Python

[daved]

Just wondering before I build one.
The water will be added to the tank untreated and I will need to add conditioner (this is probably a simple question) but do I treat for the whole tank or just for what I have replaced. I told you it was simple but I am just unsure
Cheers Dave

 

[Stacey13]

When using a Python to fill, add the water conditioner to the tank based on the ENTIRE tank volume.

 

[daved]

cheers I think I will give it a miss, I do not want to treat 120 ltrs when I only change 20 or 30 ltrs

 

[helterskelter]

I only treat the amount of water going into the tank, as when I've added to much in the past, it turned the water blue. it's not harm full but why wast it.

 

[daved]

cheers helterskelter i will give it some more thought

 

[Jabba]

Poor advice - you don't need to treat the whole volume. Get a stick, mark the depth of the water from the gravel on it, then divide it into 10 between the bottom and the water mark, each division represents a 10% water change (approx), work out approximately how many litres per division, add the appropriate amount of treatment as you start to add water, add more as you reach each division. (I fill slowly and tip the treatment into the 'up ended' gravel cleaner part so it mixes properly then tip it into the tank and carry on. This way you are always treating in advance, it isn't an exact science but it is close enough.

And although many have had degrees of success with a DIY python the valve used is not so easily built if it is to be efficient and not waste loads of water - one thing it isn't is a simple T piece with a valve on it.

 

[daved]

thanks for your reply good advice
cheer

 

[Jabba]

thanks for your reply good advice
cheer

Incidentally they aren't really that expensive - Check this page out - there is even a cheaper lookalike - but the all important valve for the tap is about £4 .... the other bits are cheap too - I am sure you can get some silicon type filter hose cheap enough.

 

[arvlyn]

Just wondering before I build one.
The water will be added to the tank untreated and I will need to add conditioner (this is probably a simple question) but do I treat for the whole tank or just for what I have replaced. I told you it was simple but I am just unsure
Cheers Dave

I've always only treated for the amount of water I'm replacing. What's left is already chlorine free.

 

[daved]

thankyou all for your advice, I have decided to make one.
It will make life a lot easier

thanks again Dave