Python No Spill Clean And Fill
- Thread starter hforney
- Start date
Yup, but you could DEFINATELY make one for half price from parts available at Home Depot. They are only $30 for the 50 footer at W*M. The tubing is nice and supple which I bet wouldn't be the case with a DIY'er. I'd go with the actual Python. One trip to the store, buy it, open it and use it. DONE.
I have a 50', and for filling the tank it is indispensible. As far as draining/vacuuming the tank it dosen't work the greatest for me. If I hook it up as intended (using running water) it drains OK but the actual suction power is unacceptable. Supposedly it has a 7-1 draining ratio. In other words for every 7 gallons that comes out of your aquarium 1 gallon comes out of your running faucet. Not too wasteful but I don't know if I buy it. My tank water is 77F and when using this method the 7-1 "blended" water dosen't feel too much warmer than straight cold water out of the faucet. I hope you understand what I mean.
I tried putting the majority of the Python out the window and using more of a "basic/traditional" approach. I got an excellent and easy to obtain prime but the suction was no better. It simply would not suck up the fish poop in a timely manner. I'm talking over a minute for the poop to go from the bottom of the gravel tube to the top!
I e-mailed Python asking if the optional 1"X12" gravel tube would work better. Here is their response.
Hello Michael:
Your sink being a little higher than your tank should not affect how the unit
works. You might have a restrictor in your faucet that does not give you
enough water pressure. Switching the size of the gravel tube will not make a
difference.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Wanda Stenulson
First off, there is no restrictor in my faucet. The volume is incredible and the pressure is very good.
Python says, "Switching the size of the gravel tube will not make a
difference." Well, simply put.......WRONG.
Common sense told me that the velocity in the tubing must be greater than the velocity in the gravel tube. To test this theory I simply removed the gravel tube, stuck the tubing in and the suction was amazing!!!!!!! Even though I now have a smaller area to suck debris in, the surface vacuuming( I have sand substrate) is complete in a minute or two!! NOTE, the overall drain time is the same because the tubing can only flow so much.
The bottom line?.....YES, It's worth the money.
Sorry for the long post! Hope this helps.
I have a 50', and for filling the tank it is indispensible. As far as draining/vacuuming the tank it dosen't work the greatest for me. If I hook it up as intended (using running water) it drains OK but the actual suction power is unacceptable. Supposedly it has a 7-1 draining ratio. In other words for every 7 gallons that comes out of your aquarium 1 gallon comes out of your running faucet. Not too wasteful but I don't know if I buy it. My tank water is 77F and when using this method the 7-1 "blended" water dosen't feel too much warmer than straight cold water out of the faucet. I hope you understand what I mean.
I tried putting the majority of the Python out the window and using more of a "basic/traditional" approach. I got an excellent and easy to obtain prime but the suction was no better. It simply would not suck up the fish poop in a timely manner. I'm talking over a minute for the poop to go from the bottom of the gravel tube to the top!
I e-mailed Python asking if the optional 1"X12" gravel tube would work better. Here is their response.
Hello Michael:
Your sink being a little higher than your tank should not affect how the unit
works. You might have a restrictor in your faucet that does not give you
enough water pressure. Switching the size of the gravel tube will not make a
difference.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Wanda Stenulson
First off, there is no restrictor in my faucet. The volume is incredible and the pressure is very good.
Python says, "Switching the size of the gravel tube will not make a
difference." Well, simply put.......WRONG.
Common sense told me that the velocity in the tubing must be greater than the velocity in the gravel tube. To test this theory I simply removed the gravel tube, stuck the tubing in and the suction was amazing!!!!!!! Even though I now have a smaller area to suck debris in, the surface vacuuming( I have sand substrate) is complete in a minute or two!! NOTE, the overall drain time is the same because the tubing can only flow so much.
The bottom line?.....YES, It's worth the money.
Sorry for the long post! Hope this helps.
Last edited:
I made my python using a "Waterbed fill kit" from Walmart. I think this was about $5. I also got the appropriate length of clear vinyl tubing from Home Depot, which was really cheap. I use a 20 oz spring water bottle with the bottom cut out as a gravel vac and LOVE it, especially since it cost next to nothing. I say DIY is the way to go, but I'm kind of cheap. This is an easy project that anyone can do. Good luck
You can make a Python-clone or buy the original. The homemade variety is a bit cheaper, the prepackaged variety is easier. Either way, it's money well spent. Makes water changes a snap!
Jim
Jim
Agree with all the positive responses above. I use the brand name product, have never had any issues from it, and am still using the original tubing from more than 18 years ago. I did replace the faucet adaptor. Mine is used to maintain 18-40 tanks on two floors. Without the Python I would have very few tanks.
I fully agree with all the great responses so far, I've bought a Python over 6 years ago, and it's still working great, no broken parts (other than the occasional rusted screw, but those are easy to replace), and it makes changing water a lot easier than before (buckets plus tubing + sucking on tube for priming? yech)
My DIY jobbie works great!
I have the hookup in the basement and I run the hose across the ceiling and to the bottom of my basement steps. I used a long marine hose I got for filling my tanks in the first place. The knockoff tap attachment was like $5 and violla! I don't even run the tap once I get the suction started. and I can go from one tank to another without haivn to restart the flow if I am careful. Run downstairs, flip the direction and tanks start filling. a great buy if you ask me! it coils neatly on a hook next to my steps. Never unhook the thing!
Rich
I have the hookup in the basement and I run the hose across the ceiling and to the bottom of my basement steps. I used a long marine hose I got for filling my tanks in the first place. The knockoff tap attachment was like $5 and violla! I don't even run the tap once I get the suction started. and I can go from one tank to another without haivn to restart the flow if I am careful. Run downstairs, flip the direction and tanks start filling. a great buy if you ask me! it coils neatly on a hook next to my steps. Never unhook the thing!
Rich