Ordered My Python! (attaching To Shower Head Pipe)

So I told my family that I wanted a Python and a rain barrel for mother's day.

As some of you know, I have been struggling figuring out where in my house I can attach a Python. I have none of the standard style faucets that have the simple aerator that is easily unscrewed. My sinks have tiny 3/8" aerators and I spoke with the president at Python and determined that there was no way to connect the python to those faucets. Way to small.

So he suggested using the shower and attaching the Python to the threaded pipe the shower head is connected to! I hadn't thought of that. He said to get a 1/2" female pipe thread to 3/4" male hose thread adapter (found on Amazon).

Tomorrow, I am going to the plumbing store to get what I need. I decided I am going to devise some sort of splitter and have a 3/4" male hose end for the python and a 1/2" threaded pipe so that I can keep the shower head on and not have to take it on and off each time I need to do a water change. He said to also get a 4'-5' hose length so as to attach the python down in the area of the tub, so there is no splashing of the bathroom with the water dropping so far.

I am excited to get the rain barrel also. I hope to be motivated and capture some of the tank water in the tub and put it in the rain barrel for my plants. In the future I hope to get a larger tank in my office, a room close enough that I can siphon the water from the tank into the rain barrel outside and use the python from the bathroom to fill it up.

I thought I would post this since others may not have thought to use the shower head to connect a python.

Happy Mother's day to all the mom's and grandmom's out there.

 

Congrats on the python! I really love mine and I don't know how I lived without it!

 

I use a powered solution but that's pretty ingenious. I've actually went in reverse and attached a Top Fin gravel vacuum to my system so I love to see ingenuity. What I really like is your rain barrel idea as I have to shuffle three 5 gallon buckets in my tub to hold my source water when doing a change. Love to see a picture of the shower pipe hookup once you have it working.

 

I use a powered solution but that's pretty ingenious. I've actually went in reverse and attached a Top Fin gravel vacuum to my system so I love to see ingenuity. What I really like is your rain barrel idea as I have to shuffle three 5 gallon buckets in my tub to hold my source water when doing a change. Love to see a picture of the shower pipe hookup once you have it working.

I just saw your post minutes after I place my order. I love that idea. I contemplated canceling my order, but for now I will give this a try. I do have a pump I could use and may do so when I get my other tank to make draining the water out to the rain barrel easier instead of just a siphon. I will post a picture of the shower connection. It may not be pretty, but it is the kids shower so......

I have to work out in my head my plan for adding prime, alkalinity buffer and replenish when using the python.

My plan is to add the prime first, filling the tank, while filling add the buffer a bit at a time to keep KH stable and then after filling adding the replenish to build up minerals/GH.
I am pretty sure that I dose prime for the total tank volume?
Does anyone see any issue with that plan? I am a little worried as I will have to be pretty sure I know how much water is removed/replaced to make sure that I add the correct amount of buffer.

 

With Prime if you add it to the source water you only need to add enough Prime for that amount. If you wait to add the Prime until after you add your source water than you need to add enough for the whole volume of the tank. The other stuff I really don't know about but it sounds like you've got a cool plan.

 

On sechem's website it says if you are adding water directly to the tank and the same with Prime, you need to add for the total volume of the tank. Since I use the python to add the water from the tap to the tank, I add enough to treat my 54 gallon tank.

 

Just make sure the water out of your shower has the same PH as the tank water and/or the tap you were doing water changes with. I don't know how but my shower water is even harder then the kitchen tap downstairs.

 

Just make sure the water out of your shower has the same PH as the tank water and/or the tap you were doing water changes with. I don't know how but my shower water is even harder then the kitchen tap downstairs.

For me it's temperature control that's the problem. The water in my apartment doesn't have a consistent temperature so I have to run it into buckets... adjust then use. Hmm I wonder if there are inline thermometers? Now I'm going to look...

 

For me it's temperature control that's the problem. The water in my apartment doesn't have a consistent temperature so I have to run it into buckets... adjust then use. Hmm I wonder if there are inline thermometers? Now I'm going to look...

I live in an apartment and have to do that with my water changes too, the trails of apartment living. The water here takes a long time to get warm, then wants to be too hot once it does.

