How does a python cleaner work?

[Lonewolfblue]

Originally Posted by bosk1

Listen to Lunewolfblue in all things! And as far as adjusting the temp before adding the water back in, if you have a removeable thermometer, it is very easy to do. Just note your tank temp., then pop your thermometer out, hold it under your tap, and adjust the temperature of the tap water to get it as close as possible to the tank temp. Once you've got it, reverse your water flow, pour in your water conditioner, and fill 'er up!

hehehe, I like that, lol.......

My hand is my thermometer.

[Lonewolfblue]

If I'm doing maintenance on both tanks, I use my python. But if I'm only doing one on my 26G, I still just do the 5G bucket. Quicker than unravelling a 75' python, doing the [acronym:13853b1991="Partial water change"]pwc[/acronym:13853b1991], draining the python, and rolling the 75' python back up. Glad I didn't get the 50' one, as where my 55G is, I only have about 3 extra feet of python left.

[Codefox]

Man I got the 25' one and have plenty of slack. You using the neighbor's sink or something?

[Lonewolfblue]

Going from the kitchen sink to the master bedroom, lol. Master bathroom faucet end isn't removable, and it won't fit.

[workfortheman]

agreed that [acronym:9c09935f2c="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:9c09935f2c] python is very doable. I found a "waterbed fill/drain kit" at my hardware store, as well as a 50' garden hose and all the necessary fittings and such for <$30!!!!! Before you buy anything, take a look at your sink threads and assess what you can/will be connecting to.

EDIT: to see some pictures visit
http://www.ernestjohn.com/gallery/v/...ums/?g2_page=5
(2nd and 3rd pictures)

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by CGGorman

While there, get a CHEAP 1/2" or 5/8" garden hose (50 footers are common for less than $10).

I thought there was danger of garden hoses being coated with chemicals to repell algae and fungus, and shouldn't be used with an aquarium?

[Big C]

You are correct, dskid. The [acronym:e2b504e4d1="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e2b504e4d1] method is good, but you have to be very careful with the hoses, garden hoses may kill all your fish.

I got my almost new Phyton in a deal with an almost new Eheim filter and cost me almost nothing. It didn't reach the tap so I had to spend the money in some extra hosing, but decided no to take chances and by Phyton extension. JIC!

Great system!

[dskidmore]

I've ralized how deep my need for a python is since my wrists went bad and couldn't carry more than a gallon at a time. (75 gallon aquarium, constantly maintained 10 [acronym:36757a36b7="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:36757a36b7] [acronym:36757a36b7="quarantine or quart depending on context"]QT[/acronym:36757a36b7], thinking of adding another 10 [acronym:36757a36b7="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:36757a36b7] to system.)

I've been trying to decide if I should just order one or [acronym:36757a36b7="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:36757a36b7]. Started looking into it last week. The biggest thing I'm not sure of is my old kitchen faucet. That snap connect idea appeals to me, if I can get the origional areator off. I might be better off drilling into the basement to connect to the laundry hookup, but then I can't control water temp. (When [acronym:36757a36b7="quarantine or quart depending on context"]QT[/acronym:36757a36b7] is empty, I can use that to store/preheat cold water, and drip line it down into the display tank, but when [acronym:36757a36b7="quarantine or quart depending on context"]QT[/acronym:36757a36b7] is occupied, temperature is a bigger issue.)

Anyone have an online supplier of the appropriate plumbing parts? I think this is the wrong season to find pool draining equiptment in the north. If you havn't done it already, it's a bit late.

[dskidmore]

Another Python question.

A regular siphon doesn't take long to develop disgusting cultures inside of it. I must imagine that a 50' hose is even harder to drain properly. Does anyone worry about this? Any sterilization schedule recomended?

[Bhunsucker]

Also are there any issues with the suction power on the 50' hose. I would like to get a python but I would have to have the 50' hose and I'm concerned that there would not be enough suction power to clean my gravel. Can anyone with a 50' python comment on this please?

Thanks