Your local Ace Hardware will have the adapter to fit your sink. I think mine was around $4. Home Depot nor Lowe’s had the one I needed. My faucet is newer. I believe the adapter that comes with the Python is for older faucets.
How big to go for Python water changer
- Thread starter PKPuffer
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Your local Ace Hardware will have the adapter to fit your sink. I think mine was around $4. Home Depot nor Lowe’s had the one I needed. My faucet is newer. I believe the adapter that comes with the Python is for older faucets.
Why not just go with a garden hose? That is what I do. It is cheap and you can cut some off of the end that is in the tank if it is way too long.
As far as suction, I don't think hose length is a factor. I think height distance from tank to drain is the factor, If the difference in height from the hose in the tank to the drain is one foot, it will drain slower than if the drain is three feet below the tank for example.
As far as suction, I don't think hose length is a factor. I think height distance from tank to drain is the factor, If the difference in height from the hose in the tank to the drain is one foot, it will drain slower than if the drain is three feet below the tank for example.
I agree, height to drain has more to do with it than length. That’s why I run mine to floor level and out the door. Then add the longer tube into the equation and it slows even more. Another reason to run it at floor level or lower if possible.
Actually the hose we bought at the big box store was the exact same hose python uses. Same wall thickness, material, etc. Couldn't tell the difference between the original hose and the extension we made. And much cheaper cost.Get the longer hose and cut to exact size you need. Then use the extra for any other hose needs. The python hose is much better quality than any vinyl crap you get at the big box store. I have used it for many other aquarium needs.
I'm also in agreement with the height to drain comments. Even though the bottom of my 31" tall tank sits 42" off the ground, I found that if I left the hose connected to the sink, it drained very slowly. Now I use the faucet to start the syphon, but as soon as it gets full flow, I kink the hose, disconnect it from the faucet, then unkink it and let it flow directly into the toilet. It drains twice as fast with the added bonus of all the gunk going into the commode instead of the sink.
I also use a garden hose with some stainless steel tie wrapped to the suction side to create a handle
Not a bad idea, I liked the fact that the python does the starting of the suction for you. Just looking for a easy water change system.
Theres no wrong way to do it as long as the water stays off the floor
Garden hose drains a hell of allot faster than the python
Like many others have already said, If its only for draining, just any simple hose with a suction is good enough, and any size python is also good to go.
But Python is very useful with the periodic rinsing and cleaning bottom sand / Gravel as well. I have a 24" height tank and my Python Gravel tube is also 24" which helps me ensure that the bottom white sand doesnt get sucked in and gets a thorough rinsing when needed. I can do some good amount of moving around of sand too with this gravel tube as well. Shorter Gravel Tubes may not have enough length to do this and gravel/sand may get sucked in quickly, additionally you will need to put your hands inside water maybe.
I would suggest in simple terms, decide on the length of the Gravel Tube as height of your aquarium, and hose length as the nearest drain outlet. If you dont have sand/gravel, then go with anything.
But Python is very useful with the periodic rinsing and cleaning bottom sand / Gravel as well. I have a 24" height tank and my Python Gravel tube is also 24" which helps me ensure that the bottom white sand doesnt get sucked in and gets a thorough rinsing when needed. I can do some good amount of moving around of sand too with this gravel tube as well. Shorter Gravel Tubes may not have enough length to do this and gravel/sand may get sucked in quickly, additionally you will need to put your hands inside water maybe.
I would suggest in simple terms, decide on the length of the Gravel Tube as height of your aquarium, and hose length as the nearest drain outlet. If you dont have sand/gravel, then go with anything.
