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

Using garden hoses

: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.
 
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
 
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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?
 
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!!!)
 
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OnyxFishies said:
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.
Click to expand...
 
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.
 
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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...
 
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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?
 
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