Python. What a piece of junk.

[Socrates]

After all the recommendations I've read of this Python thing, I have to say that I'm disapointed that it's so poorly made.

Mine arrived today and within 5 minutes of hooking it up, and within 20 minutes of it arriving, it broke.

CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP plastic is the main culprit.

The part which just sheared itself in half during pumping was basically doomed to fail by design anyway, but the cheap plastic sure seems to be a major component in the problem. If the part was brass, it wouldn't have failed probably ever.

The part is the little pointy nozzle that is at the top of the "pump". It sticks through a compression ring and then is expected to carry the entire weight of the pump plus any pressure that is put on the pump by its own operation.

Really a bad design and and an even worse choice of materials.

So now I guess it's going to either cost me return shipping or the price of a new pump. But I assume that either way the thing will just keep breaking over and over and over.

And Python's Warranty? It's called gambling. You send in the part plus your money and HOPE they decide to be nice and send your money back.

Man am I bitter.

 

[smithrc]

is it just the bit that goes on the tap?

It does sound like poor design but if that is the part then its a quick trip to a hardware store, problem solved.

 

[wuvmybetta]

I've never tried a python but I've never been sold on one either. They look flimsy to me. Some people swear by them though After reading this thread I know I'll never have one now

Nothing like good ole fashioned bucket carryin'

 

[Teelie]

Same here. Even without the flimsy sounding materials, the thing just doesn't sound like it would be worth while to get.

 

[canarsie11]

Sorry to hear about your troubles

I beleive you just received a faulty unit. I have not had any problems with my python, and cant see how I could live without one. I beleive that the materials it is made of does look a little flimsy.

However, I have never had a problem with it handling the job it is purchased for, and as long as you have good water pressure in your home, you will never have problem

Until you have used a working unit, and see how it simplifies things, I dont think you can comment on product. When was thinking about buying mine, I was also skeptical, but once you use it you will see it is worth every penny!

Before you make final decision get another unit, the want you have make just have been faulty!

 

[crazywolf]

Someone in another thread on the Python said they got a brass part that replaces that part I believe. I know when i go to a large tank I will get one. I can't imagine doing 25% water changes when it takes 20-30 gallons using buckets.

 

[heresmike]

Well, I'm not going to let this one negative review stop me from getting one when my 120 gallon is up and running. I've heard too many good things about the Python, and only this one negative.

Maybe you got a defective one.

 

[DOLORES]

Someone in another thread on the Python said they got a brass part that replaces that part I believe. I know when i go to a large tank I will get one. I can't imagine doing 25% water changes when it takes 20-30 gallons using buckets.

its a nightmare (my 29) and im kinda shorty so i need a little ladder to go up and put the water back in the tank i want to get one python this month but i guess i'll have to wait till next month , i already spent MONEY oon the 29

 

[freshmike]

*snickers* I have broken mine too....but I would never give it up.

 

[Socrates]

I had to buy a whole new "pump" unit to get the one little piece of plastic.

Once the thing is operating, it really does save a HELL OF A LOT OF TIME.

I'm not criticising the concept of the Python, nor am I saying they don't work, because they definitely do!!!!

What I'm saying is that the construction is not what you would call top quality.

So what I did so this will never happen again is to get some snap on attachments for the garden hose and the pump end of the Python. This way the pump of the python can just lay around on a soft towel or whatever and is not sticking off the end of the faucet. This DRAMATICALLY reduces the amount of pressure on that little narrow plastic bit.

 

[Socrates]

Maybe you got a defective one.

Lets hope so.

Still, make it out of brass, and there is not too high a chance of a defective plastic bit.

Of course, then there would be a lot less chance of selling oodles and oodles of replacement parts too...

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Yes crazywolf may be right. I was at the pythone website, and im sure I saw something about a new brass attatchment thingy. Id sent you a link but I dont remember the site, I found it on the forum. try a search on googlem

 

[tstenback]

I have two python units...too lazy to carry one upstairs ) They are both stock models and i have never had a hitch in almost 2 years of use. Using it 1-2 times a week on 7 different tanks. I have heard of it breaking exactly where yours did Socrates but this was only one unit and i have been a crusader for this product. probably got 40-50 people to buy one simply for the ease of doing one of the most mundane and at times painful (albeit vital) chores in the hobby. Sorry about your trouble, i may have been one of those that said they were the greatest thing and i think they are. I hope that this is an isolated problem as i bought mine long ago i hope the quality has not diminished over that time.

 

[karrihug]

i just got mine a couple of months ago, but could not live without it. i don't find anythnig wrong with the quality. it must have been defictive to break the with the first use

 

[freshmike]

Lay the nozzle on a towel That's where the water comes out.......