Python Siphons

[Sorrell]

I guess I understand that you don't have to carry buckets, but that's about all I get. So can you all explain to me what they do, pricerange, and maybe some pros and cons (if I want one, I'd like to be prepared to defend it to my husband ) Thank you.

 

[Nidge]

Ye i'd like to know too.

 

[Bol]

What they do is ... create a vacuum, basically.

I think that it's basically a Venturi tube (I'm pretty sure, but I may be wrong), with a hose on the end.

As water flows through a constricted area, the higher velocity will cause a drop in pressure. If this pressure is below atmospheric, and you tap into this area, you've got a partial vacuum. You may have seen the exact same action in a school's chemistry lab, where you attach a 'T' shaped hose to a faucet, let water run through it, and you get a vacuum on the 'T' tap.

A diagram of the Python No-Spill system's parts are shown here. The key part to it is labelled 13B. The thing at the bottom of that part swivels -- when it's in the 'down' position, water flows straight through, and a vacuum is created in the hose. When it's in the 'up' position, water flow is blocked through the bottom, and the water flows through the hose (letting you fill your tank).

For info, in that diagram, part 13C is a stopcock, which allows you to stop the vacuum/water flow near the tank, which can be very handy.

In my opinion, the biggest 'pro' to a Python is ease of use, and lack of mess. After getting used to it, you can change water with very little, or no, drips.

Three 'cons' I can think of are ...

1) You can't pre-condition the water before putting it in the tank. Most Python users (myself included) haven't seen this as the cause of any problems; I just add the dechlor product to the tank right before filling.

2) Using it as a siphon can waste a lot of water.

3) It costs money. The Python No-Spill systems cost around $25 for the 25' model, and roughly $40 for the 50' model. Prices will vary depending on your market, of course, and as usual, buying online tends to be significantly less expensive.

Hope that helps.

 

[Sorrell]

I've heard that adding chlorinated water to your tank can kill off your good bacteria, is this true? I guess not that bad if so many people use this system. Thanks for your info.

 

[ddm18]

It sounds really cool - I think I've seen them for sale.

Just a thought: with reference to dechlor - couldn't you first fill up a 5 gallon bucket (say), add the dechlor, then siphon the water into the tank? Obviously not quite as convenient, but will avoid lugging water through the house.

Dave

 

[Sorrell]

Does the water source have to be higher than the tank? This would cause me a problem with my 150 (which is really the only one that I hate water changes on) because this tank is really high up. I have to stand on a chair to do water changes, feed the fish, turn on the lights etc. It's in our dining room and we wanted people to have a full view of the tank while they ate, without someone's head being in the way, so the tank and stand measure two inches shy of six feet tall.

 

[luxum]

I've actually used a python to clean a tank upstairs from the kitchen sink i was powering it with. It didn't have enough suction to use it as a gravel vac very well, but it did drain and fill fine. If it's a tricky situation, get the shortest length python that will work to eliminate any extra loops of tubing that will make it more difficult to get suction.

Regarding the dechlorinator - if you have common aquarium fish, just put the dechlor in after you've drained, but before you fill, it will be fine.

 

[Bol]

Sorrell,

Yes, chlorine can kill bacteria (which is why bleach is such a good disinfectant). However, most of your beneficial bacteria is on the substrate surface, and on filter media. Your filter is generally off during water changes, so the media won't get hit with chlorinated water, and dechlorinators work pretty quickly, so I'd think chances are you wouldn't kill much of the bacteria on the substrate surface. At least, it's never seemed to be a problem with me using the Python (when adding dechlor before filling, as luxum mentioned). Plus, many people's water doesn't really have that much chlorine in it to begin with.

Also, about height, I can only offer this. The bottom of my main tank is about 18" above the highest point of the faucet I hook the Python up to, and it siphons and fills just fine.

ddm,

Sure, you can use that method, and many people do. With larger tanks, though, you'll have to use multiple buckets, of course.