A Cheap DIY "Python" - A Must-Have for Large Tanks

[Leopardess]

It seems as though a lot of people are still lugging buckets on their large tanks - and I know how much that stinks because I used to do it myself. A lot of people buy the Python that is premade, and that is fine, but it is extremely easy to make a similar version yourself. So, here's one way of doing it. I am using attached pictures instead of having them show up in the text because I don't want them cluttering my server :p and so that they'll always be here. Also, I snapped the pics really quick and Dante was pushing the camera around so some are blurry and not that great, I apologize.

Ok, so...You have a faucet. Most faucets have a little metal piece that is at the end where the water comes out and it just screws on. (Picture 1) If you unscrew this, you are left with the threads that are directly on the neck of your faucet. This is where you'd attach an adaptor piece that would allow you to securely attach a hose to the faucet.

These adaptors are very cheap, about $1-$3 at Home Depot. This adaptor is the second picture I've included. You just need to make sure that it fits the threading on your faucet. To do this, remember that little piece you first took off? Just bring it to Home Depot with you and they can find the right size adaptor.

You then screw this onto your faucet. (Third picture)

Then, you attach the hose. I suggest using the clear Food & Beverage hose from Home Depot. 25 ft costs about 6-7$. They also make the reinforced kind that looks like the spray nozzle's hose on a sink. I suggest this for a few reasons; it is cheap, it is sturdy, it is 100% positively fish/human safe, and it is clear (sometimes you suck up things you don't want to!).

Now, to prevent this (sucking up fish or something) from happening, I would take a piece of nylon material and stretch it out over the end of the hose that will go in the tank. Use a small metal clamp to attach it (Picture 4 and 5)

Using 1 more of those same metal clamps, attach the hose to the adaptor on your sink, and secure it. This makes sure that there won't be any spraying leaks and that the hose won't fall off when you're filling the tank. (Picture 6).

So, all told you need:
1 adaptor for your faucet
2 metal ring clamps
hose - as long as you need it to be
piece of nylon

I syphon the water into the bathtub. Then I bring that end right to the faucet and attach it. If you don't have a special end on your faucet, you can leave the adaptor on all the time. (I filter my water using a Pur, so I can't, but it takes 5 seconds to attach.) If you want, you could add a variety of attachments, such as a stop valve so that you can turn the water off at the end of the hose...just like you have for an outside house with a nozzle. You can split the tubes and fill 2 tanks at once...

[Leopardess]

Not used to this whole mutliple uploads at a time thing.....it only lets you attach 5 at once...

So! Here is the 6th picture of the hose clamped to the faucet.

EDIT: Oh, just thought I'd add. That Food & Beverage hose is about 3/4" thick - larger than most gravel vac tubes - so the water syphons out a *lot* quicker and you can fill it up quicker:)

[StreetCypher]

Great article Leopardess.

I used to wheel a 17L bucket on my chair to the sink. I was just about to buy a python, but i think i'll DImyself. Great timing!

[bayoupr]

Nice article, but I prefer the python because its simple to use and you don't need any tools to attach it to the faucet.

[Plan-B]

You got me thinking about the money I wasted on my python so I wrote this up to vent my frustration.

I shelled out the cash for a 75” python and have been kicking my self ever since. It’s not that the produce doesn’t work; in reality it works great and is a time saving must. The problem was when I final got it in the mail and had a good look at it I realized I could have built the thing myself for 1/3 the cost.

At the heart of the python system is this little unit.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/807383/tap.jpg

Water flows down thru a funnel in it causing a strong vacuum on the tee. This lets you change water and clean gravel directly to your sink without the need to siphon water to a position lower then your tanks water level, i.e. a bucket or out the front door. On the bottom of the pump is a twist type valve. When closed the vacuum on the tee stops and water is forced back thru the hose to your tank. I leave the valve open and set the water temperature at the sink. Once the temp is right I close the valve and begin adding chlorine treatments in small increments to the water flow at the tank.

