I'm trying the Python sink attachment now. The Aqueon one I had didn't really hold up around the threads with repeated attachment/separation since I'm using my kitchen sink.
Which is a nicer product: Python vs. Aqueon siphon cleaners
- Thread starter mellowvision
- Start date
I've heard complaints about the faucet attachment on the python, and also heard that a much sturdier replacement part can be picked up at Wal-Mart for a couple $$.
I found that the "off/on" valve on the bottom of the python's waterbed siphon attachment is fragile. the Aqueon has a ball cock valve that is much better. Also, with either of them I went to Ace Hardware and bought the metal faucet adaptor. Much more durable than the plastic. I found a dishwasher snap disconnector with an aerator built in, so I use that now. The Aqueon snaps on and off easily, and I leave the adaptor / aerator in place.
For larger water changes I sometimes use a pump to speed up the draining and use the Aqueon for the refill. If I am in no hurry, I use the Aqueon pump to get the siphon started and then turn off the water and just let it siphon out. Saves some water that way, but takes a bit longer...
For larger water changes I sometimes use a pump to speed up the draining and use the Aqueon for the refill. If I am in no hurry, I use the Aqueon pump to get the siphon started and then turn off the water and just let it siphon out. Saves some water that way, but takes a bit longer...
** Warrning, long message **
I actually never screw or unscrew my python to the faucet. Here is a cool trick.
I use a quick change adapter to attach a hose to a faucet. The male end goes on the sink, the female end on the python. Then I can just snap my python onto the faucet, in about 1 second. No threads to strip or problems to cause. I keep my original sink aerator nearby and swap it out when company comes over so the sink is a bit calmer, but to be honest that only happens rarely. Generally the male quick connect is just fine to use.
1 time I had my python spring a leak, but it was TOTALLY my fault. I plugged it and had too much water pressure behind it at the time. A quick shove and twist and it all went back together and has been perfect since. I think I got it around 5 years ago, but it may be a bit longer than that even.
Also I bought mine because carrying buckets around and accidentally overflowing buckets was becoming a pain.
Since then I have overflowed my tanks 3 times I think. I walk away while they are filling, and start to hear a splasihng noise of water flowing over the lip of the tank. Good times!!! :22_yikes:
Another tip, as long as the sink is lower than your tank, you can start the siphon with the faucet, and then un-hook it, or just leave it there attached and turn the water off. The water will still flow out, just not terribly fast. I am on a well and septic, so I figure I am just putting water back into the ground to suck it back up again, so I don't worry about wasting any.
Sorry for all the comments, but I do like my python!!!
I actually never screw or unscrew my python to the faucet. Here is a cool trick.
I use a quick change adapter to attach a hose to a faucet. The male end goes on the sink, the female end on the python. Then I can just snap my python onto the faucet, in about 1 second. No threads to strip or problems to cause. I keep my original sink aerator nearby and swap it out when company comes over so the sink is a bit calmer, but to be honest that only happens rarely. Generally the male quick connect is just fine to use.
1 time I had my python spring a leak, but it was TOTALLY my fault. I plugged it and had too much water pressure behind it at the time. A quick shove and twist and it all went back together and has been perfect since. I think I got it around 5 years ago, but it may be a bit longer than that even.
Also I bought mine because carrying buckets around and accidentally overflowing buckets was becoming a pain.
Since then I have overflowed my tanks 3 times I think. I walk away while they are filling, and start to hear a splasihng noise of water flowing over the lip of the tank. Good times!!! :22_yikes:
Another tip, as long as the sink is lower than your tank, you can start the siphon with the faucet, and then un-hook it, or just leave it there attached and turn the water off. The water will still flow out, just not terribly fast. I am on a well and septic, so I figure I am just putting water back into the ground to suck it back up again, so I don't worry about wasting any.
Sorry for all the comments, but I do like my python!!!
I've had my python for over 12 years also. I drain tanks out a window. I use the same attachment as bigwave, which stays on the faucet 24/7 (sink is in the garage, so I never have to move it). My python hoses are all original. I've never had one leak, I use the same ball valve it came with 12 years ago. Great product.
I have an Aqueon that someone threw in as part of a craigslist buy since 2 years ago and I don't even bother with the sink draining attachment, I just put a syphon to my bathtub. Although I did replace the plastic sink attachment it had with a more reliable metal one I found at home depot for a dollar. The plastic one kept popping out because the threads had been worn down. Definetely a must have for filling tanks over 20 gallons.
I need 50ft Python to reach all my tanks. I start the syphon at the kitchen sink then drain to the tub. Reattach to faucet for refilling. I don't use it to syphon shrimp tanks, they seem to head right for the tube so I use a vac & buckets & spend some time rescuing shrimplets.
I also clog the drain part with plant debris & either have to pick it out or try to backflush it out. Not quite the miracle I was hoping for but I wouldn't have as many tanks without it.
The aqueon sounds like it may be a bit better but I haven't tried 1 or even seen 1 in person. I've only had my Python for ~2 yrs but nothing is broken yet, hose still clean.
I also clog the drain part with plant debris & either have to pick it out or try to backflush it out. Not quite the miracle I was hoping for but I wouldn't have as many tanks without it.
The aqueon sounds like it may be a bit better but I haven't tried 1 or even seen 1 in person. I've only had my Python for ~2 yrs but nothing is broken yet, hose still clean.
I use the python and I am constantly replacing the faucet thing. I am about to get my 5th one. I wish that it wasn't all plastic. I drain my tanks into my flower beds out front. No wasting fish water here. lol
