Aqueon Vs. Python: What do you think?

[kinezumi89]

I was going to make a poll, but then I couldn't post this thread in the "cleaning and maintenance" forum

My boyfriend and I have decided that doing water changes on our 55 gallon tank with buckets is too much of a pain in the butt. The fact that it takes forever sometimes dissuades us from cleaning the tank (not for extended periods of time of course), so we think a water changer would be a good investment.

1. Which one do you have? Do you like it? Are there any problems with it?

2. If you've used both, do you think the Python is worth the extra $10? (They're cheaper at Petco than Petsmart, and the Aqueon is $30 and the Python is $40 for 25'-hoses. We haven't looked anywhere else yet, but I'm sure the Python will always be more expensive.)

3. I know I've seen people post a good "how to use a water changer" YouTube video, but I can't for the life of me find it on here or by searching on YouTube. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, could you post a link?

Thanks a bunch!

Just for fun, I'll keep track of votes here:
Python - 2
Aqueon - 2
Marina - 1

 

[Junne]

Wow I can't believe you have been doing the bucket thing for so long! Whatever one you get, you will definitely cut your time in half, or more!!!!

I use an aqueon - never had a problem with it. Some people had posted that they leak, get kinked up but so far, in the 9 months I have had it ( it gets used at least once every week ) and I have yet to have any of those problems. I LOVE mine and wouldn't dream of doing the bucket change ever again.

By the way, I just used my aqueon this past weekend for filling up the water on my Christmas tree stand!!! Another GREAT use!!!

Good luck!

 

[kinezumi89]

Thanks for the review! Yeah, it takes like half an hour just waiting for the buckets to fill up I thought the water changers were way more expensive, like $50-$100, which is part of the reason I hadn't looked in to it yet.

 

[Junne]

Thanks for the review! Yeah, it takes like half an hour just waiting for the buckets to fill up I thought the water changers were way more expensive, like $50-$100, which is part of the reason I hadn't looked in to it yet.

I believe you can get the aqueon on amazon for like $30.00 ( 25 ft length )

 

[kinezumi89]

Yup, Petco has it for the same price

 

[Junne]

The only reason I got the Aqueon vs the Python was when I was buying my tank at Petsmart, I had a coupon ( from petco ) and I ended up getting 20% off of everything so the Aqueon ended up costing half the price - so if you go to either store, try and find a coupon and usually they will do a price match or honor the discount

 

[AlexAlex]

IMO and IME, Marina brand siphoner/cleaner is THE best one (over both that are mentioned). It's stiffer (the hose), had a bigger vacuum connection and has a brass connector that hooks to the sink.

It works very well when vacuuming and performing water changes on the fish tanks. I got the 50' for 45.99 on Amazon (Free shipping)! Not sure how much the 25' was, but it was cheaper than the Python at the time.

 

[kinezumi89]

Interesting, I didn't know there were other varieties! I'll have to look into it, thanks.

 

[Matt B]

I have only used the python but I am impressed with the thickness and flexibility of the hose, the fittings on it also seem very sturdy. Mine also came with a brass adapter to thread into the faucet in place of the aerator which I have read is a big breaking point with the aqueons. The shutoff for the siphon is conveniently located should you inadvertantly suck up an inhabitant, I also have found that you can clean sand really well with it if you adjust the valve down until its almost able to pull the sand all the way up the cleaning tube but falls back down.

Mine neatly coils and uncoils each time I use it as well, all in all I'm very happy with it.

 

[AlexAlex]

Here is the page:



P.S. This one has a hole-punched cap for the bottom to keep from sand from siphoning into the tubing.

 

[kinezumi89]

Thanks for the info guys So far it looks like it's neck-and-neck!

 

[Matt B]

Here's a review by a member of the python, he also has a how to video if you scroll down a bit: https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/python-water-changer-unboxing-and-review.129402/

 

[AlexAlex]

I really think it's a matter of preference on the Vac's. I've actually read a lot of good reviews on all of them. So, whichever you choose, happy fish tank cleaning!

 

[kinezumi89]

I didn't know it was possible to have a preference on water vacs I want one that takes the water out and puts clean water back in

I forgot about that thread, thanks Matt

 

[tunastrack]

I too used the bucket method for wayyyy too long. Still have to on my smaller tanks. But for my 55 and 60 I now have the Aqueon 25'. I LOVE it. However like mentioned above, it does have a plastic sink adapter. Which I do struggle with to get it to screw on correctly. But other than that it works perfectly.

I like how it has a little bit shorter vacuum part to it. It makes it much easier to disinfect in between the two tanks. Because it fits well in a standard sized bucket (3 gal).

I would but mine again. If I had to. Good luck!

