First - let me start off by saying I really couldn't do without my python, for me it is not only worth the money but an absolute necessity. That being said, I am on my third, the first two were actual pythons the third is Lees version. I have made quite a few adaptations in my use of this product over the last several years for a variety of reasons I'll list below. If you are wondering WHY so MANY, well I've got a whole lot of systems running and I've cut down quite a bit in the last year. (currently: 3 55gal, 4 20Lgal, and 2 set ups that each consist of 5 plumbed heavy duty tubs with each tub holding just under 30 gallons of water - yeah a bit overmuch).
First python worked great, until I left the water on with the shot off valve closed for too long (about 10 min - a big don't) and the main valve that connected to the faucet cracked - not a fixable situation and when I went to order a replacement I found that exchanging the entire unit for a new one at the place of purchase was just plain easier.
Move forward about 12 months, and this time my son apparently did something similar and not being willing to wait for a replacement part I ran up to my local walmart after discovering they carried the Lees version and there is #3.
As to the difference between the two systems - color: python green, lees blue, Lees had the addition of a 'pre-filter' on the siphon tube to prevent fish loss (a nice addition that easily removes to use both ways). My LFS only carries Python but the walmart carries both, about $48 for the python and about $37 or so for the lees - I bought one for my niece last September. The parts on both systems are mostly interchangeable (lees seems to have copied python making only minor changes) and I've 'cannibalized' parts from one to support the other.
I know that python provides additional tubing for lengthening the run out of the hose, I've tried using a garden hose to extend - lost power though, at longer lengths suction power from the basement won't take it up and out to ground level for me, on the first floor - no problem.
I actually move the siphon between 2 different bathroom sinks and have used a Y shaped garden hose divider as a semi-permanent add on in the basement bathroom - makes hook-up faster & allows for bypassing the siphon system with the turn of a valve, and I purchased metal adapters at my local hardware store for the sinks (the plastic ones wear out with each attachment & reattachment) for less than the python offered 'upgrades'.
One of my biggest battles was tank water splashing out of a shallow bathroom sink when draining. The only 'solution' I've come up with for that is covering the whole sink and faucet area with a towel - which ends up soaked after a couple of tanks - but better the towel than the floor.
All in all it is an effective system - works far better in a kitchen sink, but I keep turtles in my tanks and don't want that water in the kitchen - it's a trade off.
Personal experience: one of the absolute best parts of the python is that younger children and non-hobbyists are able and much more willing to help with water maintenance when touching of the tank water is not necessary and I am able to go it alone without breaking my back or trashing the house with tank water spilling from buckets.
Definitely worth the investment (especially if you can avoid that $89 petco price).
One last word of warning, NEVER walk away when tanks are filling, even if you have secured the tubing to avoid spraying out of the tank, and don't fall asleep...
eek3: yeah I did that).