Now I bet some of you with waterbeds recognize this little pump, as there original use is to fill and empty waterbeds. I bought this blue one as a replacement for a broken green one that came with my python. They sold them at the first local furniture, bedding store I went to and had about five in stock. It came with it’s own adapter and can connect to just about any faucet. The tee has standard garden hose type thread.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/807383/fittings.jpg http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/807383/hose.jpg

So now I’m thinking I should have gone to the furniture store in the first place and bought a waterbed pump ($6 CND). Then off to the hardware store to buy 75” of garden hose ($20-25) and to the pet store to buy a cheap gravel vacuum ($10). Then take the stuff home and connect the pump to one end of the garden hose and cut the metal fitting off the other. Remove the hose from the store bought gravel vacuum and then attach the plexiglass tube part to the cut end of the garden hose. If needed I could have added one of those metal, screw type hose clamps ($1) to secure it. If I wanted I could have got fancy and bought some extra fittings, clear food and beverage hose and a valve for the hose. While the clear tubing and valve on the python is nice, I really don’t feel it’s necessary.

That’s $42 CND compared to the $120 I spent on the python.

I have another idea for people who already have a python or similar set up and are sick of wrapping up the hose. I bought a cheap garden hose reel and hooked it up. It sits up on the counter and I only reel out what hose I need. I leave the water on when I reel it back up and it takes 90% of the water out of the hose.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/807383/reel.jpg

Take that Python Products. :D

[Leopardess]

And that is fine, bayoupr, if spending the 50-75$ is worth taking 5 seconds to attach a simple metal piece to your faucet - though, as I said, unless you filter your water using an on-faucet attachment, you can keep the adaptor on all the time. All it is is a differently shaped nozzle. I personally don't have the extra cash to buy a 50$ python, and then pay the shipping on it:) Well, actually I do, but I'd be awfully bitter about it, knowing I could do it for 10$ :p

I've also heard a lot of people complaining that some of the plastic pieces on their pythons break, crack or wear - and some don't even fit...which means you'd need an adaptor anyway.

I'm not sure what isn't simple about this though. You take the hose with the clamp on it, and stick it on the faucet :soda:

For me, this works. Just trying to share for those who like DIY things...I'm by no means saying you can't buy the python:)

The only thing different about this is that you don't drain the water into the sink through the attachment. Granted, you could stick that end in the sink and accomplish the same thing. I'd spend too much time cleaning my sink if I drained fish water into it though LOL (I know, I know). So, as I said, I just stick the other end in the tub and drain it there. Then, I grab that end and walk it to the sink.

As for how you adjust the water temp, you just hold the spray nozzle on the sink and feel the water that way. When it is properly temped, let go.

Plan B - Too bad you came up with Plan B after the fact :D Thank you for sharing!!!

[deocder]

I did exactly what plan-b described.


For about $15 you can buy the blue adapter in the picture above (Petsmart), the brass adapter in the other picture above (petsmart), and a common garden hose (Home Depot). The garden hose fits right on the blue adapter. I cut off the other end of the hose and plugged it onto a larger siphon tube. Viola!

[bayoupr]

Yes, I agree with Plan B. The blue adapter is the heart of the python and they are made by Lee's Aquarium Products cat#11580 which I have purchased one as a spare(mine was 7.99 at my LFS) this is the same as a python. To me yes this is a cheaper way to go and its still easier than having to attach my hose to a faucet using a hose clamp and screwdriver. And why did I buy a spare, because all things will eventually fail.

[Leopardess]

I dont use a screwdriver, you can tighten it sufficiently just by turning it with your fingers:) I assume you have take the time to put that blue part on yoru faucet...

But I give up:) This thread wasn't supposed to be debating the merits of pythons. It's for those people who are so inclined to save some money and who like projects.

[bayoupr]

Not debating. But I see hose clamps which mean screwdriver. As for the blue thing yes I attach it to my faucet by hand. Are you attaching the hose clamp by hand to the tubing on the faucet? (By the way, Debate is great, That's what makes this GREAT Country of ours).

[Leopardess]

Yah, I said you can use your finger to tighten the hose clamps. You don't need it super tight because the hose fights snugly over the adaptor. It's just an added security.

