Python - top of the list for my MVE

[CACAdmin]

After doing water changes by siphoning out 5g of water at a time out into a bucket and lugging that to the bathroom to dump it and repeating it many times over (lots of fun with the 70g) and then refilling the tank with a hose (it used to be with a bucket as well initially:rolleyes: ), I finally treated myself today to a Python (35 ft one on sale this week at SuperPet).

I just did a water change and all I can say is WOW... that was SO EASY... money well spent.:yes: Now I understand why everyone I know who has a python says they wouldn't go without. I think it's going to the top of my Most Valuable Equipment list!:D

[Melody]

They are a ridiculous price for what they are, but yup, definitly something I can't imagine not having once my tanks got over 33G's.

[CACAdmin]

Yup, you're right about them being a ridiculous price for what they are but still, I figure it's $50 well spent... in the amount of mess, time and aggravation it will save me.

Now you see all you have to do is think up something like that that is so convenient that no one wants to do without ( and which doesn't cost much to manufacture), patent it and make your fortune. ;)

[Corbin]

i dont have one.... i just use the oldskool syphon, i have a 30g bucket that i syphon the water from all my tanks, then i bucket it to the sink. or carry the whole thing if im feeling strong. i never felt like wasting the money, id rather buy filters heaters etc. or live stock & plants.

[CACAdmin]

I think that's great... it's important to prioritize your spending (always something to spend money on in this hobby, that's for sure). It's just that some of us (when we get older) <ahem> are willing to pay for convenience.

[fishenthusiast]

I got my (no name) python by trading in a bunch of angel fish at the lfs. My only recommendation is to replace the plastic part you hook up to the tap with a metal one. My husband (ever the handy man) added a length of hose with a metal fitting to mine and I have not had to worry about stripping the threads on the plastic one.

I will never go back to the bucket method again. I love store credit!

[Jonesy]

where could i find one of the metal adaptors?? I've broken the plactic part twice now....broken the other part once and had water everywhere.....would love to replace the whole "green" tap adaptor with metal.....

[fishenthusiast]

The entire adaptor is still plastic, we have just made the connectors metal. My husband just took a small peice of garden hose, maybe 2" or so. He fitted male/female connectors to each end. We screwed one end into the fitting on the python and use the other to attach it to the sink. We also took off the plastic male/female connector on the python and replaced it with a metal one. We got the connectors at Canadian Tire I think, they are super cheap and keep it from stripping the threads. :yes:

[CACAdmin]

They must have got a lot of complaints about that because the ones they're selling now come with a metal connector where you connect to the tap.

[Melody]

where could i find one of the metal adaptors?? I've broken the plactic part twice now....broken the other part once and had water everywhere.....would love to replace the whole "green" tap adaptor with metal.....


Most of the 'Home' stores, like Home Depot, have that stuff. Bring the Python in your trunk just in case you need to bring it in to fit.:smile:

[MobileImage]

I just bought one but still figuring out how to connect to a tap...... All my tap can't be screw on to:err:

[Melody]

You can't detach the end of the tap? The end should screw off.

That sounds like I'm telling you where to go, but I'm not....lol. Maybe you could take a pic and the hardware savvy folks around here could help?

[AquaScaper]

I'd love to have a python but I don't have drain access downstairs so while I could easily use the washer taps, there'd be no place for the water to drain :(. Upstairs I only have little tanks so it doesn't take much time to drain and re-fill them with a bucket and oldskool syphon.

[_Aaron_]

where could i find one of the metal adaptors?? I've broken the plactic part twice now....broken the other part once and had water everywhere.....would love to replace the whole "green" tap adaptor with metal.....


I found one brass one at pet smart(was having same issues you are) to fit my generic python.

[Melody]

I'd love to have a python but I don't have drain access downstairs so while I could easily use the washer taps, there'd be no place for the water to drain :(. Upstairs I only have little tanks so it doesn't take much time to drain and re-fill them with a bucket and oldskool syphon.

If you or someone else needs the manual syphon vacuum with a long .... whatever you call the hard plastic tube part on the end...lol....I have one that I'm tired of storing so its free :D . The end is double the standard size... probably around 2', and designed for larger tanks. Haven't touched it since I bought the Python. PM if you'd like to have it.

[AquaScaper]

Thanks Mel that's sweet of you too offer but what will you use should a fitting or something else go on your python? It's always good to have a back up. I have several of those manual syphon's already and would hate to rob you of yours when you might one day actually need it lol.

:yes:

[Melody]

But mine is longer than yours - its the stuff spam is made of...lol....I think. I'll buy what I need if I need it. I can't see me ever using those again unless the power was out for a year :laugh: . However, if you can't use it, the offer stands if someone can. I'm tired of tripping over it.

Besides, I can't think of anyone who would be more quick to offer if I was stuck and needed to borrow one. That's the great thing about the people I hang out with ;) .

[MobileImage]

You can't detach the end of the tap? The end should screw off.

That sounds like I'm telling you where to go, but I'm not....lol. Maybe you could take a pic and the hardware savvy folks around here could help?

No, I can't detach the end of the tap. It's a one piece tap :nah: I guess I will go take a pic first.

[CACAdmin]

Yup, go take a pic and post it... I'm sure we can help... think positive... it's a team effort here!

