python: what am I doing wrong?

[fishorama]

:help: I'm still having trouble using my python :swear:. I can get the syphon started on the first tank but am having extreme difficulty switching tanks thereafter. With the water running or not: with the hose in the tub, shut off valve open; closed; low tank or high. What's the technique? Please help me, at this rate it'd be easier & faster to drain using a gravel washer & buckets.

[lilim10]

I just hook up my python to the hose outside and turn on the water with the other end in my tank. It never seems to have any problems...

[excuzzzeme]

Do you have enough water pressure? Are all your fittings tight? Do you have the bottom cap in the open position? Is the sink lower than the tanks or higher (its hard to siphon uphill but it can be done if you have enough water pressure).Loose fittings, kinked hose, and low pressure are the biggest culprit.

Can you siphon it to the outside and then just use it to fill?

[fishorama]

I think it may be more than 1 problem. I use the sink attachment to get the syphon started then put the end in the tub for better suction. Out the window isn't too practical for me: screens & cold weather.

Each time I've used it I feel like I'm starting over but by trying different things I can get it to work eventually. Today I started with a low 10g thinking running the sink water would help increase the syphon strength & it seemed a bit better.

But frustration struck when I moved to a 55g "standard height" ~ 30". No amount of goofing around seemed to work. I "think" the water pressure can start the syphon as long as there isn't water in most of the hose. With 50ft it takes a while to realize it isn't working again.

I have had loose connections especially the shut-off near the vac, #$%@* plastic.

I also don't have a good way of cleaning plant bits from the sink attachment though today semmed better.

I also get a little frustrated just winding up the hose.

Arrrrgggg thanks for letting me vent. I feel like I change less water in more time with this "new & improved" system. Still hoping it'll get better. Using a lot more Prime too...

[excuzzzeme]

Because I have low pressure I use 25' only unless I can lay it outside in the bushes. With a gravity siphon I can only do the higher tanks. With it being only 25' I am able to power siphon the lower tanks.

[DAVIDFBT]

If you have a backyard, you can just syphon it out to the yard, that's what I do. If you don't have a backyard, you can also drain to the bathtub if your tank is on a stand and if you don't mind having tankwater going in the tub drain.

[fishorama]

excuzzzme, I could probably use only 40+ ft but it'd be close, tanks in all parts of the first floor.

Thanks David, I do syphon into the "extra" "swimming pool" tub. We have to spray for carpenter ants so I worry about contamination near the house foundation too.

[mostlycichlids]

The python works better draining wise by gravity. Make sure to get all the water out of the hose before starting the suction on another tank also raise the hose near the tank and move down the hose to give it a jump start. I also kink the hose near the gravel vac to move to a different spot in the tank or to another tank. Lastly you can cut an inch or two off the gravel vac part to make it shorter which will give you less area for the water to have to pull.

[NickD]

When I first got mine I also had trouble getting the siphon started on the second tank. Then I figured out my problem. The hose needs to be clear of water before starting the siphon on the next tank.

So after siphoning and filling the first tank I drain the hose by raising it above the sink starting from the other end and working my way to the sink end.

Also, to save water, once the siphon gets started (when the tank water reaches the drain) you can turn off your faucet. As long as the water level in the tank is above the height of the sink end of the python the tank will continue to drain. You just need to run your faucet to get the siphon started.

[fishorama]

Because I drain to the tub, I try to keep the syphon going between each tank & refill all afterward.
I think I need to work on remembering to keep water in the hose at the tank end & no air. It seemed like after *finally* getting the syphon started on the second tank, I was able to keep it going much better using the gravel end shut off & refilling the vac tube with water & getting the air out before opening it again.

With 7 tanks having to drain the entire 50ft hose each tank will get old very fast.

Thanks for the hints, I'll probably have trouble next time & can refer back.

[JamieB]

I had the same problem with the siphoning starting back up. All I did as it's mentioned above, is take the hose from the tank and follow back to sink while keeping it elevated to drain all the water out and it works fine.

[prolude006]

I think you figured it out yourself....you cant start the siphon without submerging the vac part and filling it with water. try sucking water up with it full of air you wont be able to...especially if you have water in the line and air in the vac. a small air bubble it will pull it through...a full vac of air it wont have a chance.
have fun

[excuzzzeme]

I also use a powerhead attached to the vac and then the outlet is run to a drain. I use this for big jobs and find it to be easier and a time saver for doing lower level tanks.

[Fishy_Fun]

Wow i have never had this much trouble with the python.

[fishorama]

Thanks excuzzzeme, I may try a powerhead.

[ChiaJesus]

3/4 of my tanks are in the basement and unfortunately the only tap I have that will work with my Python is upstairs in the kitchen.

Therefore I do things the old fashioned way. I suck on the end of the hose (I put my hand around the end so my lips don't touch) to get the siphon going for cleaning. I then hook the Python up to the tap upstairs to fill the tanks back up when I'm done.

Pythons are a necessary evil.

[fishorama]

I went almost 30 years without a Python & the same for starting a syphon with my mouth, eww. There are easier ways but maybe you enjoy the "danger".

[fishorama]

WoooHoo! this week's water change went without a hitch! I think I've finally got the hang of it!