What I meant by not debating it is that this thread is for those who are interested in it. Of course there are a 100 other ways of doing it. I guess it just seemed a little ....out of place ...to me to see a post saying "yah, I like my python better." Of course you do, you already bought it. It serves is purpose. Not all of use want to spend the money on one...

[bayoupr]

Agreed this other ideas on cheaper ways to clean your tanks. But by the blue think and make it easier. BYE BYE

[RTR]

I will not dispute that the DIY is functional, but without the venturi it is not a substitute for the Python at all. And without long-term use and convenience I remain dubious.

My setup includes a dedicated tank room, designed in, with a laundry tub and a dedicated tap for the Python (and hose storage device BTW). When I set for the plumbing of two sinks and built the room, the price of the Python is trivial. And over the years it has been in use, even more trivial. So, different stokes for different folks is fine, but don't stretch the comparison of Python and a hose on a tap too far.

[bayoupr]

Thank you RTR. Not trying to compare to much (but her fangs are deep)

[Leopardess]

That was rude.

If you didn't like my idea, or want to use it, you didn't have to post. That's all I'm saying. I use this method. It works perfectly. There is no difference execpt that you dont drain through the sink. I use the tub. I'd rather use the tub because I put dishes in the sink. That's all I'm saying. You screw the blue part onto your sink - I stick a hose on it. There is no difference. I don't use a screwdriver. If you keep the adaptor on, its quicker than a python because all you do is stick the hose on it, no screwing, no turning no anything, which you have to do with a python. All I'm trying to do is help people save money. I know of a few people already who have thanked me for the idea and are going to use it. It's fine that you like your python better. DIY isnt for everyone. You've made your point. All I ask is that you stop belittling the idea for those who want to try it.

Funny how all I was trying to do was help people, but I'm the one with fangs. Seriously. Insults like that are for little kids.

RTR - As for long term use...I've been using it for a year and a half, so I think it works:) There's not much to go wrong with it. I'ts professional grade food and beverage hosing...metal clamps, indestructable metal adaptor. Even assuming the metal clamps wore out after a few years, they're 65 cents:) Is that what you meant? Just how long the pieces last?

As for "stretchin the comparison"...there is a reason I put Python in quotes. I'm beginning to regret even trying to help people out:(

[RTR]

Leopardess- I do not doubt at all that the DIY works, but not as smoothly and easily as quickly as the commercial product for my use. I change multiple tanks daily, switching from sinks to tub or other drain between operations would be too big a chore for me, and do remember that I have the luxury of a dedicated sink for the Python - huge difference there. But my use is the uncommon one here, not yours. I frankly never expected the device to hold up as well and as long as it has and have been very pleased with how well it has held its flexibility - but I freely admit it is not as clear as it once was. Having the venturi at the sink, near hose-end shut-off/flow restrictor (although I will not trust the shut-off other than for short times - my water pressure is pretty high), and a variety of different length gravel tubes are the big differences - all of which could be incorporated easily into your unit as desired/needed. Those features would duplicate the commerial unit's functionality more closely, whether it was on a dedicated sink or not. With those additions, the functionality should be only trivially different, if at all.

[Leopardess]

DIY isn't meant to be nessarily the same thing, though:( There is no way you could manufacture the same product, thats why the company sells them.

Some people don't have a fish room with a sink, or even a lot of tanks to change water on. I use it on my 55 and the 29g and that is it.

[bayoupr]

My comment was not to be rude but just a little pun. I apologize if I have offended you. And by no means stop trying to help people. That's what this forum is for and as for debating your way and my way it gives people options and things to consider about the two types. Maybe it's me that needs to hold back on my opinions because I know sometimes I tell the way I see it without weighing the options. But that's me.

[Aquarius0015]

Minus the slight unpleasantness, I think this thread contains enough valuable information to make a good sticky...

I think the DIY python is a great idea for those people who need to save money and don't care about the slight inconvenience. As long as a disclaimer is attached...

just a suggestion

[StreetCypher]

Minus the debate i thought it was a great thread.
I'm going to try out leopardesses method. She wrote it like a
"DIY python for dummies" book (couldn't be easier to understand) and it costs a few bucks. It will take me like 5 mins to find the items (i won't get lost in the hardware store). If it doesn't work, oh well, find out whats wrong and fix it (or buy a python). If it does, then great!

