Siphon/cleaning Question

I have a 37 gallon tank which I clean once a week. I use a hand siphon and pump it out into a bucket then dump it. Then I use a different bucket, add a bit of API tap water conditioner to the bucket and pour it in. Over and over again.

I'm looking at this product right now that hooks up to the faucet. I'm wondering if anything uses anything like it and if so, what do I do about the water conditioner?

 

I wouldn't be able to survive without my python!! Lol

It's worth every penny!!!!!!!

 

You would add water to the tank and then add the conditioner after it is full. Add the amount of conditioner to condition approximately how much you removed. Fish and other living things in the tank can withstand it until treated.

 

No!! Do not add the conditioner after the tank has already been refilled. Add the conditioner while it's refilling!! And also you need to treat the entire volume of the tank. Not just the water you've added!!!

 

No!! Do not add the conditioner after the tank has already been refilled. Add the conditioner while it's refilling!! And also you need to treat the entire volume of the tank. Not just the water you've added!!!

Hmm never heard of doing it this way, never had any issues doing it as mentioned? How do you know what to properly dose when adding the conditioner while the tank is filling?

 

Hmm never heard of doing it this way, never had any issues doing it as mentioned? How do you know what to properly dose when adding the conditioner while the tank is filling?

I dose for the size of the tank. So if it's a 55, I dose for 55....

 

I dose for the size of the tank. So if it's a 55, I dose for 55....

Oh so as soon as your change the direction of flow on your python and start pumping water into your tank you do one dose for the entire tank size?

 

Pythons are a back saver! I always add my water conditioner as I'm doing the fill up, not afterwards.

 

I am not an expert at all. But experienced posters have said that if they are adding the water conditioner to the tank, they add the dose for the entire volume of the tank first, then add the untreated water. Water conditioners work really fast, so the chlorine/chloramine in the added water will be bound and inaccessible right away.

Thus, it is better to add water in the smaller container before adding to the tank, but some choose to treat the tank (dose amount for entire tank) then add untreated water to the tank, since the water conditioner works so quickly.

 

I'm looking at this product right nowthat hooks up to the faucet. I'm wondering if anything uses anything like it and if so, what do I do about the water conditioner?

PYTHON VERSUS POWERHEAD

Faucet>tank -- As I understand it, the python moves water out of the aquarium and new water into the aquarium using the pressure from the faucet. This works for adding untreated water using the python. (I don't know but I think this is what python users are doing). It is possible to go this route if conditioner based on total gallons is added to the aquarium before adding the untreated water. The water conditioners work very quickly, so there is a minimum of exposure to the BB.

Faucet>bucket>aquarium -- If you use a preliminary bucket in order to pre-treat water with conditioner, I don't think the python would help you with getting the treated water into the aquarium. You might as well just use a hose instead of the python to get the water to the bucket. I'm not sure about how the python is used to remove water before the change. I'm just beginning research on this option.

The question for me is whether to go with a python setup or a pump (powerhead) setup.

I think the benefit in favor of the powerhead is it moves water out of the aquarium, then new water up and into the aquarium using an intermediate bucket that can be treated. I believe that the downside is that water must still be moved via hose or bucket to the aquarium area before it is treated and then pumped up into the tank.

 

You could actually use both...I use my python to take water out of all my tanks (brackish, salt and fresh), I only use it to fill up my freshwater and paritally for my brackish tank. I've got the other part to the python hose (I got an extension) hooked up to a power head in a bucket that I use to fill my saltwater and partially my brackish tank. Hopefully I didn't confuse you....but you could also use a pump to take the water out of the aquarium and also to put it back in.

 

Ya, I think I see what you are saying. Do you have any recommendations as to the powerhead? I just have the one tank, 29 gal tall.

 

I got a cheap one from amazon that is rated for like 180 gph, it takes awhile, but it does the job. You are going to want one that has detachable parts that a hose is going to fit onto, and maybe more gph if you want things done a little faster

 

I just moved and the first thing I did was have a heart attack because my python can't hook up to the kitchen tap. It's one of those pull out ones. Thankfully it fits to the bathroom tap. I have a 60 gallonand I would have ripped out the shiny faucet to put a new one on if it didn't fit. It is a MUST for any tank I'd say over 30 gallons. Unless your a body builder, then it's just a coupe arm curls with a 5 gallon pail.

 

I got a cheap one from amazon that is rated for like 180 gph, it takes awhile, but it does the job. You are going to want one that has detachable parts that a hose is going to fit onto, and maybe more gph if you want things done a little faster

Okay, this is going to take being a water jockey to a whole new level, LOL.

