going to buy a python

Is the bottom of the faucet attachment open and pulled down all the way. i have about 50 feet with good suction, just a thought.......:)
Yes it is for me. I can't run it out the door or I'd have an iced driveway all the time in winter. Still it does work, just not as well as I had expected.
 
my 50 ft. doesnt seem to want to pick up some things. i have awsome water pressure. it does a good job but not like the old jiggly hose and bucket. i do love not getting water all over the place.
 
I wanted to get a python then decided to try and make my own. It was super easy. Since it's winter our hose was stored downstairs so I used that got a sink-faucet adapter and ran the hose from my laundry sink upstairs to my aquarium. It's got powerful suction (also sucked up my demasoni once.) Now I had a mesh bag I put over the end once I'm done vacuuming. To drain I run the hose from the laundry sink to the tank, make sure it's attached then turn on the water for a few minutes. then I just disconnect to start the siphon. To refill I add the amount of prime needed to the tank, adjust the temp from the tap and connect the adapter.Only cost me $4.99 since I already had the hose :)
 
My python is great for water changes, but sucks the big one for vacuuming. I use the python for weekly water changes, but once a month I usually re-arrange my tank by taking everything out. This is when I go back to the old gravel vac and bucket and suck all the waste out. 4 or 5 buckets isn't much of a bother once a month, I then refill with the python. I've asked around before and many people say the python isn't great for vacuuming. I also have strong water pressure, but it just won't vacuum well.
 
One thing I've wondered about: what about the temperature of the water from the tap going into the tank? Does it matter if you're a few degrees off if you're changing, say, 20%? :confused:

I monitor the temp of the water coming out of the python closely by sticking my thermometer into the running water coming out. I normally like it be a little warmer (say 83-84) then the tank water (82)..
 
Granny, I've got a teenager, too, but getting him to do ANYTHING is more work than it's worth ! So, I changed the faucet in my lower room where 2 of my 3 tanks are. A new one was relatively inexpensive. And then I cut the 25' python to about 10' 'cause that's as long as I need it to be. I have another 25' one next level up for the 46bf. Still, both are back savers !
 
I used python for about 3 years and it has served me well.

I had few minor problems:

- As some of you have found out, water pressure wasn't enough to pick up heavy stuff off the aquarium.
- I feel I am wasting a lot of water! Cold water going straight down into the drain for 20mins...
- Tubes are a bit cumbersome to fold and unfold. You do get used to it though.

As for the first point, what I did was, I used both hot and cold water to create pressure when I am cleaning the substrate, then turn hot water off. It will continue to suck tank water out at a slower pace. Worked good. :)

Its a great device!
 
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