 

I live in an apartment and have to do that with my water changes too, the trails of apartment living. The water here takes a long time to get warm, then wants to be too hot once it does.

Too bad you couldn't take a sharpie marker and make a mark on the handle where it lines up for the perfect temp. Sharpies come off using rubbing alcohol.

 

Too bad you couldn't take a sharpie marker and make a mark on the handle where it lines up for the perfect temp. Sharpies come off using rubbing alcohol.

Yea that doesn't work which is the problem. Line up the sharpie run the water, take temp it's 70. Do it in 10 minutes it's 78. Try tomorrow it's 82. Completely unpredictable.

 

For me it's temperature control that's the problem. The water in my apartment doesn't have a consistent temperature so I have to run it into buckets... adjust then use. Hmm I wonder if there are inline thermometers? Now I'm going to look...

If you find one, let me know. That was also a concern of mine.

 

If you find one, let me know. That was also a concern of mine.

I've recently modified my water change routine using Python so I can match temperatures more accurately when doing large water changes.

I bought a 120 litre food grade plastic storage bin and use it to store water a couple of days before I do a water change.

Once I've used the Python to do a gravel vacuum and remove water, I've rigged up a powerhead in the storage bin to pump water (treated with Prime) back to the tank.

It works really well for 50% water change on my 212 litre tank where temperature drop is usually less than 1 degree C!

 

If you find one, let me know. That was also a concern of mine.

When I use my python I hook it all up. With the vac not in the tank, I turn on the faucet to drain, and use a magnetic tank thermometer to check temp, and adjust it till I get to where I want it. Then I vac, double check temp again, add prime to tank, then fill. Temp stays perfect.

For the ph buffer etc, I think I would measure it all out like you would if you were using buckets, and add a little at a time while the tank is filling. But I have no experience with that so...

 

When I use my python I hook it all up. With the vac not in the tank, I turn on the faucet to drain, and use a magnetic tank thermometer to check temp, and adjust it till I get to where I want it. Then I vac, double check temp again, add prime to tank, then fill. Temp stays perfect.

For the ph buffer etc, I think I would measure it all out like you would if you were using buckets, and add a little at a time while the tank is filling. But I have no experience with that so...

Sorry took so long to respond. I think that is what I am going to do. I have it set up and did a test run into/out of a bucket! It worked. Thanks for prodding me into figuring out a way to make it work!

I am going to attach a few pictures of the setup shortly.

I've rigged up a powerhead in the storage bin to pump water (treated with Prime) back to the tank.

How big of a powerhead did you use? I tried to use a powerhead to move some water when I upgraded the tank, but it wasn't strong enough to push the water up as high as I needed.

 

Sorry took so long to respond. I think that is what I am going to do. I have it set up and did a test run into/out of a bucket! It worked. Thanks for prodding me into figuring out a way to make it work!

I am going to attach a few pictures of the setup shortly.


How big of a powerhead did you use? I tried to use a powerhead to move some water when I upgraded the tank, but it wasn't strong enough to push the water up as high as I needed.

If you are thinking about going this route then consider a transfer pump. I use a Wayne PC2 pump to take water out and put it back in. It's about the size of a soda can and pumps 5 GPM so it doesn't take long (3-4) minutes to pump out the 15 gallons needed for my 50% water change and I don't have to carry a single bucket.

If you want to peek at my setup the link is in my signature. I'm very, very happy with it. Costs are included as well.

(Edit) Hmm maybe the signature only shows up once per thread. Here you go:

 

If you want to peek at my setup the link is in my signature. I'm very, very happy with it. Costs are included as well.

Thanks. I did see this before but forgot. Too many things for my brain to absorb. I think this may be a great option when I get the tank that is not going to be too far from my rain barrel.

 

So I told my family that I wanted a Python and a rain barrel for mother's day.

As some of you know, I have been struggling figuring out where in my house I can attach a Python. I have none of the standard style faucets that have the simple aerator that is easily unscrewed. My sinks have tiny 3/8" aerators and I spoke with the president at Python and determined that there was no way to connect the python to those faucets. Way to small.

So he suggested using the shower and attaching the Python to the threaded pipe the shower head is connected to! I hadn't thought of that. He said to get a 1/2" female pipe thread to 3/4" male hose thread adapter (found on Amazon).