I just moved and the first thing I did was have a heart attack because my python can't hook up to the kitchen tap. It's one of those pull out ones. Thankfully it fits to the bathroom tap. I have a 60 gallonand I would have ripped out the shiny faucet to put a new one on if it didn't fit. It is a MUST for any tank I'd say over 30 gallons. Unless your a body builder, then it's just a coupe arm curls with a 5 gallon pail.

HI Do you use the Python to drain water from your tanks? Do you have an intermediate bucket for treating replacement water, or do you treat the tank and then add the new water directly with the Python?

 

Having already had one back surgery (and being told by three Drs that I need another), I cannot wait to get off of the bucket brigade and get a Python!!!
It's my next "equipment" purchase, for sure!!

 

Just be careful! I got my python and it made things so easy I ended up with 15 tanks LOL its a dangerous tool!!!

 

Just be careful! I got my python and it made things so easy I ended up with 15 tanks LOL its a dangerous tool!!!

I have a very effective method against MTS, it's a daily dose of "my husband will poop bricks"

 

47 bucks for a python? Where is my bucket at LOL.

 

I was spoilt. My bathtub that I emptied my tank into was down stairs. Hook the python to the tap, fill it with water(to start the vacume), pinch the line off, run downstairs to stuff it in the tub drain and then run back upstairs. It had one HECK of a suction going on. Then when I filled the tank, just run the end back up stairs to the tap. It took a little to figure out the details (in the sence of draining a 50' hose when I was done without getting water EVERYWHERE ) but is SO worth it. 30 gallon I still used buckets but that was only 2-3 trips with a 5 gallon pail (and while I don't work out I do fairly physical work as a job). Once I got my 45 there was no blessed way I was using buckets.

I treat as I'm filling the tank.

 

Wow... your python is boss python, lol.

 

I think it's a 50' hose. Not positive but wow I'm glad it's that long.

 

I think it's a 50' hose. Not positive but wow I'm glad it's that long.

47 bucks for a python? Where is my bucket at LOL.

The link in the first post is for a 25 foot hose on ebay. It is cheaper on amazon. Just $39.99 rather than $47.64 on ebay.

A 50 foot hose, however, is pretty spendy at $59.99!!!

 

Can't the python connect to a regular garden hose? Was just thinking it would be cheapest to get the smaller one and buy a longer garden hose to extend it.

 

My python that I have (not sure of the brand, I bought it second hand) you can. It's the right adapter. That's why I joke with mom that I bought a 50$ piece of plastic. (The sink tap adapter) A garden hose of the same length is about 20-30$ so that's my 80$ right there. (Yes mine was expensive I just knew I needed one and the new 50' ones were closer to 100$. (Canadian dollar)

 

I am using one of those expandable/crinkle hoses. I have a faucet right outside my front door. I add Prime for the total of 29 gallons, then add water with hose. I researched, and believe crinkle hoses are non-toxic. They are A LOT easier to roll up when done, and to store, and less likely to wiggle here and there and crash stuff, though they may be more likely to cause tripping.

The disadvantage is I believe it is quite expensive, especially to get a longer one. For some reason, hoses are expensive, crinkle or not.

Another disadvantage is that because you stretch the hose to uncrinkle it, it stays taut, and unless you have a truly trustworthy clamp, you must hold the water end carefully or it will slingshot through your hose/apartment with impressive effect!

Kind of like when I drop the siphon hose between buckets. Weee, instant carpet swamp.

 

I am using one of those expandable/crinkle hoses. I add Prime for 29 gallons, then add water with hose. I have a faucet right outside my front door. I researched, and believe crinkle hoses are non-toxic. They are easy to store, and less likely to wiggle here and there and crash stuff, though they may be more likely to cause tripping.

The disadvantage is I believe it is quite expensive, especially to get a longer one. For some reason, hoses are expensive, crinkle or not.

Another disadvantage is that because you stretch the hose to uncrinkle it, it stays taut, and unless you have a truly trustworthy clamp you have to hold the water end carefully or it will slingshot through your hose/apartment with impressive effect!

Kind of like when I drop the siphon hose between buckets. Weee, instant carpet swamp.

OH NO! Slingshot hose! Ha!

I think, and don't quote me on it, you can buy the garden hose ends just as is. Then buy the hose itself by the foot. I have no idea if it would be cheaper or not though.

 

Wow, with the price of hoses, that possibility is a good thing to know about.

 

Wow, with the price of hoses, that possibility is a good thing to know about.

Something like this I think would work. Mine would need the female end, I don't know what you'd need.

 

Garden hose skills!

 

Garden hose skills!

It should work. (I'm sitting here staring at my python because I still haven't put it away.) the only issue that I can think of with buying hose in bulk length is if there's twists in it. Because it gets coiled like that for a long time and the walls are thinner then garden hoses. I think. Haven't had to buy 1" diameter hose before. (Or what ever it is)