Python vs Meridian Auto Water Changer

[jibboo]

Can anyone give me an objective opinion on whether the Python No Spill Clean and Fill Kit is better/worse/different than the Meridian Auto Water Changer?

Meridian:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products.../Itemdy00.aspx

Python:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...6003#belowFold

[malkore]

Well, here's my two cents:

Python's are great for filling...but I think they're junky gravel vac's, and waste a ton of water in the process.

The Meridian appears to be about the same...except no gravel vac attachment. It appears to still use a siphon run by your faucet to pull water out of the tank.

For $15 I went to ACE Hardware, bought 25 feet of clear tubing, some fittings, a water bed filler (which is all the python faucet adapter is), and a few bits of PVC to make my own upside-down 'U' shaped filling adapter, similar to the meridian.

I prefer to vac my tanks into 5 gallon buckets. the suction is stronger than with a python, its easier to gauge how many gallons I removed, and it wastes significantly less water.

[ChileRelleno]

When you gonna perform the drudgery of vacuming your substrate, or do you have a sand substrate; which stills needs to be stirred and larger debris removed regularly?
Either way you'll still have to be present to keep a eye on the procedure ect... Personally I'd go with the python so I could do my vacuming at the same time.

[cmor1701d]

When I had a FW tank I much preferred the Meridian for water changes. They were slow and gradual and although I had city water, no water treatment was necessary. I just hooked it up to the sink and let it go for an hour or longer. I did regular vacuuming of the gravel but not necessarily at the same time.

[jibboo]

sry, I should have explained more ... I have well water, so while I don't want to sound like I don't care about wasting water ... i really don't.

As for substrate, I do have sand (pool sand) ... and I can hardly clean it too much anyways without disturbing all my plants (which is a pain).

I currently use a 5 gallon bucket with a standard gravel vac to empty/refill the tank. The thing is ... I just got some $$$ for christmas and figured a faster way to do water changes would be a good investment ... since I get tired of lugging buckets around and heaving them up to the tank and try to pour without dislodging all the sand/plants.

[ChileRelleno]

In that case the Meridian sounds like a winner.

[PK Tester]

jibbo, why not either make somthing like a python (will post a link) or just spend the $4 so you have the option of vacuming...

You can limit the python's water return rate if you like by turning a simple valve. I believe the meridian is kinda dumb if you can't vacummn but its your option

Below is a link to creating a python like system (50 Foot for under the price of a 25 foot)

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_python.php

**NOTE: I have never built this...but I do not see why it would not work.

The only diffrent thing I'd consider doing is

sealing where that article attached the gravel cleaner to the female hose part.

Good luck!

[ChileRelleno]

I do believe I'm gonna make my own Python....
Kiss the bucket brigade bye-bye

[PK Tester]

I found that article after I bought mine :-/

[thanew]

wow.. i must say thanks for posting that article.. i did a water change today and it took a bit with the bucket :|

now tomorrow after a trip to HD or wally-world ill have a home made python!

[PK Tester]

Welcome!

[TankGirl]

As mentioned, the Meridian is changing water only, not vac'ing, and the Python allows you to vac with your water change, so their purposes are different. I solve the water wasting issue with my Python by turning off my faucet once the syphon has started, and then it is basically a regular gravity-driven vac hose.

As you have sand and do not really need to root around in it, and because you have a well and don't have to treat the water for chlorine, then the Meridian sounds like a time saver. You will have to suction off the solid debris that will accumulate, tho.