Sick of my breaking python...

V

vux

Registered Member
Nov 28, 2005
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My python siphon is constantly breaking. This time, the little...plastic thingie that attatches to the sink (sorry, I'm not a technical type) cracked. Usually, it either just leaks horribly (water all over the walls and mirror), or it will "explode" (all the pieces just fall apart). Also, I'm prone to cross-threading it, thanks to the bright idea to build something plastic that's supposed to connect to something metal.

So, any DIY ideas? I can't seem to find a website on how to build my own. I dont want just a regular siphon; I'm too weak and wussy to carry huge buckets back and forth (I have two 55gs and countless 10gs all over the house), so I'd really like a DIY for a python.
 
Are you sure the threads on the faucet are the same as those on the python connector? If the thread spacing is different, you would always be "cross-threading". May just be that you need a different adapter for the faucet?

You can pick up a universal adapter at the hardware store (around $5 US I think) and a garden hose female end (around $1) too. The adapter screws into/onto the faucet, the female garden hose fitting slides into the hose and screws onto the adapter. The threads are large and less likely to be cross-threaded...not impossible though ;)
 
Use a shopvac? I syphon my tanks with a garden hose right out the door or the nearest window, exceot for in the basement where I have to carry buckets.
 
I used to have a plastic thing to screw into my faucet, and I was always cross threading it. It seemed like once you got it cross threaded wrong a couple of times, it would never go right again. Python makes brass ones, and it has been such a big plus for me. no more cross threading.
I'm on my second green connector thingie also. The dog ate the first one :eek:
 
I had to look around, but I also have a metal adapter found at a LFS I used to replace the very soft plastic one sold with my python. Mine is stainless steel and not brass, but the effect is the same. No cross threading and a much less leaky connection.
 
Mine still broke, I went though two of them.

I just stopped using it, got a long hose out of 1/2" vinyl that I can stick out of the window or into the bathtub to drain. Attach it straight to the faucet to fill.

When I clean gravel I drain into a big 20 gallon bucket, using a cheap grave cleaner with a short hose. A bit of gravel always gets through and I don't want that in the bathtub.
 
Sick of mine also, The main green connector that you attach to the brass connection to the sink is stripped.

I finally got so sick of it I cut the hose just to make a normal gravity syphon, that I drain into a large rubbermaid sweater-box, then I carry the heavy back breaking water to the toliet.

I do 50% water changes every 2-3 days and its killing my back, but I am sick of that cheap python.
 
Yeah, the achillies heel of the Python, I have to keep a spare in the truck they last 4-6 months for me (I do maintenance). Even if I'm very careful they break, strip, or just plain get an attitude.
 
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