Tomorrow, I am going to the plumbing store to get what I need. I decided I am going to devise some sort of splitter and have a 3/4" male hose end for the python and a 1/2" threaded pipe so that I can keep the shower head on and not have to take it on and off each time I need to do a water change. He said to also get a 4'-5' hose length so as to attach the python down in the area of the tub, so there is no splashing of the bathroom with the water dropping so far.

I am excited to get the rain barrel also. I hope to be motivated and capture some of the tank water in the tub and put it in the rain barrel for my plants. In the future I hope to get a larger tank in my office, a room close enough that I can siphon the water from the tank into the rain barrel outside and use the python from the bathroom to fill it up.

I thought I would post this since others may not have thought to use the shower head to connect a python.

Happy Mother's day to all the mom's and grandmom's out there.

Your life will be so much easier!

 

Thanks. I did see this before but forgot. Too many things for my brain to absorb. I think this may be a great option when I get the tank that is not going to be too far from my rain barrel.

Not sure if distance is a problem but that pump will lift water to 35 feet. My buddy has one and he pumps water out of his basement reservoir right up the stairs, across his living room and into his tank. That's a very small pump as well. If you had a bigger tank or more distance to cover then you can up the size. I am still looking forward to seeing your rain barrel. Great idea.

 

Not sure if distance is a problem but that pump will lift water to 35 feet. My buddy has one and he pumps water out of his basement reservoir right up the stairs, across his living room and into his tank. That's a very small pump as well. If you had a bigger tank or more distance to cover then you can up the size. I am still looking forward to seeing your rain barrel. Great idea.

I have the parts to hook up the rain barrel to the gutter system. Just need to get it done.

Python Shower Head Setup

I think I linked a document on how I connected the python to the shower head with a diverter. No need to take off the shower head each time.

Nada Mucho - I will post a picture of the rain barrel, but I won't be running a hose to it until I get the new tank in the fall. My son's room is way to far away from the rain barrel. Though on days I am feeling ecofriendly, I will capture some of the water in the tub and using small buckets carry some to the rain barrel. Hate to throw away all that plant food and water.

 

I have a python too! I just don't get how to fill the tank with it, how to do you properly condition the water through the stream?

 

I have a python too! I just don't get how to fill the tank with it, how to do you properly condition the water through the stream?

Just add the Prime straight to the tank at the proper value for the entire tank size. So if you have a 50 gallon tank add a cap full (I think). If you have your source water in containers you add a smaller amount just to treat the source water. Me I just treat the tank with a full dose for the tank size. Just my method.

 

From several members and from Seachem, I have been told you can add the Prime after or during the refill for the full tank volume. I am going to measure out the amount for my 30 gallon and slowly pour it in as I fill the tank back up. I guess it works so fast it is not an issue. I also have to add alkalinity buffer and replenish since my tap has a kh and gh of 1. That makes me nervous too. The Seachem person said to add them during or after also. I guess unless you are doing a huge water change even if you add pure tap water, it will be diluted with all the tank water. It isn't like adding the fish to plain tap water. When I think of it that way I feel better, but I do understand your fear. I am going to try soon. Wish me luck.

 

From several members and from Seachem, I have been told you can add the Prime after or during the refill for the full tank volume. I am going to measure out the amount for my 30 gallon and slowly pour it in as I fill the tank back up. I guess it works so fast it is not an issue. I also have to add alkalinity buffer and replenish since my tap has a kh and gh of 1. That makes me nervous too. The Seachem person said to add them during or after also. I guess unless you are doing a huge water change even if you add pure tap water, it will be diluted with all the tank water. It isn't like adding the fish to plain tap water. When I think of it that way I feel better, but I do understand your fear. I am going to try soon. Wish me luck.

Here are the details:

Use 1 capful (5 mL) for each 200 L (50 US gallons) of new water. For smaller volumes, please note each cap thread is approximately 1 mL. May be added to aquarium directly, but better if added to new water first. If adding directly to aquarium, base dose on aquarium volume. Sulfur odor is normal. For exceptionally high chloramine concentrations, a double dose may be used safely. To detoxify nitrite in an emergency, up to 5 times normal dose may be used. If temperature is > 30 °C (86 °F) and chlorine or ammonia levels are low, use a half dose.

