Anyone have any good siphon vaccuum recommendations other than the kind that you lift up and down repeatedly?
Siphon Recommendations
- Thread starter Jess7
- Start date
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
the kind you lift up and down? 
I would suggest the Python too, the price really depends on the length I would think.... but overall, in my opinion... whatever the cost of it is, it way pays for itself in the longrun.
I would suggest the Python too, the price really depends on the length I would think.... but overall, in my opinion... whatever the cost of it is, it way pays for itself in the longrun.
I think you can find them at Wal-Mart for 25 or 30 dollars. Big Al's has them for $21.99. Considering what all you get and the ease with which you can drain and fill tanks, I would pay twice that for one. I have the 50 foot model, the price I quoted is for the 25' model.
Python manufactures this truly unique system. Makes water changes easy, designed to drain and fill aquariums plus use as a gravel vacuum. No need to carry heavy buckets of water to and from your tank, just hook this up to a faucet and siphon out water and then fill with fresh. Kit includes: hose, gravel tube, switch, faucet pump and adapter, and hose connectors. Available in a variety of sizes; just measure the approximate length from your tank to the nearest sink and order the size that's best for your set up. The Python Porter keeps tubing coiled properly when not in use, water/mildew resistant.
That is the excerpt from Petsmart. Boy would it be great to not have to carry buckets of water like I am now!!! One question though, if you can fill the tank back up with it, how to you treat the tap water before it goes into the tank?
That is the excerpt from Petsmart. Boy would it be great to not have to carry buckets of water like I am now!!! One question though, if you can fill the tank back up with it, how to you treat the tap water before it goes into the tank?
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
you would add the conditioner directly to the tank as it's refilling as well as correct the temperature.
It seems kinda complicated (although it probably isn't)...
If I have a 10g, would I add the amount of conditioner for a 10g, or just how much I'm filling into the tank. And how can you properly adjust the water temp from so far away?
If I have a 10g, would I add the amount of conditioner for a 10g, or just how much I'm filling into the tank. And how can you properly adjust the water temp from so far away?
The python is very nice for smaller tanks, but it is rather slow, and it wastes a lot of water. I used to use mine all the time.
As of late I've just started to siphon my tanks into 55g barrels using 1" clear tubing and pumping the waste water to the sink or out to the garden/lawn (or into more barrels out back to be stored for watering uses). Clean water is aged in a barrel and pumped into the tank. It's more costly than the python initially, but I save on water and time (I can drain 50 gallons of water in under 5 minutes using my new method). I'll save even more time when my pump (barrel to tanks) upgrade arrives in the mail.
EDIT: If you're dealing with a 10 gallon tank, just go for the python. You won't regret it.
As of late I've just started to siphon my tanks into 55g barrels using 1" clear tubing and pumping the waste water to the sink or out to the garden/lawn (or into more barrels out back to be stored for watering uses). Clean water is aged in a barrel and pumped into the tank. It's more costly than the python initially, but I save on water and time (I can drain 50 gallons of water in under 5 minutes using my new method). I'll save even more time when my pump (barrel to tanks) upgrade arrives in the mail.
EDIT: If you're dealing with a 10 gallon tank, just go for the python. You won't regret it.
There is a better technique than lifting it up and down. Put a plug of water in the tube, other end in the bucket and quicky re-submerge the the vacuum end back in the tank. Try it -- it works!!!
For a 10g, a python might be overkill.
For a 10g, a python might be overkill.