hamstermann

Does anyone know of a site that can tell me how pythons work? I know you hook them up to your sink and you can control the siphon or fill features with a switch, but Where is the switch? How does the sink start the siphon process? Does anyone know the science behind it that can explain in lay man's terms?

Radcliffe

I was a bit confused as to how they work when I got mine, too. I couldn't find a good basic explanation.

I have one now and I LOVE it.

EDIT- I make this process more complex because I use a bucket, to double check everything. This is not manditory to use the Python, simply my personal choice. I would imagine that as I become more comfortable with keeping fish in general that I will simplify my process.

How I use mine:

I keep it rolled up and inside the bucket I used to use for water changes. When it is time to change water, I attach the one end to the sink by screwing it onto the end of the spout. I leave the other end in the bucket. Then I turn on the cold water on high. I then walk back to the bucket and there will be suction already going. I then suction out and clean the gravel. When I am finished, I put the end back in the bucket. I them add a bit of Prime to my tanks. Going back to the sink, I turn on the water hot and cold to get it to the right temperature, leaving the python attached and just sucking in air from the bucket. When I have the water the right temperature, I adjust the python to push the water out rather than suck water in by lifting and twisting the spout thingy that points down when attached to the sink. Next I walk over to the bucket and check the temperature again as the bucket fills a bit and adjust as necessary.

When I am confident in the temp of the water, I then turn off the flow with the switch near the fill/clean end and transfer it to over my tank. Then I release the switch and fill the tank with clean water. When I am finished, I briefly close the flow then put the end back in the bucket and let it put a bit more water into the bucket as I go turn the water off.

Next I put a drop or two of prime into the water in the bucket, and rinse out my filters in it if necessary. I know it isn't as good at keeping the bacteria working as rinsing in tank water but it works just fine in my established tanks. I generally only wash out one filter each water change.

My final step is to walk back to the sink and turn it on again, syphoning the water in the bucket out till it is nearly empty. Done! I put whatever drops of water is left into plant watering, and roll the python back up and put it in the bucket till next time. The entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn't spill water, and isn't a hastle.

Hope this helps!

--R

hamstermann

So it sounds like it's still a little more involved than the ads say. you've got to do a lot more than stick the vauum in the tank, suck everything out, then reverse the flow and fill with clean water.

how does it not build up pressure when the sink is turned on but you're not using any water because you're siphoning? Have you ever had a hose blow out or the sink atttachment not work quite right?

armadillo

Yes, it does still sound like hassle. I was alwasy wondering how you could condition the water with a python being connected directly to the sink. But it sounds like there are still buckets involved, and backing and fro'ing. I think I might wait a bit before investing in one.

Radcliffe

Well I should note that the only reason I use a bucket is because I like to double check the temp of the water I have going in, and have some extra water set aside that I can use for washing out filters. If you can judge the temperature of water better than I can, you wouldn't need the bucket.


Sorry if that was confusing for anyone!!!

--R

armadillo

Aaaah. So no absolute need for the bucket. Yes, my temperature-telling precision is actually uncanny. Am thinking of quitting my day job and becoming a show-business temperature teller. Honest, it's really bizarre. To the nearest degree. Some useless skill, hey.

I'll look into the python again. Don't like new things in general because it always takes me ages to work new machines out. But I did hear great things about it, and you seem to agree.

Radcliffe

Yes, I most certainly agree! I haven't spilled water, I clean my tanks more often, and I highly recommend the product :-)

--R

hamstermann

are there any "wanna-be" pythons on the market that are cheaper, but equally effective?

Gunnie

You have to be careful when you turn it off at the tank instead of at the faucet. The pressure does build up, and I've had it come off the faucet and spray water all over my kitchen. I live in Florida, so I now just hook it up to the hose out front and water my plants at the same time. The mechanism that hooks up to the faucet is almost identical to the fill kit attachment you get to drain and fill a waterbed.

I wouldn't be without mine. I can clean all my tanks including a 100 gal. and a 55 gal. tank in about an hour and a half. I wouldn't have a 100 gal. tank if I had to use buckets. A python is definately worth the money. Spend the extra cash and get the brass faucet adapter. The plastic ones strip easily.

Je55*e

I just bought something that I believe is the same product, just a different brand name. It's called 'tom mr cleaner'. Do any of you know if this is the same thing, only a different brand?
~J*

hamstermann

I've heard of it, but never used or seen it.

My wonderful wife bought a python on ebay for me. I can't wait to try it!

Je55*e

Do pythons or the like disturb the fish? Do they pose any danger to them whatsoever?
~J*

hamstermann

I wouldn't think it'd be different than any other siphon. I'll let you know if and when mine ever gets here.

Je55*e

Thanks, I'd really appreciate that!

Anyone else have any input on whether or not these products disturb the fish?
Thanks!
~J*

griffin

i would tend to say yes, they will disturb the fish, but then, so will anything else you use. i don't think a python will disturb the fish a lot more than any other method (unless you're directing the flow directly at/chasing fish with it or something like that)

Je55*e

Thank you!
I just cleaned the tank today. For some reason my cleaner (the mr. cleaner tom brand version of the python) would not work. I'm not sure why. I could hear whirring but no suction was taking place. Not sure what I did wrong.
So I filled a couple of bowls with tank water, put the fish in those, and cleaned the tank. Then I returned the fish and thus far all is well (knock on wood).
Does anyone have the mr. cleaner, and could tell me how to work it? Not sure what I could have done wrong.
~J*

Old Sloppy

I too have a question about the Python.
Does the faucet have to keep running during the draining process?
Seems like a lot of water useage if so.

I have a 135 gallon tank and I have been using an old garden hose to drain the dirty water outside on the lawn.

Harry S.

hamstermann

Just got mine today. The package says it uses less water than flushing a toilet while draining. I didn't measure, but that may be true. It may also depend on how big a tank you're draining. I found that it's pouwerful enough to suck eco complete from the bottom of the tank to the top of the gravel, but it still wouldn't suck my pleco's poop up into the tubes. I guess that doesn't bother me because we can always bury it and wait for it to turn into nitrate for my plants, but I'd still rather have it out of the tank when I clean it.

other than that, it works really well and the carpet around my fishtank is much drier.