Python retrofit

[zanytomato]

After getting my dad addicted to the hobby (heh heh heh), I got him a Python for father's day. (How's that for love? He got a Python before me... )

The only problem is that he's got a 29 gal tank with driftwood and artificial plants, and he finds the standard fixture on the Python to be too large for cleaning. Anyone have any experience retrofitting a smaller tube on the Python?

I can think of a variety of ways of doing it, but given that these things aren't cheap, I thought I should see if others have had similar experiences and wish to pass on any wisdom. :idea:

TIA.

 

[Blueiz]

I dont have any experience doing it..however it should be a simple fix. If it will make it work for him..why not.. Of course, had you known this in the beginning..custom making one probably would have been cheaper..

 

[gatotsu77]

Zip ties may be a saving grace here. If the siphon attachment he wishes to use is a lot smaller than the one the python comes with, perhaps try a rubber cork. (sounds crazy, but here's how I'd do it) You could take the thin hose from the small siphon head, and measure the outside diameter of its hose. Find a drill bit that same diameter, and bore a hole straight through the rubber cork. (or a rubber stopper from a school supplies store) All you'd need to do then is make sure that once you get the tube through the cork, you can secure it with some zip ties. Stuff this into the end of the python hose, zip tie that, and voila, you have yourself a step-down pipe that is semi-permanent, yet able to be removed if he ever gets a larger tank.

 

[jones57742]

I thought I should see if others have had similar experiences

TIA

Take off the rigid tube and use the flexible tubing.

TR

 

[glenngreen]

if its a matter of length, I simply cut my gravel cleaner a little shorter.

 

[BoredAgain]

TIA

Take off the rigid tube and use the flexible tubing.

TR

:iagree:

 

[zanytomato]

Cool, thanks for the prompt replies... these are some great ideas. I'll pass the suggestions on to my dad.

Blueiz, I think I'm going to make my own, for sure, having learned from my dad's experience.

 

[Rbishop]

Python sells a 1" dia and 2" diam tube, but most any tube diameters and lengths can be adapted

 

[zanytomato]

Python sells a 1" dia and 2" diam tube, but most any tube diameters and lengths can be adapted

They don't seem to sell anything other than the 2" for the kit that hooks up to your sink though-- at least not in Canada. It surprises me a bit, but then again I suppose you want good throughput for moving water *shrug*

But yeah, the 1" guy on the sink get up would be great.

 

[Rbishop]

SOme othe gravel vacs for bucket water changes have smaller diameter tubes, but just the python hose shoud work if you take the existing tube off.