Isabella

I have heard so much about the Python gravel vac. But I just don't get how it works! I mean, if you connect it to your faucet, how can you fill the tank with dechlorinated water when you're taking that water directly from faucet? Or did I get it wrong? I can't visualize how that works! Same with siphoning water out of tank. How exactly does that Python work and by what mechanism does it work? I may be getting a 75G tank soon and it would be too much work for me to change the water in a 75G tank with a regular siphon tube that I use in a 30G tank.

P.S. Python is a brand name of the product?

Janmitch22

Isabella

Oh! That sounds so easy and practical! Thanks And you can connect it to a faucet so that you can fill a bucket with water, right? Because you first have to dechlorinate that water. When a bucket is standing on the ground, it's at a lower level than is the tank. So, will Python able to fill a tank with the water from the bucket, even if the bucket is at a lower level? Just flip the switch and it will work this way?

Janmitch22

Isabella

But I can't imagine adding chlorinated water to my tank before dechlorinating it! What do you mean by "pouring in dechlor as the water is running in"? Pour it in where if one's not supposed to use a bucket? Pour the dechlor into the tank? But when you do that, the water will NOT be mixed well with the dechlor. And as you're pouring chlorinated water in, it will reach the fish's system sooner than that water can be mixed with the dechlorinator. See? That's what I was afraid of. If the Python works that way, I won't use it, because I cannot imagine pouring chlorinated water into my tank.

Janmitch22

Isabella

Thanks Jan for the article and for trying to help . I know I am bothersome, lol. Sorry for that! Here is what the article says:

"How do I add conditioners to my water when refilling my tank? When refilling with your NO SPILL, the tap water is being aerated, removing some of the chlorine so most tank owners will not find it necessary to use chemicals. If you wish to use chemicals in your tank, you may simply add them into the stream of water as you are refilling."

I really don't like that idea Jan Plus, I don't even know what faucet aerators and adapters are. No idea if my faucet has anything like this. I'd have to ask my dad, he knows this stuff. I know nothing about mechanics and electricity, lol.

Janmitch22

Gunnie

Isabella,
I have always added my dechlor in the stream of water as it goes back into the tank, and have never lost a fish doing it this way. I would not have a 100 gal. tank in my living room without a python to do weekly maintenance.

ncje

In Japan they dont add chlorine to water. THe water is kind of soft, with PH of 7. The nitrate reading I get is 0. I usually syphon off attaching a house to my syphon, then attach the hose to the faucet for refill. I add a little blackwater extract, but not the recommended amount. My angels are doing great.

teddybear22482

I agree, I have ALWAYS added dechlor while filling the tank, usually I add the recommended amount to the first bucket then just straight water in the other buckets. Ive never had a problem with my fish dying or getting sick. NEVER. I wouldnt worry too much.

ncje

In australia I had 150 gallon Malawi tank and I did exactly the same thing (lots of chlorine in aussie water). As the water went in I would mix one bucket with all the water conditioner and as the tank filled just slowley pout it in bit by bit.

Jason

Do you know who makes the python vac and which companies supply it

teddybear22482

Im not sure who makes it...but you can buy it at Walmart. Most pet supply stores carry it too

Gunnie

Isabella

OK, I've received that Python a few days ago from Big Al's Online. And I've used it today for a 50% water change in my 30 gallon tank. That is, only to remove water from my tank, not to refill. I have to tell you that it really does save so much time! It cuts my water-changing time in more than half. Good stuff I am still a bit hesitant to add dechlorinator to the stream of running tap water, as it is filling my tank. So I filled a large 15 gallon container with tap water via Python. Then I dechlorinated it and poured it into my tank with plastic 1 gallon bottles. Even with that, I saved lots of time because before I used to carry 1 gallon bottles from the sink to the container, and then from the container to the tank (after dechlorination) ... I know, lol ... don't say anything. It was 15 gallons with each water change for the last couple of months ... yeah.

not4you

I'll add another vote of confidence to adding the dechlor directly to the tank when refilling with a Python. I've never had a problem and you'll save even more time!

justhelping

I've not had a problem either, adding the stuff to the tank as it's being filled back up with water from the python.