What is a Python & what are the benefits?

[DrDeath]

I have seen lots of mention of Pythons. What are they, and what are the benefits of having one?

Any feedback appreciated!

DrD

[Richer]

Pythons are essentially gavel tubes with extended hoses that connect to a adapter that hooks up to your sink (think waterbed emptier/filler). Essentially, the flowing water from your tap creates enough suction to start the flow of water from your tank, one switch of a knob (so to speak) and your python turns into a tank filler, thus eliminating the need for buckets. You can add dechlorinator during the filling process if need be.

I would recommend pythons if you have larger tanks, or many tanks (or a combination of the two). If you only have a few smaller tanks (ie. 20 gallons and below) and you don't mind a few bucket trips, then a python isn't really needed.

I use a python on my 66, 70, 15 and 20bowfront tanks, works great for me.

HTH
-Richer

[RTR]

Agree w/Richer.

See also:

http://www.pythonproducts.com/nospill.htm

[NJ Devils Fan]

Pythons=greatness

[Dangerdoll]

I second Devil

[chaynes]

How do you deal with the temperature shift with a python. I measured the water coming out of my tap and this time of year it is 40^F. My tank is 79^F and if I do large water changes with this cold water will it not lower the temp greatly and stress the inhabitants of the tank?

[DrDeath]

I think I need to make a purchase. It sounds like a great tool to have. My sink is a little far from my tank and the trips can get hazardous trying to dodge the dog while carrying a bucketfull of water! I'll check that link out.

Thanks a mill :D

DrD

[DrDeath]

Why does the temp shift with a python? I would think regulating the hot and cold to a good temp would be ok. That's how I fill my buckets now. Let me know:(

DrD

[chaynes]

I thought about that too, but remember warnings about using hot water since it sits in the hot water heater and could be contaminated.

[nato435]

True about the hot water, but if you use a Tap Water Conditioner that detoxifies heavy metal you should be fine.
(Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

-Nato

[chaynes]

I've never had to use any tap water conditioner before since I am on well water and have tested it for everything I could find a test for and it's very clean. I suppose I should just do a test on the water from the hot water heater and see if there is any problem. My back is starting to hurt from carrying all these buckets of water and I would like to use a python type method if I felt confortable with the healthyness of it.

Actually I just thought of something, since most of the supposed contaminents are in a semi-solid form. Then maybe all one would need is an inline filter similiar to those used inline for filling up a RV drinking water tank. I should probally do this and do tests so that I can feel satisfied that its free of anything that could accumalate and be harmful to any of my organisms.

[Dangerdoll]

I just add conditioner to the tank, and get the temp at the same as the tank (checking by thermometer) and let it go. It's never ever caused me a problem.

[Hootchieman]

Just a word of caution, Dr. D, don't overtighten any of the connections of the Python. I already cracked two connections from overtightening them.:mad:

Otherwise it is a great time saver. I drain about 1/3 of my tank and slowly refill it while I add water conditioner. So far the fish and plants seem fine with this after 6 months.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Just use the hot water. Fill up the tank at the right temp and put some conditioner in like Stress Coat. you will be fine.

[Dangerdoll]

Devil...... just to clarify...... you're not talking about straight hot water, right? You mean water using the hot and cold to come to the correct temp.....or are you?

[NJ Devils Fan]

yea

[1 fish 2 fish]

It's made of plastic so like someone earlier said, it can crack, but you can get brass replacement parts. Also you can get, a tube extender, and a carrying strap thingy. I wouldn' be surprised if you could get a hose extention also. You can even get pyhton shirts.

[auxout]

Is there anything really special to the python or could you easily make one with a T facucet hookup and a gravel vac?

[DrDeath]

This may sound stupid - do you add the (i use Tetraqua) directly to the tank, or is their an "access" port to add it before it goes in?

DUUUUUH........................:D

DrD

[ThorinMan]

I would get one. Very easy to use saves time and keeps lots of water off the floor. they are only 21.99 for a 25 foot model at www.bigalsonline.com and only 34.99 for a 50 model. Make cleaning draining and filling very very esay. I agree that you dont need it if you have a small tank though.

[chaynes]

I tested my HOT water for everything I could get a test for and it is just as good as my cold water is. No detectable levels of copper, iron, and kh&GH are 1^ so there seems to be significant level of anything in the water. I drain and clean out my hot water heater regularly so this may explain it's apparent cleaness. So I made a homemade python of sorts using clear flexible tubing from lowes that I got for 22 cents a foot and some fittings they had in the plumbing section. The way I am doing the water changes is draining the water with siphoning power, then adjusting the temp of the water and adding it to the tanks. Tested it out on a 5g with a betta in it. I feel pretty confident to use this method on all my tanks.

[Dangerdoll]

DrDeath,

there's no "access" port for the conditioner/dechlorinator (I'm assuming you mean which attaches to the python in a way which directly adds in with the water refill), directly into the tank is the way to go......

[goozy]

I just ordered on from big al's

[DrDeath]

Thanks Dangerdoll & everyone else who responded!

I am placing an order - thanks for the link. This will be my first purchase from them.

DrD

[Nippy]

Originally posted by 1 fish 2 fish
You can even get pyhton shirts.

Don't forget the underwear! :D

[ThorinMan]

Yeah dont forget they have cheap prices on everything. I get my emporer 400's for 39.99. And they are 76 bucks in the stores. I love big al. I wish i could met him and tank him in person.

[Skippy]

One note,

I bought the 25 foot model, then found I needed longer. Looking at the connections on the adapter end and on the gravel vac end. I just went to home depot and picked up a 75 foot garden hose and use that as the hose now.

Seems to work find for me.

[1 fish 2 fish]

Originally posted by Nippy


Don't forget the underwear! :D


Of course, the most important part.