Python?

[KathyM]

I keep seeing people mention Python water changers and having looked them up I have one thing preying on my mind *lol* - how do you make the water safe? Presumably you have to add dechlorinator after the tank is refilled? Isn't that dangerous?

I have this awful feeling I'm going to look really thick asking this *lmao*

 

[debiasir]

nope not dangerous at all many people add dechlor to there freshly changed tanks

 

[KathyM]

But I presume that allows the chlorine to come into contact with the fish even if temporarily, so it can't be the best way?

 

[bobf]

But I presume that allows the chlorine to come into contact with the fish even if temporarily, so it can't be the best way?

I made my own 'python' and have been using it without problems for a couple of years now.

When I'm filling the tank I just pour the tapsafe into the tank (into the waterflow) as the water begins to flow in. Never had the slightest problem doing it this way.

Bear in mind however, I wouldn't recommend filling the tank straight from the tap if you can't regulate the temperature (to some extent at least) or if you are still on the old immersion heater system for your hot water. This is because with an immersion tank you hot water is more likely to contain metals and other contaminants like copper and so on. Certainly not as 'fresh' as the water from your cold tap.

With a 'combi' type boiler its the cold from the mains being heated as it runs through, without sitting in a tank for many hours and heating/cooling over and over.

Some instructions on how to make a python on a sticky on the diy section (I think) - basically a couple of lengths of hosepipe and a 'y' shaped connector. Best advantage of this is you can run the old water straight out to the sink from the tank without having to carry a drop of it! With mine I have enough suction on the outflow to use the end of the hose to pick up all sorts of cack so it serves two purposes at once. Much easier with a sand substrate mind, as the muck is visible and 'sits on top', with gravel however probably not enough suction to clean it so still need to get thye gravel vac going.

 

[KathyM]

Thanks Bob - that explains it to me! It's not suitable for our setup sadly because we have the boiler not a combi so like you said, we wouldn't be able to regulate temperature (which was going to be the next question, to make me look dim, so thanks for predicting me!).

Looks like I'm stuck with a bucket and jug for refilling LMAO.

 

[bobf]

Thanks Bob - that explains it to me! It's not suitable for our setup sadly because we have the boiler not a combi so like you said, we wouldn't be able to regulate temperature (which was going to be the next question, to make me look dim, so thanks for predicting me!).

Looks like I'm stuck with a bucket and jug for refilling LMAO.

Well we've all been there...

In my 'bucket and jug' days I was getting pretty fed up with the amount of water I slopped about while I was refilling the tank so I went in for one of these -

up hill syphon!

and here's another...

again...

just stick a length of hose on each end and attach your drill and away you go!

(Now you'll tell me you don't have a drill...)

 

[KathyM]

PMSL - no I've definitely got a drill, aaaaannnnddd, I've got the OH which is even handier when you've got drilling to be done!

Off for a peek at the links