 

[Janet Webster]

I have the 25' Aqueon, and it is a bit fussy to get the plastic adapter threaded right, but I haven't used the other so I have no comparison. It's just way better than buckets, and I got it on sale, so I went with the price point. The hose was a bit short, but a 99 cent adapter from the local hardware store and and additional 20 ft of hose took care if it for about $8, vs the extra $20 it would have cost for the 50' Aqueon. Water changes aren't a chore anymore!

 

[flynruff]

I've recently started using the aqueon. I went for based upon the fact that you can pick up parts at any petco/petsmart. I haven't had any issues with the plastic adapter threading.
I cut down the hose to get rid of excess, which leads to a better syphon.

 

[kinezumi89]

Thanks for your opinions guys! It sounds like no matter what we get, we definitely shouldn't be using buckets anymore

 

[Aquarist]

Water Changer Review!

A different brand above.

Ken

 

[JRC3]

I own and have used both and hands down the Python is much better made. I have a ton of water pressure and flow and the Python takes it. The aqueon has broke twice and had the hose pop out of the fittings. And with the Python's valve NOT located directly on the gravel tube it is much less disruptive when refilling.

$10 difference? When I bought my Aqueon for like $35 the Python was twice as much.

 

[kinezumi89]

Well they seem to be pretty evenly matched in that there are people who voted for both. We were at PetCo and they said they'd match the online price, so we decided to get the Aqueon.

For people who have one: it started up fine, but when I removed the siphon and put it back in the water, it lost suction and I had to manually (IE using good old fashioned gravity) drain the tube, and then the suction was back immediately. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Matt B]

I haven't had it happen but maybe turn your faucet on all the way to create more pull. Make sure your drains are running well too so you don't walk back in to having overflowed the basin.

 

[Jaysee]

I break the stopper so that I can pull it out of the sink for a water change. I found it a HUGE pain to always be worried about overflowing the sink.

 

[Matt B]

I think of it from a plumbers perspective, ie clean the drain. But breaking the stopper is also a solution. You can also disconnect it from underneath the sink and just set it back in the drain, no breaking required.

 

[Jaysee]

Haha, I didn't think about looking for a way to disconnect it after I overflowed the sink. Breaking it seemed like the best solution at the time

 

[kinezumi89]

The faucet was on all the way, but it isn't the most powerful faucet.

 

[Matt B]

The only other thing I can think of is if a ton of air got into it at once. Maybe try submerging the tube open end up so it completely fills with water before the siphon begins.

Should've got the Python.
Sorry! Couldn't resist!

 

[kinezumi89]

There are so many advocates of both, I figured I'd be disappointing people no matter what I got

It started fine at the beginning, but once I pulled it out and air got in, the suction stopped. Is that something would happen with any water changer?

 

[JRC3]

I never used the siphon thing. I either let it drain in the bathtub or out the side door of the house. Didn't want to waste the water

The only time I ever used the siphon was to prime the hose with tank water before I started filling...So it didn't blow a bunch of air in the tank, as well as keep air out of the gravel tube so it would be less disruptive with the water/air turbulance.

 

[Jaysee]

Get a pump

 

[kinezumi89]

Sure, I'll just spend even more money I guess I'll just have to not lose the suction once it starts.

 

[JRC3]

Get a pump

Same thing I though about.

I use these to mump water from my mix vessels.

They have suction cups to attached to the glass and come with different output fittings to fit any hose.

The old ones came with a 20' cord. The new ones are only 6'.

 

[Jaysee]

Did you try inverting the tube after it's been submerged?


I'd love to know how that pump will add beauty to an aquarium....

 

[JRC3]

I'd love to know how that pump will add beauty to an aquarium....

I see that. I hear Petsmart is going to start selling a replica pond pump in the fish decoration section. Should be all the rage. LOL

 

[Jaysee]

I think you're supposed to hook it up to a miniature wacky arm waving inflatable tube man

 

[Matt B]

I think you're supposed to hook it up to a miniature wacky arm waving inflatable tube man

I can't help but laugh every time I see one of those things!!

As far as the water changer goes, you can also shut the faucet off once the siphon begins as long as the sink is lower than the tank to avoid wasting water. Also, like Jaysee said, if you lose suction try turning the cleaning tube open end up to let the air out.

 

[kinezumi89]

I can get it started again, I guess I just thought that I'd be able to take it out and put it back in without losing suction. No big deal Not sure how I'll switch sides of the tank though...

 

[JRC3]

Not sure how I'll switch sides of the tank though...

Just close the valve on the gravel tube and switch sides, then open it again.

 

[kinezumi89]

Ooh that would be the obvious way Thanks!