python pump problem

LMOUTHBASS

My hypocrisy goes only so far
Jun 17, 2003
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Mark
ok so i got my python - i went to use it but im having problems - intructions state to hook up to my faucet and pull the green thingie down which i did then turn water on high pressure which i did then it says to put pump into tank and begin siphoning - i did this but here my problem -
1 - the siphoning is very weak and slow
2 - when i have the sink water running to create the siphoning action it spills trhough the green thingie and wastes tons of water
3 - if i turn the faucet water off the pump stops siphoning
is this right - i have to use the 50 ft hose because of where my sink is - but shoul that effect the pressure of the siphon - i woulnt thin k so - also do you have to lv your water running while you siphon water - i thought once it created the siphoning you coul turn your water off because suction has been established -
as far as filling the tank up it works beautifully but i'm wondering if i have a defective pump or if im doing something wrong
also on the piece you screw into your faucet - there is a green piece you can screw to tighten - mine came with a brass adapter you can screw into the green piece - but it seems like it woul work without the but i'm not sure if this has anything to do with it seeing how you have to use the adapter anyhow to fit into the faucet - maybe this is just the way the green screw piece i suppose to work???
 
Is the exit point during syphoning higher or lower than the aquarium itself? If your faucet is higher than the aquarium, you aren't going to get much suction, and you will get zero suction with the water turned off. It sounds like the exit point is higher than the aquarium to me....and I figured it would be best to start with the simplest question before proceeding.
 
Get the bubbles out

Try running the water in the sink long enough to get all the bubbles out of the line, then shut off the sink water. At least this way you can conserve some water, I don't think it makes it any faster though.
 
If the sink is lower then the tank then you can turn it off but if its higher you will get no suction with it off.

it may waste water but it goes SO much faster with the water on.
 
I just got a python too. I'm having the same problem because the faucet is higher than the tank. The faucet is 36" from the floor, while the tank is 30" from the floor. I have to turn the water on high to get some action. I have great water pressure too. The water gets real loud coming out of the pump and water gets everywhere.

To remedy the problem I'm going to attach a small pipe (about 8") to the faucet, and then connect the python pump to the pipe.
 
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That's the same probelm I had years ago and warned about in the other thread..... :(

If you can find a syphon point lower than the tank, you can try using the python as a syphon hose (forget sink hook-up for draining) and only hook to the sink for filling.

I use a standard garden hose these days for both draining and filling from the faucet.
 
Is there a window near your tank? If so, try filling the python hose with water. Keep one end in the tank and put the other end of the window. You will have great suction and won't waste water. Hopefully, you will be able to wet your annoying neighbors.;) ;) :)
 
well

i think you guys may have cleared it up for me - my sink is in my kitchen , my tank is in my room on the other end of the house - the sink is prob higher than then tank at best it may be level with it - bitthe hose goes all the way through my living room and then runs UP to the sink so i'm sure that this must be why there is a lack of suction - i have great water pressure - lucky for me i have a window right next to my tank so i will just use my regular pump and siphon water out my window and i will use the python to fill the tank with new water - this was the main purpose i bought it anyhow because i was sick of lugging buckets of water through the house to fill the tank - ughhh thatw as a pain - but the python fills the tank in a few short minutes without the hassle!!!



thanks to everyone who helped me out!
 
Originally posted by chefkeith
I just got a python too. I'm having the same problem because the faucet is higher than the tank. The faucet is 36" from the floor, while the tank is 30" from the floor. I have to turn the water on high to get some action. I have great water pressure too. The water gets real loud coming out of the pump and water gets everywhere.

To remedy the problem I'm going to attach a small pipe (about 8") to the faucet, and then connect the python pump to the pipe.

I tried my idea and the python works alot better now. I no longer have to leave the faucet running to siphon the water, I only have to run the faucet to start the siphon.
My faucet is now 7" lower.

To build the brass pipe extension for my faucet, from Home Depot, I bought-

1- 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" Female Hose To MIP Adapter
2- 3/4" Female Pipe Coupling
1- 3/4" x 4" Brass Pipe Nipple
1- 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" Male Hose To MIP Adapter



Connected is a pic of the pipe with its fittings connected to the python pump.

cap_475.jpg
 
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