[Leopardess]

Thank you.

There are so many little gadgets that you could add to it, should you want to. One of my friends that I was just talking to has the same setup, more or less, but he added a u-shaped metal/pvc addition to the end of the hose that goes in the tank. Then, it hooks right onto the edge of the tank. If you added a straight piece onto that curved part, and cut it to the proper length, you could make it so that it automatically drains to 25%, 30% or 50%, or any other amount. Once the water reached the end of the straight tube, it would stop the syphon.

Please forgive my 10 second drawing...

http://members.aol.com/chris420529/syphon.JPG

I don't think with my crappy pictures and the jibberish in the thread that it should be a sticky, but I would like to take this thread on a positive route.

[bayoupr]

How would you clean the bottom if you cut it in pre-lenghts?

[Leopardess]

That would be more if you had a planted tank. In a heavily planted tank, you do not clean the bottom...I should have specified. Though, I guess some people only gravel vac every so often. As it is, I don't gravel vac, so i just use it to remove the water, allowing the hose to rest half way into the tank for my 50% changes.

[Aquarius0015]

Maybe the thread could be revised to make it more sticky-worthy? Leopardess, you underestimate your contributions. I don't find the pictures crappy at all. They get the point across.

[Benson]

Leopardess, I just did what you said and just changed water in my 55 gallon and 30 gallon tank. It works great and I can siphon water to my tub. On the way home from Homd Depot I went to Petsmart and priced the Python. I saved $50. Thanks for sharing with us they DIY python.

[Leopardess]

Hey, I'm glad it works for you:) It sure can be a back saver!! I love not having to lug 5g buckets back and forth across the house, sloshing water around all the way.

Thank you, aquarius:)

[bayoupr]

I didn't think about the pre cut lenghts being used on a planted tank. That does make sense. Reason for my asking is that I have large fish which after a week make qiute a mess so therefore I vac my gravl weekly. But I beleive I'm going to switch to sand from the repleys I received from another post. Maybe I will have to just skim the surface instead of getting down into the gravel to remove the debris. And I hope my apology was accepted for my rudeness.

[StreetCypher]

Hey Leopardess,

I did it, with a few revisions. I had a spare adapter laying around (saved $5) and a spare garden hose adapter (saved...?). So i went out and bought a $7, 7.6m garden hose.

I attached the sink adapter to the faucet,
attached the garden hose adapter to the sink adapter,
and then attached the hose to the garden hose adapter.

I haven't changed water with it yet, but it cost me a total of $7 for the garden hose. I was rinsing the garden hose out and the water seems to flow fine. I'll test it next week.

[Leopardess]

It's okay bayoupr. Maybe I took it a little too personally. I've had an awful bout of flu the past 4 days and I'm getting snippety because I can't sleep...sigh. :o

I was just thinking I'd mention this to anyone reading this: Don't try gravel vacing with the hose! It is physically sturdy enough, but there is a reason why gravel vacs have larger bases. You'll suck the gravel right outta your tank that way! If you're one of the ones who need to gravel vac at each time (I personally don't have any substrate showing in my tanks, so no need LOL), you could attach a gravel vac tube right to it, or you could some how rig it with a larger piece of pvc (al you need is for the tube to be larger in diameter than the hose so that the pressure isn't the same). Then there are the people who only gravel vac sparingly or every other time, in which case it wouldn't matter much I guess..

[StreetCypher]

Thanks for the heads up

I gutted my old gravel vac, but haven't attached the tube to the end of the hose yet.
I will make sure to do that.

[legbamel]

:confused: Aren't regular garden hoses not to be used for filling your tank? I thought that there were possible chemical problems with them. Unless the part about "potable water" hoses is understood by everyone and I'm just too much of a newbie! At any rate, I just wanted to clarify. Thanks.

[RTR]

Non-specific garden hoses have potential dangers. Only potable-water hoses should be used.

