Python Syphon

[Squid]

Im thinking of getting something like this, to save faffing around with buckets. Has anyone got any positive or negative feedback on these things, and are they worth it for the lazy man...

I was wondering what the connector on the tap end was like, and whether it would fit on a kitchen mixer tap?

If anyone has an alternative that does the same I would like to hear about it..

Cheers
Squid

 

[Lord of Atlantis]

How of a tank are you dealing with?

For example in my 125g FW tank here is what I do:

I bought a 50g industrial garbage can that has 4 caster wheels on the bottom. When I want to work on the aquascaping, I use a hose to syphon the water into the holding can. I can then get to the bottom of the tank to work on rocks/plants. To put the water back into the tank, I connect a hose to 1 of my Eheim filters and pump the water from the can back into the tank.

Now lets say I want to do a 25-50g water change. I will use the same 50g can and fill it with tap/hose water. I will then add all of my conditioners, and test it. When things look good I then syphon or vaccum the water from the tank with a hose out the door into the grass/yard. Lastly, I hook up to the Eheim again and pump the holding water into the tank.

Im not a big fan of draining tank water, then filling it with tap water, then adding conditioner etc. Try to get a can/bucket thats 1/2 the size of your tank. If the can is too heavy to lift and pour then check into hooking up a hose to one of your tanks filter/pump.

The Python Syphon is a nice tool, but for draining the water any simple hose will do.

Good luck!
LOA

 

[Squid]

Its only a small tank (180 litres), but im a lazy person, and if there is an easier way, i will take it.. (as long as the results are as good, obvioulsy the fish health is first and foremost.)

I know your not a fan of adding dechlorinator after, but people seem to be ok with this technique.

Thanks for the advice, the castors bit is a good idea!

Squid

 

[rdd1952]

I use a python to refill my 29 and 75 gallon tanks after water changes but I dn't use them to syphon the water out because of the water it wastes from the faucet. To drain the water from your tank, you hook the python up to the faucet and turn the faucet on wide open. You then stick the vacuum end into the tank and it starts pulling water out. The whole time you are draining water out (may take 5 to 10 minutes depending on how much you're changing) you are also running water water from the tap. If you do use it to remove water, be careful not to run the sink over. Remember, you're running your faucet wide open plus you have water comng from the tank. Your drain may not be able to handle it all (mine can't). Simple solution to that is about every minute, just lift the vacuum out of the tank for a few seconds and let the hose empty so that the drain can catch up.

As for filling the tanks back up, the python works great (it works great for syphoning too if you don't mind the water wasted from the faucet). It only takes about 5 minutes to refill the 15 to 20 gallons back into the 2 tanks. I simply start it running at the faucet, walk to the tank (I have a 50' one so it takes the water about 10 to 15 seconds to get to start coming out) and fill away. I squirt a little dechlorinator in as the water starts running and a little more just as it gets full.

I'm sure there are probably threads in the DIY section on how to make one. THe part that connects to the faucet is the same thng that you use to drain and refill a water bed. Probably can get those at any home improvement place.