You can go up to 5x normal dose in emergencies so I just throw half a cap into my 30 gallon tank after I drain the water. No worries it seems.

 

How big of a powerhead did you use? I tried to use a powerhead to move some water when I upgraded the tank, but it wasn't strong enough to push the water up as high as I needed.

I used a Jebao MultI Functional MinI Submersible Pump capable of pumping 1000 l/hour. It can lift water a maximum of 2m and has an adjustable output flow.

Hope this helps! ️

 

Other option is a detachable connector. Use the one for garden hoses. The quick connect... Put a valve and adapter in shower. Then use garden hose to extend to the python using another adapter. I am all for home remedies and creations Reduce Reuse Recycle words we live by.

 

I have a python too! I just don't get how to fill the tank with it, how to do you properly condition the water through the stream?

After you are done siphoning, add full tank volume of Prime straight into the tank. I always wait a few minutes between adding Prime and turning on the water to refill.

From several members and from Seachem, I have been told you can add the Prime after or during the refill for the full tank volume. I am going to measure out the amount for my 30 gallon and slowly pour it in as I fill the tank back up. I guess it works so fast it is not an issue. I also have to add alkalinity buffer and replenish since my tap has a kh and gh of 1. That makes me nervous too. The Seachem person said to add them during or after also. I guess unless you are doing a huge water change even if you add pure tap water, it will be diluted with all the tank water. It isn't like adding the fish to plain tap water. When I think of it that way I feel better, but I do understand your fear. I am going to try soon. Wish me luck.

Ok you need to be sure your filter is off and definitely add Prime BEFORE you add your tap water. You can mess up your cycle if you add chlorinated water first. If your filter is running and you suck up chlorinated water in there, it will kill your bacteria. Just add it straight to the tank water before you turn the filler on. It will work just fine.

Why are you adding a buffer like that? You can use crushed coral and it will stay active in your tank for about a month without needing to add anymore. You don't have to worry about dosing it with every water change. I have a low kH & gH and use crushed coral in my filter and the only time I mess with it is if I notice my pH dropping. Then I know it's time to add more. Super easy. There are other options besides coral, they are all super easy to use.

 

After you are done siphoning, add full tank volume of Prime straight into the tank. I always wait a few minutes between adding Prime and turning on the water to refill.



Ok you need to be sure your filter is off and definitely add Prime BEFORE you add your tap water. You can mess up your cycle if you add chlorinated water first. If your filter is running and you suck up chlorinated water in there, it will kill your bacteria. Just add it straight to the tank water before you turn the filler on. It will work just fine.

Why are you adding a buffer like that? You can use crushed coral and it will stay active in your tank for about a month without needing to add anymore. You don't have to worry about dosing it with every water change. I have a low kH & gH and use crushed coral in my filter and the only time I mess with it is if I notice my pH dropping. Then I know it's time to add more. Super easy. There are other options besides coral, they are all super easy to use.

I was using seashells and the ph was still jumping around whenever I did a water change. It only raised the kh to 2 or 3 and my ph was plummeting. It was suggested to me to use the alkaline buffer for kh and replenish for gh. So far it has worked well using buckets.
If the tank has a gh/kh of 6 and a ph of 8 adjusted by the coral, and you add water with a kh/gh of 1 and ph of 7 or less from the tap, it will take some time for the coral to bring the kh and ph back up causing a fluctuation. Right? This is how understood it.

I know there is always more than one way to do something. I am open to exploring them all.

 

Can always preset water to right levels in a bucket. And temp also then just get a siphon to add that water back. Less shock on fish.

 

Nada Mucho I have attached a photo of the rain barrel. You can see the windows above. That is the room I hope to setup a 55 in the fall. I think when I drain it (not in winter), I will run the hose to the rain barrel and use the python to fill the tank. There is a insect screen over the hole in the top of the rain barrel. Either use a siphon bulb or a pump to move the water. I assume I will just run the hose to that from the fish tank. I will have to figure a way to hold it in place. One rain and it is over half full.