[SnakeIce]

I have drank out of a regular garden hose when I am outside and all dirty for most of my life, but I understand there are some precautions and conditions that might make that practice unsafe.

the materials used in a regular garden hose are not guaranteed to be inert, ie they may leach chemicals, moreso when brand new(its like aquariumsafe silicone has to cure befor it will live up to its name) or when the materials start to break down ( if the rubber dry rots and starts shedding rubber particles into the water or...).

that said I only drink water that has not sat in the hose, ie I run the water till I am getting fresh from the pipes first, and when I know the condition or age of said hose

I suppose I am not completely negating the potential for harm but I believe there is just as much or more stuff that could be already in the water than I am getting from the hose.

with that in mind I would not have a problem using a garden hose for emergency or temporary use for fish tanks.

the potable hose is the only safe hose available though

hth

[Leopardess]

It is not a problem with all hoses; some use a plastic-softening agent that can be leached out over time. Without knowing which use it (which may take research), I see no reason to risk it, myself, and have no problem with using Food & Beverage hose...which is cheaper anyway, most often.

Also, while you may take a few sips here and there, the fish live in, breathe in, eat in, drink in, etc. the water that has travelled through that hose.

I bet the majority of the time that the results of using a regular hose would be fine...but why risk it if the precaution is so minute?

[StreetCypher]

Well, i've used it once, and nothing happened to the fish. I ran the water through the hose real well before, and will before each water change (hopefully to cleanse out anything detrimental to my fish). I couldn't find the F&B hose though.

[OnyxFishies]

I made myself a DIY python today. I used:

1 ea. Venturi T device, same as in a brand name Python. $8 US
4 ea. hose clamps $0.87 ea
1 ea. 1/2 barb, for attaching two pieces of 1/2 inside diameter hose. $1.19
1 ea. Garden hose to faucet adapter $0.99
1 ea. Garden hose to 1/2 barbed adapter $2.29
20 ft. Clear vinyl beverage hose $4.50
1 ea. Standard gravel vac. (siphon type, no check valve) $6 or so.

Around 27 dollars, still cheaper than a 25ft python at Walmart. ($29) or at PetSmart ($39). You could double, triple, ect.. the hose length for an additional $6 for each 20ft length. (1 more Barb and Hose length)

The venturi device was sold at petsmart as a replacement part for a Python. It has 3/4 (standard garden hose) fittings on it, hence the adapters. I opted for 1/2 ID hose because that was what my gravel vac had on it. You could make your own gravel vac using clear PVC pipe or some such and use whatever size hose you want, but I already had a gravel vac so I used it. I attached the hose I bought (using the barb fittings I bought) to the venturi and to my gravel vac. Voila! instant python!

Some important notes: I used clear vinyl hose, I recommend using some sort of reinforced hose. The hose I used collapses a little when using it to suck water out of the tank. Combine the suction with the hose bending around a corner, and you might collapse the tube completely. The reinforced hose will prevent this. I also recomend a shut off valve near the gravel vac end! I ended up sucking water out of my tank hoping I didn't suck up a fish and wishing I had used one. A piece of nylon stocking like Leopardess suggested would do the same, but I want to be able to vacuum up pieces of poop, ect. (Maybe fishnet stockings would work? might make for a *kinky* python :D )
A shut off valve near the end that you have in the tank will also stop the water flow to allow you to fill the tank without having to run to the sink and hope the water level is where you want it.

If anyone wants, let me know and I'll post pictures. (As soon as I find my camera!!!)

[beviking]

[QUOTE=OnyxFishies]I made myself a DIY python today. I used:

....Around 27 dollars, still cheaper than a 25ft python at Walmart. ($29) ...

Some important notes: I used clear vinyl hose, I recommend using some sort of reinforced hose. ... I also recomend a shut off valve near the gravel vac end! .... A piece of nylon stocking like Leopardess suggested would do the same...A shut off valve near the end that you have in the tank will also stop the water flow to allow you to fill the tank without having to run to the sink and hope the water level is where you want it.
QUOTE]

So you saved $2, ended up with 5'less and still could have used more/different material? What about the TIME you invested? For $2 more you could have had all the shutoffs, hose that wouldn't collapse, 5' more hose, and some more time to appreciate your tank!;)
BTW - I did the same but have a 50'-er.

