Python Question

[clayt101]

I was thinking about getting a python system for water changes. However, I was wondering about how you add new water to the aquarium if it has not been declorinated yet? Or do you just add declorinator after.

[blitzen25bm]

you add it later or if water changes aren't too big i dont even worry about it if i change a lot i get an empty 1 gallon jug and and put the declor in there and fill it up then add the solution as i refill.

[NJ Devils Fan]

First, make sure the water temperature is right, then, as the water is going into the tank, add a few drops of dechlorinator to it. Thats about it, very easy.

[gcvt]

I drip dechlor into the stream of water coming out of the Python - haven't had any problems yet.

[clayt101]

So I take it the short term exposure to chlorine isn't that bad. I figure it would be about a 20% water change.;)

[NJ Devils Fan]

It is so minimal that they aren't effected at all.

[wcader]

I use a python to do water changes in six tanks. After I've vacuumed each tank's gravel and removed about 25% of the water, I then go around and add my dechlor to each tank, then refill each tank. Never had a problem doing it that way.

As a side note, if you use Stress Coat you can add just enough to treat the amount of water you're replacing. If you use Seachem's Prime, you're supposed to add enough to treat the entire volume of the tank.

Don't ask me why!

[gregg604]

Been using Python for two weeks now and love it. A little expensive for the whole setup, but worth the money. Saves time and alot of hassle.

[Gunnie]

I have had my python for awhile now, and it's worth every penny. I have a slight disability with my left leg, and the python sure helps out in the water changing department. I always just add my dechlor right before refilling the tank, and have had no problem. I clean 1 100 gal., 1 55 gal., 1 29 gal., & 1 20 gal. long tank is less than an hour! I highly recommend the python.

[NJ Devils Fan]

How much did you pay for your python gregg? I only paid like $20 on Big Al's online for the 25'.

[superjohnny]

My only beef with the Python is the thing that fits on the faucet. Mine broke really easily and a replacement is $9. That's just silly IMO. I hear you can get metal ones at Home Depot, but I haven't checked yet.

That piece and a fitting to connect the hose to it is really all you need. I NEVER use the valve as it causes major pressure problems on the sink & that adapter thingy (probably what broke it).

Like ALL things having to do with aquaria it was much too expensive.

[gregg604]

I split the threads on my faucet adapter and had to hit the hardware store for a new attachment. I wonder if Python knew this was going to be a problem?

[clayt101]

I think the easiest thing for me to do would be to just refill the aquarium with the hose. The aquarium is close enough to the faucet outside that it would be easy. I don't mind syphoning the water out, its just the refilling. I have a small top opening that is easily accesable (large enoug for the hose), otherwise I must remove the entire top (gravel cleaning once and awhile).:)

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by clayt101
I think the easiest thing for me to do would be to just refill the aquarium with the hose...Why not? That is if you are sure the tank water and the aquarium water are near (real close) to the same temperatures, or else big problems could occur. :(

[clayt101]

Originally posted by 80gJoe
Why not? That is if you are sure the tank water and the aquarium water are near (real close) to the same temperatures, or else big problems could occur. :(

Good point. Probably could only do this during the summer.:)

[t_h_e_s_a_c_k]

Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
How much did you pay for your python gregg? I only paid like $20 on Big Al's online for the 25'.

$20.00 is frickin' cheap compared to what i have to pay for one here. $50 for the 25' and another $25 for an attachment. its ridiculous.

[NickH]

Originally posted by superjohnny
My only beef with the Python is the thing that fits on the faucet. Mine broke really easily and a replacement is $9. That's just silly IMO. I hear you can get metal ones at Home Depot, but I haven't checked yet.

Like ALL things having to do with aquaria it was much too expensive.

Python Products makes a brass fitting. You should be able to find it at the LFS. The plastic one wears out after a year or two of normal use. I highly recommend the metal fitting. Even with the cost of this part, the price for the Python is WELL worth it. Between the time saved and the effortless of it, etc.

Buckets suck!...

[Tyler718]

Originally posted by superjohnny
My only beef with the Python is the thing that fits on the faucet. Mine broke really easily and a replacement is $9. That's just silly IMO. I hear you can get metal ones at Home Depot, but I haven't checked yet.

That piece and a fitting to connect the hose to it is really all you need. I NEVER use the valve as it causes major pressure problems on the sink & that adapter thingy (probably what broke it).

Like ALL things having to do with aquaria it was much too expensive.

I did get a replacement at Home Depot for like $2 and some change about a year ago. It looks exactly like the python brand one. It's probably made by the same people.

Dave

[gregg604]

Originally posted by t_h_e_s_a_c_k


$20.00 is frickin' cheap compared to what i have to pay for one here. $50 for the 25' and another $25 for an attachment. its ridiculous.

Yup, that's what I paid for mine. Plus a few adaptors at ten bucks a piece. In the end I think the whole thing cost me a little over a hundred bucks after taxes.

[ianjoe]

is that canadian or usa dollars though?

[Gunnie]

I paid $60.00 for mine, but I got the 50 foot hose. I still think it would be worth it to buy one even if you are close to the outside hose. It would be expecially nice in the winter time! If you do decide against the python, and prefer to refill with your outside hose, let the water run a minute or two before filling your tank. I have read that the hose contains harmful metals that might leach into the water running through the hose for the first minute or two. It's kind of like lead in your pipes. The good thinkg about using a python with the outside hose, is that you will be draining your tank first, so the first few minutes of running water through your hose would be while the tank is draining.

[clayt101]

I'm not too worried about the metals in the hose or the pipes. As it is, the buckets that I have been using have all been filled by the hose, so the only difference is that I wouldn't be carring the buckets.:)