Edit - I think you like DIY so I attached the link to the small filter I made from decoration. Dragon Diy Filter Using A Decor Item - Thought You Might Like To See

 

That is so great! I totally thought you were going to show me one of these:



Really that looks amazing and fits in so well with your lovely home. Such a wonderful gift from your family.

On water movement I would be shocked if you could use a Python to left the water from that barrel up to your room. The Wayne transfer pump I use has a max flow of 340 GPH and that is if the hose is flat. Practical Head Lift on that Wayne pump is 10 ft at which you get 300 GPH. It has a Maximum Head Lift of 35 ft and at that point flow is greatly reduced.

You can definitely get a bigger pump and that's probably how I would go. You could get a submersible pump and just throw it in the rain barrel but I prefer a transfer pump so I can move water both ways with just the end of a hose in the source and destination. I did a whole lot of research before I bought this pump and in my opinion Wayne (1 year warranty), Blueline (5 year warranty parts and labor guarantee) and Supreme (5 year limited warranty) are the best. I would say from your situation that you would need a bigger (more GPH/GPM) pump than the ones I've listed but all three of the above manufacturers make pumps with a higher capacity.

Wayne PC2 - 5.67 GPM - $85.00
Blueline HD 20 - 8 GPM - $125.00
Supreme Mag 3 - 8 GPM - $70.00

Once again your barrel looks so great! Really love it and I'd be interested in what you decide to use for your water movement. Good stuff!

 

I think I will only drain into it using the fish water waste to help with my gardens. I will probably continue to fill the tank from the shower hook up.

Thanks!

That is so great! I totally thought you were going to show me one of these:

Yeah I needed something a bit more interesting. Same company though. Not 100% sure about fake wood look, but it blends in much better than the alternative. I saw another I liked that looked like a nice pot, but the overflow shot back at the house. Not a good idea to me.

 

I think I will only drain into it using the fish water waste to help with my gardens. I will probably continue to fill the tank from the shower hook up.

Thanks!

Haha well then you are gtg. Sorry about all the pump nonsense I just kept looking at that window and thinking "no way she gets that water up there with a python". Which... of course... you already knew! Maybe you can feed some veggies to your fish and get that whole circle of life thing going. Again... looks so great. I like the wood as well. It complements the other colors of your door, stairs, stones, gravel, rain pipe stone and the bear.

 

Haha well then you are gtg. Sorry about all the pump nonsense I just kept looking at that window and thinking "no way she gets that water up there with a python". Which... of course... you already knew! Maybe you can feed some veggies to your fish and get that whole circle of life thing going. Again... looks so great. I like the wood as well. It complements the other colors of your door, stairs, stones, gravel, rain pipe stone and the bear.

No trouble, you never know at some point I might need a pump and I will know where to look.

 

JRS Make sure you devise a filter to screen out the big particles. I filled an outdoor pond off the roof yesterday and there was a lot of debris. Worse in the spring I suppose with all the trees blooming.

 

JRS Make sure you devise a filter to screen out the big particles. I filled an outdoor pond off the roof yesterday and there was a lot of debris. Worse in the spring I suppose with all the trees blooming.

Thank you. I was surprised but this rain barrel came with a tight screen over the opening. I was assuming I would have to put a screen over it.

 

Thank you. I was surprised but this rain barrel came with a tight screen over the opening. I was assuming I would have to put a screen over it.

And it doesn't have to be perfect. But I got a lot of weed seeds and leaves yesterday. Gutter was probably somewhat dirty to begin with. I had not checked for a few weeks.

 

When I use my python I hook it all up. With the vac not in the tank, I turn on the faucet to drain, and use a magnetic tank thermometer to check temp, and adjust it till I get to where I want it. Then I vac, double check temp again, add prime to tank, then fill. Temp stays perfect.

For the ph buffer etc, I think I would measure it all out like you would if you were using buckets, and add a little at a time while the tank is filling. But I have no experience with that so...

I use one of them portable instant meat themometers,that way I can use the same themometer at the faucet and the tank

 

I use one of them portable instant meat themometers,that way I can use the same themometer at the faucet and the tank

I like that idea as the thermometer I use is not instant. Thanks for the idea. Does your meat thermometer have a temperature range low enough? I guess it must...silly question. So do you know what brand it is?