Python Hose

[Mitch1970]

Does anyone use Python Hoses? Are they value for money?

I have 2 x 55 gallon tanks ( at opposite ends if house)

I have recently damaged my back after an accident and unable to lift heavy buckets. I depend on my daughter to assist once a week with water changes a job she does not enjoy .

Amazon have a 75 foot Python for £75 and I am seriously considering this.

Any comments ?

 

[Mark Z.]

I have one. I use it to fill my aquarium after water changes, but I find that it doesn't have as good a suction to clean the gravel as a regular siphon, so I use the siphon to take water out and the Python to put it back in. Plus, the intake is pretty large and not as easy to maneuver around rocks and decorations. I think the large intake tube is the reason for the suction not being as strong as a smaller siphon intake tube.
 
My aquarium is in the basement. I put an adapter on my utility sink faucet that allows me to just snap the Python on quickly, instead of threading it on. It works great! The adapter is made for attaching apartment-style washing machine hoses to the sink. It fits basic faucets, but not the fancier type. It screws on in place of the aerator and looks very similar to one.
 
I also found that sometimes the Python leaks a little bit when the lever is shut off, so I keep a small bucket handy to put it in while I shut the water off at the faucet. The lever is made of all plastic parts.
 
My experience with the Python has been good and I would seriously think about it. It has saved me time and effort and if your back is bad, it would probably be a help to you.
 
Good luck,
Mark

 

[AbbeysDad]

I've never used a Python. Instead, I use a sink adapter and a garden hose. To drain, if/when I siphon, I clamp the garden hose on the stand and insert the gravel siphon hose into the garden hose that runs out the front door to the lawn. Recently I got an inexpensive (~$20) submersible pump. I put the pump in the tank and connect to the garden hose that either runs outside or from the living room to the kitchen sink. I have to prefilter my water due to high nitrates. I use an 18g plastic bin and the same submersible pump to pump water from the bin (from 5g buckets) back into the tank (otherwise I'd use the faucet adaptor).
The Python is a nice gadget, but I think a faucet adapter and garden hose works well and is much less expensive.
 
Footnote: Also, the functionality of the Python can also be copied by getting the sink attachment used to fill/drain waterbeds (and a garden hose).

 

[Munroco]

I've just purchased a cheap submersible pump that I plan to use. I'll pump the water from my tank (through a long hose) into my kitchen or bathroom sink depending on which tank I'm working on. Once done I'm gonna fill up the sink with water of the right temp and reverse the process, adding water to the sink as needed. I wouldn't be confident just using a hose from the faucet as I'm not sure the temperature would stay constant.

 

[julielynn47]

I have one and have used it for years. I love it and would never want to be without one. Worth every penny I spent on it.

 

[Byron]

A Python, or some adaptation like Michael and Neil describe, is invaluable if you have several largish tanks, or have difficulty with multiple pails of water (as I have, both).  Water weighs 10 pounds per gallon, so a 3 gallon pail is 30 pounds.
 
I bought my Python when I got my 90g and 115g tanks, while I was living in a condo four stories up, and I have never regretted it.  I still use it now in the house, though I do siphon out water for the garden during summer to avoid wasting more water.  One detriment to the Python is that it does waste water during the tank draining process, as you need to use the tap water flow to create the suction.  But as others have noted, there are ways around this, if you live in a house with a garden or yard.
 
I found the Aqueon tap adapter to be better quality construction than the original Python brand, which broke; the threads tended to strip easily as well.  I have been using the Aqueon replacement for years now with no issues.
 
If I didn't have the Python, I would not be in this hobby, or at least not with several tanks and some largish ones.
 
Byron.

 

[julielynn47]

I agree with Byron...I think I would not have tanks without one, or the Aqueon, one or the other. 

 

[Mitch1970]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like it the way forward

 

[Fishmanic]

I've been using the python for 3 years now.  I have a 35 gallon, a 29 gallon and a ten gallon.  Having a bad back, maintaining the 3 tanks would be impossible without the python.   I bought the 25 foot python which was fine for the first two tanks.  When I recently set up the 10 gallon tank,  I had to add 10 feet to the original python but that was not a problem.   
 
