Inline pump selection for python

[DrNo]

A little help from our experienced AC community please.

I'm tired of wasting water with the python during my weekly water changes. I must run the water constantly for all water changes as a simple gravity drain (or simple suction prime) doesn't work; the distance involved is too great and the aquarium tanks are higher than the faucet. I'd like to install an inline water pump but am unsure which model and gph rating is appropriate for this application. Here are the vitals for the python system:

1) 75 total feet of tubing

2) Inlet AND outlet of water pump must match existing tubing of 5/8" ID or be retrofitted to do so

3) I do a gravel vac with every single water change.... suction created by the pump must be strong enough to lightly disturb substrate, but not too strong as to suction up substrate indiscriminately

Any idea as to what gph rating makes sense here or specific model recommendations? Thanks for the feedback!

DV

[excuzzzeme]

Gould's pumps for wells would be what you are looking for based on your description. They are not cheap and will pump a 3/4 inch line at 60psi with a nominal flow of 50psi and can handle a 75' run. You can find them at Lowes and Home Depot. They are not continuous run (meaning 24/7) but can be run more than long enough for your needs. The one I have was about $250. You might want to also check out pond pumps as they too can do a higher head. Figure out the total height that the water has to be lifted and add 1/3 again. (12' lift + 4'= 16 ft head minimum)

[DrNo]

Thanks for the suggestions excuzzzeme! I checked the Home Depot website and found a utility pump option I think will work. I'm a bit concerned about too much suction, but the advantage of a big-box store is the easy return/exchange if i need to downsize. The unit accepts threaded garden hose at 3/4'" so I will have to purchase some thread to barb adapters to use the existing 5/8" ID line.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100067909&N=10000003+90401+503440

In the interim, keep any other options coming.

[vtx-coley]

I gravity feed for gravel vacuuming and then I hook up a Safety Siphon from Jehmco.

http://www.jehmco.com/html/safety_siphon_aquarium_drain.html

Edit: After rereading your first post, this isn't what you're looking for....sorry.

[DrNo]

I gravity feed for gravel vacuuming and then I hook up a Safety Siphon from Jehmco.

http://www.jehmco.com/html/safety_siphon_aquarium_drain.html

Edit: After rereading your first post, this isn't what you're looking for....sorry.

No worries, but thanks for the reply :D

[Sploke]

Or, you could drain into a toilet or bathtub, or out a door...got to be something within the 75' length of the python (unless you're in the basement and there's no bathroom).

[DrNo]

Update:

Bought this unit and it works like a CHARM!!!! Highly recommended and very affordable price.\

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100125992&N=10000003+90006+503440

No more wasted water :D

[avionics30]

Great idea! I may need to invest in one! Haha!

[DrNo]

Thanks avionics... can't believe I waited this long.

[Mgamer20o0]

very nice. i tried something like this with a type of pump i had and didnt work. does it prime its self?

[DrNo]

very nice. i tried something like this with a type of pump i had and didnt work. does it prime its self?

Thanks gamer. Yes, self-priming for 8 ft. vertical or less. All I had to was pick up the threaded barbs for the 5/8" ID tubing to retro-fit to my existing python.

[SuBXeRo]

any of you use the aquarium water pumps? or is it better to get something more industrial such as the pumps at home depot. i too am looking for a pump, something cost effective. I was thinking, a good way to self prime would be to just hook it up to the faucet and run the water up into the tank and crank the pump on after u take it off the faucet, bam.

[SuBXeRo]

ok how about this, if you wanna do it on the cheap and have a good power drill http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100145129&N=10000003+90401+503440

[vtx-coley]

Update:

Bought this unit and it works like a CHARM!!!! Highly recommended and very affordable price.\

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100125992&N=10000003+90006+503440

No more wasted water :D

Thanks, I might pick one up also. I'm not really pleased with the vacuum from gravity.

[Mgamer20o0]

Thanks gamer. Yes, self-priming for 8 ft. vertical or less. All I had to was pick up the threaded barbs for the 5/8" ID tubing to retro-fit to my existing python.
nice might have to pick one up and try my self. i been looking for something to help speed up wcs. also have thought about using splitters to suck from more then one tank at once.

Thanks, I might pick one up also. I'm not really pleased with the vacuum from gravity.
lol it just that it takes so long

[excuzzzeme]

Update:

Bought this unit and it works like a CHARM!!!! Highly recommended and very affordable price.\

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100125992&N=10000003+90006+503440

No more wasted water :D


LOL I have one of those and I keep forgetting about it! Yes they pump very well and will suck up gravel too if your not careful.

[josh05magnum]

Hmmm, this might be good for me too. When hooking up my python to my outside spigot, I get great suction, but when I have to hook it up to my sink (like when it's stupid cold out!) I don't quite get the suction I want.

[DrNo]

Thanks all for the posts here; I spent all day doing a massice re0plumb of the tank so I'll have a chance to take a few shots of the ython set-up.


LOL I have one of those and I keep forgetting about it! Yes they pump very well and will suck up gravel too if your not careful.

Yes, you can tell that even at 1/12 HP this thing doesn't mess around. It works well for me as I have over 75 feet of hose involved plus a 6 ft. minimum drop. Other than the mineral oil/vegetable oil addition its very convenient and really speeds things up.

Mgamer, I do think this unit is powerful enough to handle a splitter for multiple tanks.

[vtx-coley]

I pick up this pump today and it works great. Thanks for posting the follow up. :thm:

I didn't have to add any fittings. the Python fittings screw on to the intake and I used the supplied 6 foot garden hose for the discharge.

[DrNo]

I pick up this pump today and it works great. Thanks for posting the follow up. :thm:

I didn't have to add any fittings. the Python fittings screw on to the intake and I used the supplied 6 foot garden hose for the discharge.

Glad to hear that it's working out well coley; certainly speeds up the changes!

[maxthedog123]

Sorry to bring back an old thread. I asked the same question recently and mgamer pointed me to this one. (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189706)

I am curious how this works. Do you have to get water down the tube to prime the pump or can you just stick the python in the water and let it bring the water down?

What was the final verdict on the hose size? I see one person saying you need an adapter and one saying it fits?

[SMinNC]

Thanks for bringing this (back) up! I could have used it yesterday. lol

But most likey, going to get one anyway.
I only get about a 1 1/2 ft drop when doing the indoor pond. And the attachment would work great for it!