[xytrix01]

I think that it's a good idea. its true that its not a "python" in that the syphon isn't activated by your faucet. The main differences I see between the one Leopardess made and the others that have been sugested are the use of the food grade vinal tubing. I've heard bad things about using garden hoses. Something about leaching chemicals.Mabey if you bought the RV supply type garden hose. The other thing is the syphon.

There are a million different ways do acomplish this task, and I for one apreciate Leopardess sharing they way she(I hope!) did it. I will probably utilize a similar fill system, and to empty it I have a little sump pump that sucks the water out for me. I got a mouth full of water once, and will never start a syphon that way again!

Edit: Just had another idea. If you have one of the canister type filters, you probably have the vinal tubing behind your tank already. What I was thinking is that I could put a tee inline with the output before the existing shutoff valve. after the tee I would put another valve. for normal opperation, the new valve would be shut and the existing valve would be oppened. To drain the tank, you would attach your tubing to the new valve and stick the other end in whatever fixture you prefer to drain your water to. Then open up the new valve and shut down the existing valve. Your filter should pump the tank down pretty quick. To fill the tank back up you could use Leopardess's idea with the faucet/hose addapter and put the end on there. Turning on the water would send the flow back the way of your filter. The new water won't want to go against the flow of your filter, so it should proceed up the return line and out your spray bar. When you are all done just shut the new valve you installed and disconect your tubing.

I know for a fact that the emptying part will work, but the trick with this that I see is getting your water pressure right on the filling part. Too little and your filter may push back against the flow and it won't work. Too much pressure and you might backwash the filter or actualy damage your pump. Worst case you might blow loose a fitting and get lots of stuff very very wet.

Any Ideas on this setup? let me know, cuz I'll probably end up doing it this way.

[xytrix01]

Also, this would only work if you only have 1 tank, or if all you tanks use canister filters. Then you could move the tube from one to the next...

[Plan-B]

I think thats a great idea and have some thoughts and some questions on it. You should have fairly consistant water pressure at your tap and I think it should be more then the output of all but the biggest of canisters. With this in mind I dont think your filter would ever push back against your tap water. As for backwashing the filter and damaging it, I think it would help if you removed the spray bar when refilling. This would cause less restriction maybe and put less strain on the filter. Another option might be to turn the filter off and some how cap the inlet. This way no stress at all would be added to the filter and water would not back flow thru the filter and out the inlet. As for my question, how would you gravel vac? Or is this a heavily planted tank were talking about?

[Leopardess]

Thanks xytrix01:) Glad someone appreciates the idea:p

There are dozens of different ways you could do this project. It all just depends on how much time and money you want to invest, what you need it to do, and your personal preference.

What it breaks down to is, no matter how you do it, its better than lugging buckets. I mostly wrote this for people who didn't realize that they could make a cheap and easy version to save their backs from blowing out. And, since I'm getting a 150g tomorrow, I can tell you, I am happy to not lift a single bucket to water change it.

xytrix01 - gotta say...how did you manage a mouth full of water?:D With 20ft or more of hose, you should be able to see it coming:D

[xytrix01]

LOL, that was back before the 25 foot hose. I had a length of like 4 feet and drained it into a bucket and carried that outside! :thud: Can you belive it? I went to start the syphon, gave it a good suck, and the water came faster than I thought it would. Needless to say I now have my pump, but i got a gravel vac and hose like you sugested, and used it yesterday. Sooo much easier! AS for how to vac the gravel, I didn't really plan on that in my little setup. I only vac when it looks like it needs it, so it isn't often enough to annoy me. I was just going for an empty/fill system with my design. I thought about attaching a gravel vac to the intake on the filter, but then all the stuff would just end up in your filter and youd have to clean that every time you vacumed.

[OnyxFishies]

BTW: Thank you Leopardess, it was your post that inspired me to do my little project. Good stuff! I kinda over-engineered mine a bit, but I tend to do that (alot).



