing it this way instead of hooking it to the faucet to drain. When I get through vacuuming the tank I hook it to the faucet to fill.

The only other time I might could see turning it off would be if one of the fish gets sucked up... Hasent happened to me yet but I keep a finger on the shutoff valve all the time as my cories get curious sometimes and want to get real close.
 
fastforward said:
...The water pressure from a sink will blow that cheap piece of crap apart at the valve fitting. I know, I've done it once :P
Click to expand...
:eek3: That's priceless. I had a diy hose blow apart in the middle on the kitchen floor once, but I digress...

You don't have to turn it off. You could pinch the hose to keep the syphon even if moving or sucking up a fish. They say not to change more than a third of a very dirty tank b/c that assume the water hasn't been changed in a loooong time and the water chemistry difference between the tank water and tap would potentially be enough to kill the inhabitants. If you keep up your regime you'll be fine :headbang2:
 
southpaw said:
Only time I switch mine off is if I am moving to the other side of the tank to get over the center brace. I only do this so I can keep the tubing full of water so the suction will start back when I switch it back on. But I drain my water out the door into the backyard instead of using the sink. I get a stronger suction doing it this way instead of hooking it to the faucet to drain. When I get through vacuuming the tank I hook it to the faucet to fill.

The only other time I might could see turning it off would be if one of the fish gets sucked up... Hasent happened to me yet but I keep a finger on the shutoff valve all the time as my cories get curious sometimes and want to get real close.
Click to expand...

I might run it outside then, only about 40 feet from tank to the door with a 50 ft python, and if a fish was sucked up and went along the tube I'd have a better chance at scooping it off the pavement than trying to stop it from going into the ceptic system :grinno:
 
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