Used Python for First Time

[LogJam]

Hello All:

OK, so after asking about water changes, I learned that a Python is a great and easy way to change water. Here's my question:

Removing water and using the gravel vac was great and even performed better than my traditional gravel vac. However, when it was time to fill, I adjusted the water temp out of the bottom of the part attached to the faucet, as per the instructions, and then turned the switch near the gravel vac end. When I moved the switch, there was an initial huge WHOOSH of water pressure that had built up and bubbles filled most of my 46 gallon bow front. This probably scared the heck out of my fish! After that, the flow was just right.

What can I do to reduce that initial surge of water pressure? I can't put the vac end into a bucket first, because then I would spill water onto the floor when I moved the hose from the bucket to the tank. There didn't seem to be a way to slowly move the switch, as it appeared to want to be either off or on. Or, am I just worrying too much, and this initial surge is fine?

Thanks!
LogJam

 

[Gunnie]

Just adjust that lever slowly instead of turning it wide open right away.

 

[SnakeIce]

I follow these steps. Turn tank end switch off, adjust water temp, partially reverse the water flow by putting the flow switch on tap end half way-should be almost neutral pressure, turn the tank end switch back on, and finally finish turning the reverse switch.

I don't get any more water out than I want and no pressure gets built up. I don't trust the plastic fittings to put them under any pressure from the tap anyway.

 

[Kasakato]

Just turn it on slowly. Works for me.

 

[jjanoch]

Since I also got my new python 2 weeks ago, let me chime in and ask if your completely empting the hose between the drain & the fill?

I found that by pulling the gravel washer and lifting the hose back to the sink I could pretty much empty it of old water. Then when I turned on the faucet and flipped the switch to fill the tank....I really didn't get any surge of water/bubbles to deal with.

 

[SnakeIce]

The 50 foot python hose I have holds only about a gallon of water. If I have been vaccumeing up junk I just let it flush out with clear tank water befor I reverse the flow.

If you want to empty the hose try pulling the tank end out of the water while you have the tap still on pulling water out. I turn it back to emptying when I am through filling the tank with the vaccume end out of the tank. That makes emptying the hose for storage really easy.

 

[aknif]

I've had my python for more than 6 months now and it still has the original packaging tape around that lever near the end! I have never used it!

I attach my 25' python to a waterbed fill kit hose and hang it out my front door onto my lawn while I'm gravel vac'ing. Gravity gives me a good flow. When I'm done vac'ing, I lift the gravel vac out of the tank until the entire hose drains onto the lawn. THEN I get my sink attachment hooked up and bring the hose back in and attach it to the sink. I adjust the water temp, close the valve and send the water sailing into the tank.

If you have the ability to drain your old tank water outside and not waste water down the sink just to get a suction, I think that's ideal! But I live in Colorado and we've had some dry years here, so I see every drop of water as something my lawn and garden need!! :idea:

 

[Mykayel]

I used my python for the first time this past weekend, I got a little surge and bubbles in teh begginging, but I slowly turned the switch to open up the flow. Also, I didn't have it sticking way in the tank either, I bairly had it beneigth the surface and pointing down the tank... while I was filling some of my fish were playing in the current it created anyways, so I think they liked it.

 

[PurpleSmurf]

I've always wonder this....

Since you're putting tap water with cholorine into your tank... you just dose the tank with a conditioner?

 

[aknif]

Yea, I just drop some Prime in just before I start the tank filling....