So you saved $2, ended up with 5'less and still could have used more/different material? What about the TIME you invested? For $2 more you could have had all the shutoffs, hose that wouldn't collapse, 5' more hose, and some more time to appreciate your tank!;)
BTW - I did the same but have a 50'-er.

Mine is about 25 feet. 20ft I bought, 5 or so feet from the gravel vac I included in the project.

Aye, if I add in the cost of the valve, (simple little plastic ball valve for $1.50) I probably saved about $0.50 :p Knock off the gravel vac, (for those that already have one or don't want to use one) and you are at around $24 (but 5 feet shorter). As for longer lengths, thats where some real cost savings come in. The lengths of hose (20ft each) were $4.50, so a 40 footer with the same materials costs about $6 more. (around $35 total.) The reinforced hose was about 5.50 for a 20 foot length, so the cost is $1 more to use the reinforced hose. The length of my gravel vac hose was about 5-6 feet, so mine is around the same length as a store-bought python. The valve and the reinforced hose go in the "Lessons Learned" department. :o I might do some research, and see if more cost savings can be achieved.

Time invested: I went to several home improvement stores looking for the venturi device, none of them even had a clue what I was talking about. Finally found one at petsmart right next to the pythons that they sell. Everything else (except the gravel vac, I got that when I bought my tank) was all in the same spot at Home Depot. For me, thats about 1.5 hours total, (including driving time!) minus the time I spent hunting the venturi. Home depot is a 20min drive each way. 30 minutes after I got home I was changing the water in my tank. That includes time for lunch. (YMMV) For me, that isn't much more time than buying one pre-made. (and much less fun!)

So: for the improved design, (with shut off valve and reinforced hose) I'd say about $30 dollars for a 25 footer, if you count the cost of the gravel vac. About the same as a store bought, with more time involved. Not worth it unless you get enjoyment from DIY'ing. (I do!) A 45 footer would be around $36, a moderate to significant savings. an 85 footer would be around $46-50.

All that being said, If you don't mind going to the sink to disconnect the hose to drain, you could do without the venturi, then don't get all fancy-schmancy like I did. Just add more hose and an adaptor to your existing gravel vac, or make one just like leapordess describes. Mad savings. :cool:

I'm the type of person that if I can build something for less than or nearly the same as something that I can buy in the store, and it is of similar or better quality, I'll build it every time. To give you an idea of how my brain works: I've looked at the power compact lighting kits that are on Aquarium Hobbyist Supply (http://www.ahsupply.com/) and the first thing that comes to mind is this: "Oooh! I know where to get those components, I'll make one myself!" (yeah, I'm a little crazy.) I'm a mechanic by trade and tinkering is fun for me, so I have (some) skills and I'm whacko. I built my last 3 computers, too. The first is retired, (canabalized would be a better word) and the other two me and my roomate currently use.

[xytrix01]

Lol! That is so crazy! I think the exact same way!!! I stare at something and think to myself "I bet I could make that, but it would be better because I could make it do this and that at the same time!"

[aquatic-store]

Great post with a few ideas i have never tried.!!
I never htought about using a regular hose. My python with 2 much pressure collapses and this would alleviate it

marc Russo
http://www.Aquatic-store.com

Http://www.Fish-ForumS.com Photo contest coming Win Free Lights and co2

[Kasakato]

So which is better: a garden hose or a plastic tube? I might make one of these for myself because I dont want to spent $80 CAD for one. If someone has made one can you please post some pictures?

[Leopardess]

Plastic tube. I've found them to be cheaper and there is *no* possible danger of chemicals in them if you use Food & Beverage hose.

[EtUxor]

I recently made a DIY Python, and I found what I think is a useful improvement for both the DIY and official versions. I thought it was a hassle to disconnect the faucet aerator to use the python. In addition, the cheap plastic faucet adapter that came with the waterbed fill kit leaked and was not strong enough to stay on the faucet during the fill stage. :mad2 I looked for the brass adapter that comes with some store-bought pythons, but all my LFS had was the same weak plastic adapter. Then I remembered grandma's old portable dishwasher......

