Python

[busdriver]

Python broke right in the middle of doing a water change on my big tank.
I can't put in writing how I feel about cheap, well you know what I mean.

[bettabreeder]

Wow, that really sucks. hope it didn't do too much damage.

[mdaigle]

Which part broke?  Mine is about 8 years old and the ball valve is not quite sealing anymore.  I am debating just buying the part or replacing the whole thing.

Hopefully yours didn't flood anything when it went.

Michel

[normc]

I've replaced connectors, valve, etc with parts from the garden centre at CT several years ago, every thing works well

[busdriver]

I've replaced connectors, valve, etc with parts from the garden centre at CT several years ago, every thing works well

I think that is what I'm going to do!

[Vizerdrix]

You can also check out a waterbed store, it's the exact attachment as used for filling/emptying waterbeds.  That's what I was using before I got my Python this weekend, except I could only empty as my garden hose has some sort of mildew retardant in it and I didn't want to poison the fish.

[sylvain]

don't really want to spoil the fun, but why aren't any of you guys doing gravity water change, instead of wasting water from the faucet??

it's simple, easy, no need to stress watching the python, to make sure nothing breaks, and on top of that you will be saving water!

[Vizerdrix]

don't really want to spoil the fun, but why aren't any of you guys doing gravity water change, instead of wasting water from the faucet??

Because my pond sits on the floor?  And I don't feel like hauling buckets of water to all the tanks in the other room?

[sylvain]

Because my pond sits on the floor?  And I don't feel like hauling buckets of water to all the tanks in the other room?

in that case, if your pond sits on the floor, a powerhead could do the trick!

I wasn't trying to pick on any of you guys, i was just wondering why the use of a python when there are so many other ways to do this.

cheers

[darkdep]

You're right, there are many ways to do it.

None are perfect tho.

- Python method wastes water.
- Powerhead method means you can't vacuum, and it uses electricity.
- Gravity feed sometimes isn't feasible due to vertical heights, and it has poor suction compared to other methods (only really matters if vacuuming)

[Vizerdrix]

To tell the truth, I only use it with my pond.  The other tanks go by gravity siphon, which isn't bad at all for the 5g and 10g, but gets a bit heavy for the 65g (I drain into a big rubbermaid container, and hubby or son have to help me bring it into the kitchen for dumping).  I do recycle some of the used water though, as I use it to water my plants.

[BigDaddy]

What part broke Terry.  I made the mistake of turning off the ball valve and not going to shut off the water immediately.  The pressure blew the valve apart.  But that was my fault.  Otherwise, I've never had an issue with my python.

One thing I will say, the quick disconnect for your sink is worth its weight in gold.  It stops you from having to screw and unscrew the plastic T every time you use it (which eventually strips away the plastic thread).  Before I started using the quick disconnect, I would have bad threads within 6 to 9 months.  I've never had to change a part since I put the quick disconnect on.

[xiaan]

One thing I will say, the quick disconnect for your sink is worth its weight in gold.  It stops you from having to screw and unscrew the plastic T every time you use it (which eventually strips away the plastic thread).  Before I started using the quick disconnect, I would have bad threads within 6 to 9 months.  I've never had to change a part since I put the quick disconnect on.

Cool I never thought of that my kitchen sink already has the quick connect adapter for a dish washer on it I guess I can get a part that will attach to the python that could connect to that.

[sdivell]

Cool I never thought of that my kitchen sink already has the quick connect adapter for a dish washer on it I guess I can get a part that will attach to the python that could connect to that.

Yup... .I believe its Masterplumber part 407 at home depot.  its about $9 and worth every penny

[busdriver]

The part that broke was the tightener going to the hose near the tap.
And the only reason I noticed it was that there were bubbles going into the tank and I couldn't find where the air was coming from until I checked everything and noticed how slow the water was running.
Hope that makes sense.

[BigDaddy]

The part that broke was the tightener going to the hose near the tap.
And the only reason I noticed it was that there were bubbles going into the tank and I couldn't find where the air was coming from until I checked everything and noticed how slow the water was running.
Hope that makes sense.

Yup, and using a quick disconnect will stop that from happening ever again.  Of course, you are going to have to get a new piece... but that one should last forever if you start using the quick disconnect from now on.

[mdaigle]

don't really want to spoil the fun, but why aren't any of you guys doing gravity water change, instead of wasting water from the faucet??

it's simple, easy, no need to stress watching the python, to make sure nothing breaks, and on top of that you will be saving water!

On most of my tanks, I only use the water flow to start the siphon, then gravity takes over and I shut off the tap.  I have a few tanks where they are lower than the sink, so I waste water in these cases ... need to find a better solution for these.

Michel

[cora]

I am really considering trying the Python again. The problems I always had were getting the proper attachment for the sink. I could get it to screw on but onces the pressure got up it would come flying off. so after getting soaking wet a few times I gave up on it.
Mostly for me its not the gravel vac its the refilling of the tank hate waiting for the bucket to fill up.
I guess for something like this its gonna work really well for some people and just suck for others.

I hope you can cheaply get a part to fix yours 

[Vizerdrix]

Yup... .I believe its Masterplumber part 407 at home depot.  its about $9 and worth every penny

Oh, that figures!  I went and got one of these tonight, and it DOESN'T FIT!!!  My quick connect for the dishwasher is TOO BIG!!!

Now I gotta go back and get part 406.

[FishBuddy]

Cool I never thought of that my kitchen sink already has the quick connect adapter for a dish washer on it I guess I can get a part that will attach to the python that could connect to that.

Sorry to interupt....  If I remembered correctly, that quick connect adapter is for hot water..  There isn't one for cold water...  At least in my house...  Better double check just to be sure...