Aqueon Vs. Python: What do you think?

I think you just tried to rush things a little too much . Lower the pressure when you go to fill it back up

 

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Would you be able to tell me how to refill the tank with it. I tried too and it was an absolute nightmare.
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Filling it back up is much easier than siphoning, in my opinion. Assuming you have everything connected correctly, all you need to do is turn the switch down on the spout ( or straight out and not up and down )

I usually leave the tube in the tank while filling and when I am done, turn it off from the faucet. I find it easier to do that way and since the spout switch is plastic, will wear out over time and could break, which is what I do to avoid that.
 

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For the part that connects to the faucet there is a valve. This valve controls whether aquarium water drains out of it (open, draining mode) or not (closed, filling mode). This should be closed when filling the aquarium and open when draining the aquarium. I almost never use the other valve which is on the siphon tube. I always leave that open whether draining or filling. Shut off the faucet when the aquarium has been filled. Do not immediately disconnect the water changer from the faucet after filling the aquarium. You should remove the siphon tube from the aquarium first or else it will drain the water that you just put in.

For broken Aqueon water changers you do not have to buy a new one. There are individual parts available.
 
???

How was it a nightmare? All you do is turn the little thing on the spout and lock it so it makes water flow back through the tube. Turn the flow down very low, and refill. I pour enough Prime to treat my entire tank right into the flow so it is mixed in as it fills up. I point the water flow at my heater so it heats up the water as I refill it, and I just make the flow real slow, so the heater has time to warm the water up. I fill it so slow, takes about 2 hours. I go do laundry or whatever and keep an eye on it as it refills. You can use warm water from your tap, but I worry about their being higher mineral content, higher copper etc from the water heater, and I already have high mineral content in my water, so I don't want to make it any higher.

As for stopping the flow, yes you just turn it off at the sink. Or better yet just turn the little spout thing so it starts sucking water back out. Then I slowly rollup my tubing so it doesn't get kinked and sucks the water out as I roll it up.
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What happened was: when my tank was almost fully filled up I closed the nozel on the syphon (the part you hold). Then, I went back to my sink and it was spraying everywhere all over my bathroom leaking like crazy. Do I turn the flow down on the part connected to the sink?
 
I just watch my tank and when it gets as full as I like I turn the little spout thing to reverse the flow, then it starts sucking the water out. Then I hurry back to my tank and start rolling my tubing up. I leave the faucet running so it keeps sucking out the water from the tubing as I roll it up.
 
After constantly replacing parts on my python for years I trashed it and now own the Aqueon going on multiple years only replacing part of the faucet adapter due to threads finally wearing out (still worked fine just was more of a pain to screw on and off more than anything). I would go with the Aqueon. My only complaint would be Aqueon's hose is much stiffer than Pythons which is much more plyable. The hardware/plastic on the Aqueon easily wins out though, which IMO would make me lean that way.

The metal faucet adapter for Python is metal, but I found that to be one of the issues. Every time you screwed on the other side, which was plastic, it would just wear it even faster. Metal on plastic vs plastic on plastic. I found the Python T to be weaker and overall the plastic to become more brittle over time. Also the mechanism to control flow at the faucet on the T I like more on the Aqueon, its an actual lever you twist, no questions about it being in a certain position. Python's you twist down or twist up at the bottom however I've had this come loose before and stick in one way or the other. The mechanism also uses screws for resistance, what do screws grating against plastic do? I'm sure you can guess.

Again, based on personal experience with the two I have to recommend the Aqueon. Both work, but I've used the Aqueon longer without replacing as much on it, feels more solid, therefore it wins.
 

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What happened was: when my tank was almost fully filled up I closed the nozel on the syphon (the part you hold). Then, I went back to my sink and it was spraying everywhere all over my bathroom leaking like crazy. Do I turn the flow down on the part connected to the sink?
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This is the very reason I never use that valve. You can use it to stop draining when the faucet is on. Just turn the faucet off instead. The valve connected to the faucet just opens or closes the drain port, connection to the faucet is always open whether filling or draining.
 
I have the aqueon water changer also. When I'm done filling up my tanks I go to the kitchen sink and turn the water off by the kitchen faucet then I turn the valve on the water changer to fill up the tank. That's when I turn the faucet water back on.

Just a note of caution: Be careful when you screw your adapter onto the sink faucet. If you tighten it too tight you might just crack the whole unit piece/adapter. I did this a few years back and it started to leak and then I didn't have enough pressure to syphon out any water. I hated it. I had to buy another adopter at Petco for $15.00. Cheaper than what it would have cost to purchase another new water changer.
 
I use a homemade water changer. It starts with a quick connect aerator, so there is no wear on the plastic parts of the 'T' unit. The 'T' unit I use is made for filling and draining waterbeds- just a few bucks at a hardware store. Right off the 'T' before the tubing I have a plastic ball valve, so I can shut off the flow to or from the tank to get the temperature matched perfectly. In my opinion, the valve is much better near the sink than near the tank. The tubing is from the hardware store too, for about $.39/ft. I measured how much I needed to get to my farthest tank, so I don't have a bunch extra to roll up every water change day. I had so many siphon ends on my parts shelves I just picked the one I liked the best, warmed up the end of the tube, and slipped it on. I've had this thing for years and never had to replace any parts.

