Python pros and cons

[Greggz]

After many years of using a python, last year I purchased a pump to help with water changes. It drains the tank much faster, and doesn't waste water. Especially with a larger tank.

While I was always happy with the python, I wouldn't go back. I usually change around 80 gallons, and my sink is about 40 feet from the tank. It's brought water changes down to less than an hour for the whole process.

 

[fishorama]

What pump do you use, Greggz? I may have to decide on a better way before my next tank.

 

[Greggz]

I bought the Quiet One 4000. I couldn't tell if you if it's better or worse than any other brand, all I know is it works for me. It has really streamlined the whole process.

 

[fishorama]

Not to derail Sarah's OP but I have a small fountain pump I was hoping to use if needed. I'd like it to be streamlined, under an hour sounds great!

 

[Astarell]

No worries, it's not a derail. I'd like to hear more, if a pump could make it even easier I'm all for it!

Tanker and fishorama: I cheat. The tank is in the dining room so first I lift it onto a chair, then the table, then bend down and sorta hug it ontop of my boobs (handy built-in shelf, lol) then stand back up and only have to actually lift it from there up the rest of the way on top of the tank. It's part of why changes take so long...and most of the reason I hate doing them. XD

 

[Belltrain]

I used to use 5 gal buckets to WC a 90 gallon. Luckily I'm only 23 so I can handle it haha, just another workout. But it would seem the larger tanks would require something else. Luckily my tank is smaller so I just still use 5g buckets. Have big dreams of big tanks...but for now only the dreaded 5g bucket will do.

 

[tanker]

Sorry Sara, but I keep laughing when I read how you change your water. It sounds like quite and ordeal. May not be much help, and may take longer, but how about a smaller bucket, or not fill the 5gal all the way.

Still think the pump/PH with the Brute is the way to go.

 

[Astarell]

No need to apologize! I know I look ridiculous doing it. What is this Brute? You've mentioned it a couple of times now and I was picturing like one of those plastic garbage cans on wheels but I couldn't figure out how you would roll it full of water 'cause you gotta tilt it to make the wheels go.

 

[fishorama]

No worries, it's not a derail. I'd like to hear more, if a pump could make it even easier I'm all for it!

Tanker and fishorama: I cheat. The tank is in the dining room so first I lift it onto a chair, then the table, then bend down and sorta hug it ontop of my boobs (handy built-in shelf, lol) then stand back up and only have to actually lift it from there up the rest of the way on top of the tank. It's part of why changes take so long...and most of the reason I hate doing them. XD

All I can say is OWW, lol.

 

[tanker]

What is this Brute? You've mentioned it a couple of times now and I was picturing like one of those plastic garbage cans on wheels but I couldn't figure out how you would roll it full of water 'cause you gotta tilt it to make the wheels go.

The Brute is a round garbage can. My husband and I bought it years ago. It is a round, yellow colored plastic garbage can with a removable base The base is circular has 5 wheels and the Brute "sits in this base.