A brass dishwasher connector is a handy little adapter for connecting portable dishwashers to regular kitchen faucets. This connector has two pieces: one screws into the faucet (in or outside threads) and stays there- it has an aerator, so you can use still use the sink non-fish purposes and does not look too bad (my "python sink" is in a guest bathroom). The second part fits the python venturi and has a "quick-connect" feature for the faucet piece. When it's time for tank duty, simply pop the venturi on the faucet and go. The dishwasher connector can handle the water pressure, doesn't leak, and connection and clean-up is much easier. As for performance, the python venturi appears to work as well, if not better, than before.

I got the connector for $5.00 at Meijer, but I'm sure WalMart has them too. There is one consideration- the dishwasher connector adds a little length to the venturi. If your venturi is already a tight fit in the sink, this might not work.

[gburgess]

Leopardness,
I just bought a super safety siphon aquarium drain, though I see that it could also easily be built, but I wanted to see it for myself before I try to improve on it. It can be seen at:

http://www.jehmco.com/PRODUCTS_/HARDWARE_/Safety_Siphon_Aquarium_Drain/safety_siphon_aquarium_drain.html

As someone pointed out in an earlier post, this device will drain your aquarium to a preset level. I bought the one with a ball valve, so that I can shut it off at the tank when I'm refilling. And I also bought the one with the big pump that can drain a 125 gallon aquarium in under 5 minutes. I think that it's a great idea. And this way, you don't need to worry about gravity, since you can pump the water uphill if you have to, like going into a garbage can, or wherever. I don't like the idea of tapping into a bathroom sink tap for water, so I go into a laundry tub tap that is dedicated for fish. Everything is quick release with the hose [you get those brass or plastic quick release devices at the hardware store, so that you can snap on a hose to your super safety siphon in seconds. I can use my python, or any common garden hose. My python also has quick release on every attachment. It's all very no fuss, no muss.

I don't use gravel, I use sand, so there is no need to vacuum, because I have an undergravel jet system as well. :dance

[pl*co]

Leopardess, thanks for the pics. I was just thinking that your solution is good for those of us who may have a Lee's or Python, but the big honkin' intake is too big to get around plants and decorations in a smaller tank. I didn't think to take the intake end off and just use the hose because I figured the suction would pull up the flourite (as it does with my smaller syphon). The pic with the nylon on the end made me think about tying a piece of an old aquarium fish net on the end, as the holes are a little bigger, but will still allow debris to enter.

[Shierkahn]

I just GV my tank into the sump pump in the basement. Then fill in with a garden hose hooked up with my washer (of course I let it run into the sump first, in case some soap backed up into the hose). Works great for both my tanks.

[cajinfry]

Not sure how the whole Python thing or anything you hook to your Potable drinking water source and insert that into your fish tank.... That would be a cross Connection from and unknow water source directly to the public water drinking supply which in most Citys is a violation of city code and ordinance. It should have some type of BackFlow Prevention valve and something that is directly connected like that should have 2 in case one fails the other will take over...... Just a thought to consider..... I know that city's do not come looking for things like this but remember you could possibly contaminate your houselines with undesirable water which could be accompanied by odor and bad taste.....

Chris

[nimdabew]

when i did mine today, i was looking for something that wouldnt subtract usable space in my sink. what i came up with was a 2 way valve that you can hook up to your shower. it basically diverts water from your shower head to "another shower head" (in this case a female to male brass fitting with barbs on the other end). i have my shower marked where the temp is the same in my tank and my tub so i just pull the shower button on the bath faucet and it goes to the shower head and towards my tank. i also included a ball on/off switch in the line about 4 feet from the end of my syphon tube so i can stop the water in and out of my tank in about 2 seconds. all together with the brass fittings and tube and the expensive shower head adaptor, it was about 50 dollars. just make sure you get the ID numbers correct for all of the brass fittings and you are good to go

[lousybreed]

I have a stupid rental property so I can't make my dream setup but this is what I have been doing. Siphon into a bucket, put my little 500gpm pump in there, attach garden hose. direct water to plants outside that need watering. start the pump up and rock and roll...still have to fill the tank via buckets but not too bad!