Here's the link for the quick-connect aerator, should work with any water changer and a huge time/wear saver! This is an online store, but any local hardware store should have them. https://store.ginseyhomesolutions.com/product/aerator-quick-connect-set
 
Sorry it sounds like it would be a very common topic, but the search gave me only some few year old threads, so I wonder if anything changed since then.
What is your opinion on aqueon vs python water changers?
 
They both work the same. Aqueons faucet attachment breaks too easy. Pythons is sturdier but the flow switch is a bit of a pain to operate. Neither is worth the price. All the parts you need to build 1 is at the hard wear store.
 

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They both work the same. Aqueons faucet attachment breaks too easy. Pythons is sturdier but the flow switch is a bit of a pain to operate. Neither is worth the price. All the parts you need to build 1 is at the hard wear store.
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Would you have time to list exactly the parts I need to get? Hardware stores intimidate me
Ps I have home depot and lowes
 
Would you have time to list exactly the parts I need to get? Hardware stores intimidate me
Ps I have home depot and lowes
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I did that a long time ago, but the cheapest way to do it is to get the aqueon faucet assembly (7 bucks from chewy) then go to Lowes or home depot for a length of hose I forget the diameter. Is around 50 cents a foot. A 1 litter soda bottle makes a good gravel vacuum.
 
I have the Aqueon but have yet to use it because it doesn't fit my faucet. My husband lovingly bought me a poop sucker as a gift but when we took it out we realized that our faucet doesn't have a piece that unscrews. So now I'm waiting for my husband to switch faucets. I'm telling you this not to discourage you but since you said hardware stores scare you. All you need to do is go to where the water comes out and see if there is a spot where you can unscrew it. Whichever you decide to do, youtube probably has a video on how to do it, I love youtube.
 
Yes I for got to say that thanks Lynn. You tube has some great DIY videos for water change systems. 1 I'm doing next uses a power head to drain the water and pick up debris on the sand. My water pressure is not strong enough to pull the debris in with the aqueon.
 
Yes I for got to say that thanks Lynn. You tube has some great DIY videos for water change systems. 1 I'm doing next uses a power head to drain the water and pick up debris on the sand. My water pressure is not strong enough to pull the debris in with the aqueon.
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You're welcome!
 
I have the aqueon 50 ft water changer but the valve assembly unit is broken and I’m wondering if the python valve and adapters fit the reg aqueon tubing? Some reviews seem to indicate python better quality. Can anyone who may have used them give me some insight please.

Thanks
Kellie
 
My opinion from the Aqueon side. I've not used Python to give a fair comparison.

I have the Aqueon as well and really like it. I did also break the faucet side valve assembly about 8 years ago. At the time they didn't sell individual parts and my LFS saved me by giving me theirs. I would just replace the assembly and call it a day. Since, the only problem was the dog chewing on it... grrr.. lol

Chewy and Amazon both sell the replacement assembly for less than $10.
 
Yeah I have liked it but having trouble finding an adapter to fit my faucet due to sprayer with aerator. Got one but it didn’t fit so have ordered a bunch of sizes and hoping to be able to have better temp control than the outside hose.
 
What about a bathroom faucet? Those are usually standard faucets with threaded aerator head which is what I use for the same reason. You may need to use a pliers for a gentle start to un-thread. Once
 

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Thanks Outlaw
Threads have been merged, please only create one thread per topic
 
Which water changer do you like better? is it worth the extra money for the python?
 
100% worth the extra money!!! 100%!!

I've tried both and the aqueon was JUNK compared to the python.
 
I have the Aqueon and has worked great for me for past close to 3 years of using it. If I did need to ever replace it I will go with the Python just to see what all the hype is about
 
I have the Aqueon and has worked great for me for past close to 3 years of using it. If I did need to ever replace it I will go with the Python just to see what all the hype is about
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If you've never used a python in order to compare the two, then I can understand your opinion.

But if you use them both back to back, the python proves itself to be much much better quality all around.

I bought a cheap aqueon water changer to use on sick tanks or QT tanks, so I'm not using my main python for them. And I quickly understood why the python is more expensive. Its just much higher quality top to bottom.
 
Python is definitely better made and will most likely last longer. I used to have a python that I sold off years ago and needed another water changer when I got back into the hobby. I decided to give the Aqueon a try. It’s only been a few months, but no complaints thus far.
 
From what you all told me and what I’ve read it seems pretty consistent that the python is more solid.

but that being said I’m also assuming the Aqueon gets a bad rap because of how people treat it. No different then people complains about their filters breaking etc.

I think I’m going to be going with the python only because I know there may be a 16 month old girl tugging on the hose from time to time. Strength is a must around my house!
 