[mykiss]

I'm sure you guys probably know this but for those who don't, the python is just a glorified version of a waterbed hose. it connects the same way and does the same thing. You can get the cheaper version (usually) at places that sell water bed stuff. Also, many hardware places such as Home Depot will have the adapters needed for the pythons. The onlder pythons had the white plastic adapters but they always leaked. So, the new ones are improved and are brass. Those work great but I guess it doesn't help if your tap doesn't screw off....lol Sorry Alan.

If in doubt, you can drop by and I can show you my setup. Cheers and good luck

[Melody]

Frugal party at Mr. Mykiss'! :cheers:

[mixixe]

I didn't know that! thanks for sharing :)

[MobileImage]

I'm sure you guys probably know this but for those who don't, the python is just a glorified version of a waterbed hose. it connects the same way and does the same thing. You can get the cheaper version (usually) at places that sell water bed stuff. Also, many hardware places such as Home Depot will have the adapters needed for the pythons. The onlder pythons had the white plastic adapters but they always leaked. So, the new ones are improved and are brass. Those work great but I guess it doesn't help if your tap doesn't screw off....lol Sorry Alan.

If in doubt, you can drop by and I can show you my setup. Cheers and good luck

Hahaha, thanks for the offer;)
I finally manage to have the adapter screws into my tap. I have a question though. After you finish draining the water from the tank, there are still water in the hose. Do i have to drain the hose manually? Or is there a push botton:swoon:

[AquaScaper]

I think I've figured out a way to make a python work in my situation....(maybe) Here's my:idea:

We have an outside hose tap close to our bsmt door and my big tank :). In fact I've used it with a regular hose to fill the tank lol.
The only question is....would python connectors work on an outdoor tap?

If so I'm putting the Python on top of my Birthday List LOL. :yes:

[Corbin]

yeah they would work .. same connection :D

[Jonesy]

I think I've figured out a way to make a python work in my situation....(maybe) Here's my:idea:

We have an outside hose tap close to our bsmt door and my big tank :). In fact I've used it with a regular hose to fill the tank lol.
The only question is....would python connectors work on an outdoor tap?

If so I'm putting the Python on top of my Birthday List LOL. :yes:


Only concern would be the damn cold water out of that tap.....would work great for draining......

[CACAdmin]

Hahaha, thanks for the offer;)
I finally manage to have the adapter screws into my tap. I have a question though. After you finish draining the water from the tank, there are still water in the hose. Do i have to drain the hose manually? Or is there a push botton:swoon:
After I finishdraining the amount I want from the tank, the water in the hose returns to the tank during the refill. Once I've refilled the tank, I switch to drain mode, remove the python from the tank and the water is drained from the hose as I roll it up. Once all water is removed from the hose, I shut off the tap, disconnect & voila... store the hose away in the cupboard.:D

[AquaScaper]

WOOHOOO!!! I can have a Python too!!:pompom:

[MobileImage]

After I finishdraining the amount I want from the tank, the water in the hose returns to the tank during the refill. Once I've refilled the tank, I switch to drain mode, remove the python from the tank and the water is drained from the hose as I roll it up. Once all water is removed from the hose, I shut off the tap, disconnect & voila... store the hose away in the cupboard.:D

Thanks for the tips! I still haven't try filling with the Python yet. But I did drain successfully yest nite :laugh: Time to try refilling haha.

I should have got a Python 10 years ago. Oh well, carrying buckets after buckets of water makes me strong:twitcy:

[CACAdmin]

Yup, the bucket brigade builds muscles but then you've got those unintentional spills on the carpet, etc. So then you rent the carpet cleaners and build more muscles.;) I love mine, water changes sure are much easier! When you use it to refill, shut the little lever to the off position and leave it on drain and run the water until you get the right temp. Then turn the lever to the on position, and switch over to fill mode. ;)

[hp10BII]

If you or someone else needs the manual syphon vacuum with a long .... whatever you call the hard plastic tube part on the end...lol....I have one that I'm tired of storing so its free :D . The end is double the standard size... probably around 2', and designed for larger tanks. Haven't touched it since I bought the Python. PM if you'd like to have it.

I bought a Marina manual gravel cleaner with a 2' gravel tube/cleaner a couple of years ago and was wondering what to do with it now that I have a python type system. It works better than the tube I have on my Lee's generic python cleaner. I just realized this past weeknd that the hose on the manual one is a half inch hose, the same dimensions as the python system so I threaded the manual one's hose to the python connector and now it's a much better gravel cleaning system.

[Melody]

That's a wonderful idea! Unless you're me, who would ruin her python and cry....lol....but for non-clutzes, it sounds good!

[hp10BII]

Believe me, it can't be ruined and I've tried many different ways of ruining it.

The Marina cleaner has a better shape to get at the nooks and crannies and provides more vaccuum power. The Lee's has those fins to prevent gravel from being sucked up, but....I have sand so it clogs up. It's great for pumping water back in, dissipates the flow better.

No tools required, just unscrew the cap where the hose of the existing gravel cleaner head enters the water shutoff piece, pull out the existing hose, thread the cap on your old one and insert the hose back into the water shutoff piece. Tighthen and you're good to go.

[Melody]

OK, but when I ruin it, I'm borrowing yours :wideeyed:

[SuperPetRichmond]

Jason,
I'm glad you are enjoying the python.
:D

It was also great to meet and chat with you a bit.
see you soon hopefully
;)