If algae grows inside the hose, you can replace the hose with 5/8 inch clear tubing bought from a big box store.   Also if you need to replace any parts of the python,  the parts are readily available online.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Python hose are great for the larger tanks as the amount of buckets for say a 50 gal tank is mind boggling as well as being not great for your back! But if you only have a 20 gal tank or less, then buckets is ok to use for this much smaller volme of water but still hard work.
 
I have a DIY python hose which I made up about 3 years ago and still use, fantastic peice fo equipment and would be up there on my must have list of fishkeeping equipment.
 
And compared to costs of purchasing one from ebay or amazon or whichvever site is at least less than half the price so may be worth considering. But do bear in mind you have to go to hardware stores/LFs etc to get the parts you need.
 
Here is a couple of links on how to make a DIY python should you be inclined to do so, very easy really.
 
Tutorial DIY Python System
 
How To Make A Diy Python
 
 
There are a few modicfications you can do to suit your particular set up such as using shower head attachments and maybe even possibly a pump. It just depends on what you would like.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Just read through Ch4lie's link to the diy. I think I would buy just the aqueon changer...just my preference. Lol. However...how much water conditioner do you put in while you refill? Is it safe to add it for the full tank all the time? Other stuff that I've seen/read has said for just the amount of water you put back in. So what are thoughts on this?

 

[julielynn47]

I just start the water flow back into the tank and add the water conditioner, into the flow coming out of the Python, at that time.  I have been doing this since I started the tank in 2007 and I have never had an issue...and the fish play in the stream coming in from the faucet.  The cap full, of Aquasafe, is for 20 gallons. I use 3 capfulls, even though I am only taking out and putting back in 50% out of my 55 gallon.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Just read through Ch4lie's link to the diy. I think I would buy just the aqueon changer...just my preference. Lol. However...how much water conditioner do you put in while you refill? Is it safe to add it for the full tank all the time? Other stuff that I've seen/read has said for just the amount of water you put back in. So what are thoughts on this?

 
Thats fair enough

 
As for dechlorinator, you use the full volume of tank water to dechlorinate, not just the amount of water you have replaced.
 
There is a different kind of reaction when you just add water from a bucket with dechlorintor than there is with a large amount of water via the tap, so dechlore for the full tank volume while the tank is refilling is best.
 
Do not be tempted to add a little extra dechlorinator just for luck or to be doubly sure, this is dangerous practice, dose accordingly.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Thanks guys! I just wasn't sure why it was done. The only thing my mind came up with is that the dechlor disperses too fast if you only put in as much as you change. I use api tap water conditioner. I'm also on well water so don't really need it for chlorine. But possibly heavy metals.

 

[Byron]

I must disagree on the amount of conditioner.  You never need more than what will treat the replacement water.  These conditioners work instantly.  I change anywhere from half to 2/3 of a tank and never use more than what is recommended for this volume.  And keep in mind the displacement of several gallons due to substrate, rock, wood, etc.  So for my 90g which I just finished, I changed about 2/3 today, which given that the 90g tank holds about 70 actual gallons, I added conditioner for 40 gallons.
 
There is no benefit to over-dosing conditioner, quite the opposite, as these chemicals enter the fish.  Plus there is the waste of conditioner and money.  I am not wealthy enough to be paying double for these products when I don't need to.
 
I've been following this for 20 years and I have never had issues.  Using excess conditioner is like overdosing treatments; it never benefits and can be detrimental.
 
Cowgirluntamed, if you have plants in the tank I would try not using the conditioner.  Heavy metals are plant nutrients, and unless the well water has levels of one or more of these that might harm fish, I wouldn't waste it.  The other thing is that the detoxifying of heavy metals is not all that significant; it is intended for municipal water where laws govern the level of heavy metals allowed in water.
 
Byron.