Just purchased the python last week. Best thing I have bought, seriously! Can’t believe I was using buckets for a few years.....
 
I just have a plain old aqueon siphon hose with the vacuum attachment. It was like 5 dollars and it works quite well. I do the 5 gallon bucket method, where I fill up the bucket with tap water and then treat it before adding it to my tank. So, I have no need for a python because I like using buckets lol.
 
No doubt the python is better built, but they are both priced accordingly IMHO.
 

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I just have a plain old aqueon siphon hose with the vacuum attachment. It was like 5 dollars and it works quite well. I do the 5 gallon bucket method, where I fill up the bucket with tap water and then treat it before adding it to my tank. So, I have no need for a python because I like using buckets lol.
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There’s something to be said for simplicity
 
Agreed. Carrying buckets is also a workout. So, it benefits you and your fish.
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Buckets are fine for a 15 gallon tank, but any bigger and it's a pain.
 
Buckets are fine for a 15 gallon tank, but any bigger and it's a pain.
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Yeah, but I only do about 10% water changes per week, so I’m only changing about 5 gallons of water (4 from my 40 breeder and 1 from my 10 gallon)
 
Well I bought a Python and tried it out last night. Works pretty handy and it definitely is a pretty slow way of removing water from the tank compared to a regular siphon and it seems wasteful having the water run while draining the tank too.

but I guess it might be the trade off for not lugging the buckets around. I guess it all varies depending on your water pressure in your city.
 
Well I bought a Python and tried it out last night. Works pretty handy and it definitely is a pretty slow way of removing water from the tank compared to a regular siphon and it seems wasteful having the water run while draining the tank too.

but I guess it might be the trade off for not lugging the buckets around. I guess it all varies depending on your water pressure in your city.
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Try hooking it up to your outside hose spigot, works much better then the kitchen faucet
 
Try hooking it up to your outside hose spigot, works much better then the kitchen faucet
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I will have to play around, it’s handy no doubt. Just would be nice to get a little more flow.
 
I like buckets...
I had a python given to me & I threw it away.
So much stuff to just fill a tank.

I don't understand how tou get the temp right from a hose bib ?

I can understand having it if you broke a leg or arm... maybe buckets are too heavy ?
 
I like buckets...
I had a python given to me & I threw it away.
So much stuff to just fill a tank.

I don't understand how tou get the temp right from a hose bib ?

I can understand having it if you broke a leg or arm... maybe buckets are too heavy ?
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Yes that would be a down fall of using and outside hose bib. Plus I live in Wisconsin and it’s -1 this morning so running my outside faucet is not a year round option

I’m giving it another try or it’s back to Amazon it goes.
 

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its all about pressure. I can say after buying my python that it has been a game changer for me. water changes are super easy and cleaning gravel is actually fun to do. I too live in Wisconsin, my thermometer said it was -9 this morning. Good luck with yours it took me a few tries at it to get the hang of it.
 
Once the siphon starts flowing from your tank with your faucet pressure you can turn your water off and it’ll still flow.. a lot slower but you won’t be wasting so much water
 
Yes that would be a down fall of using and outside hose bib. Plus I live in Wisconsin and it’s -1 this morning so running my outside faucet is not a year round option

I’m giving it another try or it’s back to Amazon it goes.
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I was saying use the outside hose spigot to just drain ( clean the tank ) as it works faster then using the kitchen sink. I have a hot and cold spigot on my house that I did years ago when I bought the house. I live in NY so I turn off my outside water in the winter, but every Saturday when I do water changes I just turn it on for the day.
 
I had back surgery in October and carrying Buckets was quite out of the question. The surgery didn't go well and has really taken my health downhill. The Aqueon Works ok for my needs. Like some have said after you get the water from the tank coming through, turn the water off and let it continue on its own. Without this system, I would have had to get rid of my babys.
 
I did try a python out and it wasn’t for me. I just didn’t get enough water pressure for draining the tank. It worked but I felt like I was letting as much clean water run down the drain as I was dirty.

And when I shut the water off it was almost a non existent trickle. It was awesome for filling the tank though. Now while I’m 27 and able to move the buckets it’s no biggie. I plan on just using a dedicated hose from my sink for fill ups eventually.

I would still recommend people trying them out as it was a neat tool!
 
Love the python, never regretted the extra $$
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You could tell it was well made. I also found out they are made in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Which I’m from Wisconsin so you have to support the local company!
 
In the summer, I can run the hose outside to the flower bushes and its low so that the water flows fast! I can dump 80% at around 5-6 minutes. After take the hose and reconnect it to the sink and fill it up. Now that's good because the dirty water is great for flowers. Just like Pig or cow poop. In the winter if it is cold enough the hose will get icy and that makes it not a great idea. Below 32 degrees don't work here. Still, that's the only way for me to do my water changes and filter cleanings. I have big cichlids and they are big poop machines. Come to think about it, time to check water to see how much I change Saturday....
 
Python. I thought the Aqueon when I had it was a cheap piece of garbage.
 

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