Easier water changes on a "larger" aquarium

[garyfla]

Kasta
Compared to my tap water ,rainwater is nectar from heaven lol Have used rainwater for over 20 years. Especially like it for planted tetra tanks. have a rainwater purge system on the 5x10 outdoor pool as well as on a 150 located in the GH. Have always used rainwater on vivarium paludarium setups. have often heard of the "evils" of rainwater but have never found that to be true. Probably the best is RO water but may be too much unless you have a specific need. Wouldn't use anything else to make SW.
Risiquarel IMO the best filtration method for any type of aquarium is an "Open system" water passes through one time. If you have excellant water quality and or large reservoirs that's the way to go.
You can't buy auto changers because obviously they would be different for every setup. You have to design and make your own. specific to your goals. I use PVC and vinyl tubing for my systems
The one that I'm going to return to for the 125 is the toillet powered gravity fed type using tap water but will go into a reservoir rather than direct. Used this on a 75 for over 5 years Since my tap water sucks will require monitoing as well as automatic declor dispensers.
Since it will either be a rift or native setup very hard water will be a bonus. Change water will go dirctly into the toilet rather than out to the garden . I try to use ALL my water at least 3 times but thinking easy and simple for this setup. have never kept large fish indoors so have no idea how to design the purge system and how far to go with it. Since either setup will not be planted certainly easier to design
Torn between a " suspended" grid or simple directional current changes. But larg numerous fish always means large numerous messes ??lol gary

 

[Rbishop]

I just upgraded a 30gal to a 45gal and working with a 3gal bucket is a drag. I'm thinking of getting python and I already declor my tank directly, but I still have some concerns. Does the python have 3 setting? drain, fill and vacuum (drain/fill same time) ? I never used one, so I don't know exactly what the flow choices are. Also, is it possible to change the vacuum tube on the tank end to a hard plastic U shape with a inlet screen so you can hang it on the side of your tank for simple draining and filling duties?

No real "settings". Just a twist connection at the sink adapter venturi. When in one mode, it is using tap water flow to create a low pressure area that draws water from your tank. In some applications, depending on the height differences of your sink and tanks, you can turn off the water once the flow from the tank has been established and it will maintain the siphon. Many folks however, do not care to waste water to get water out from their tanks. They just use the Python hose and drain out a nearby window/door or to the nearest bathtub.

The longer hose you need, the less the suction for doing actual gravel vacs, IMO.

Twisting the connection at the sink will send water back to your tank. Though you don't really need the venturi if all you do is use the set up to fill your tanks.

I pull off the vac tube and replace it with an old Mag 350 intake tube and strainer when I am using it just for water changes.

 

[DrgRcr]

Also, if you need to use a longer hose and/or don't have alot of water pressure and lose some of the suction power, you can change out the large 2" diameter tube to a smaller diameter for more suction. Smaller diameter tubes aren't available from Python, so you'd have to DIY something.

 

[Sigrid]

Hello,
...need to chime in once more...
1. Using the suction and then re-filling with a long hose, "Python or RV water-supply hose" is the easiest and best back-and-wrist-saving-way to change the water in any tank.
2. The big suction tube one can find at any pet store OR at at aquarium auction.
3. The type of Python connection to the faucet can also be purchased separately at any reputable aquarium place.
4. HOWEVER, when it comes to the hose, one needs to purchase RV motorhome hose, BECAUSE:
I once made the mistake and used a brand new garden hose without reading the cardboard attached message! :thumbsdown:
Idiot me!!!!! It was a garden hose impregnated with fungicide to kill of mold spores. In 30 seconds I killed 43 wonderful pets in my tank........learned this lesson the hard way...
5. RV Motorhome hoses R meant for drinking water purposes - no fungicide impregnated
Python kit might be a bit pricey but one can put it together with generic item.

 

[Plague]

Python kit might be a bit pricey but one can put it together with generic item.

I don't completely agree with this. Similar kits sold at chain stores vary from prices of $50 to $90. For something similar at $30 it is pretty cheap. Obviously making your own is cheapest though =P

 

[Rbishop]

Also, if you need to use a longer hose and/or don't have alot of water pressure and lose some of the suction power, you can change out the large 2" diameter tube to a smaller diameter for more suction. Smaller diameter tubes aren't available from Python, so you'd have to DIY something.

Python makes 1" and 2" tubes....

http://www.pythonproducts.com/a-gws.html

 

[Sigrid]

:thm: Plague-honey,
I am frugal shopper, AND always end up with the bargains. That is not bragging, it is just a fact.
For my 55fer up in the bedroom on the second floor, I needed over 30 feet of hose to reach the tank, yikes.

While digging + hopefully unearthing treasures in my aquarium warehouse in the basement, I remembered the 2 RV-motorhome drinking hoses. Three sucker-up tube I have already for three 3 set-ups (all inexpensive from aquarium club auctions), faucet and hose both have "quick-connectors" from the garden department at Wal-Mart.

Filling the hose while it is already hanging in the tank 30some feet away is easy....unclick quick-connector at the faucet, AND I can syphon, clean, sing, yodel and dance while doing this chore. That is set #1.
Set # 2 is on the mainfloor servicing 3 tanks, including the avatar picture 125g. tank, AND
Set # 3 is in the basement (finished 99%), servicing two 55fers.
That is this woman's way of going shopping, snooockens! :evil_lol:

P.S. The money printing machine is out of ink, therefore, I need to stick to conventional methods of taking care of water changes.
~ ~ ~
Years ago, before I knew about syphoning, I did the back-braking via lugging, AND then came back surgery.......

 

[sschind]

I've been using the Aqueon water changer instead of the python/lee (really the same thing, the only difference is the hose) for about 2 years and I find it much easier to use. The the adapter actually has a ball valve that allows for much easier control of the filling process and after 2 years no leaks (it seemed every python/lee I used either leaked form day 1 or very soon afterward) It clogs less and if it does it is a snap to take apart and clean out (no looking for a screwdriver to take of the end) You can buy just the venturi and it will hook up to your existing hose just fine. The vacuum tube is a bit shorter than the python though so you have to be a bit quicker to lift it up, otherwise I found it to be a much superior product.

http://www.aqueonproducts.com/products/water-changer.htm

 

[katschamne]

I love my python! I use it on my 29g and I am done with a water change in only 30 minutes. Sadley, my 60g is upstairs and the python doesn't fit onto out faucet. I need to use a regular gravel vac and fill up a 10g 2x, then refill the tank 2x to replace the water. That takes me ~1.5 hours.

I had the same problem. I went to a home improvement store and asked them if they had an adopter and amazing enough they did. It actually fits on the bathroom sink on the inside threads, the outside threads fits the kitchen sink and attach to a garden hose. I am able to leave it on the bathroom sink and at the bottom I can attached the strainer.

 

[garyfla]

Hi
Curious as to why you would setup an aquarium particularly a large one without plumbing??
You can generally plumb a tank for around a third the cost of a python . Sort of like a bathtub, hotwater tank but a MUCH bigger change problem?? Can't imagine running a large aquarium without it. Or better ?? why would you want to??
gary