I need help for this Idea for Water Changing.

[hulk181]

I have a python but I don't use it to drain water. You have to turn on water at the python adapter connection to get a good siphon and if you dont like wasting water then that's a bad idea because you waste a lot of water draining with a python.

Instead I bought an extra large gravel vac and siphon the water into a big trash can I put nearby. Then I put a regular pump (I use a Rio 26 hf because they're cheap and powerful), connect it to a 50ft garden hose, and run the water in the trash can all the way to my trees and grass. You waste no water that way and the siphon is faster than with a python. I like this method because you can vacuum the sand to get all the dirt and it drains fast.

I use the python to refill my tanks. So I bought a faucet adapter and connected it to the female end of the python and my bathroom faucet. Then I turn on both hot and cold water to it to try to match the old water's temp. If you want to use the python to drain all the water to your garden, its either going to be really slow or you waste a lot of water.

 

[Sacklunch]

I use my old water in my compost especially in my bunny poop compost. Produces huge vegetables an house plants every year.

 

[jrthor_85]

you could run the python out the window and hook it up to a garden hose. If you don't have them, you can find thread adapters at hardware stores. I do that in the summer with local cool water temps being perfect for tank, winter I adapt it to my shower hose in the bath tub (I have no deep sink to use)

 

[GeriJo]

If you get a pond pump and hook it up to your python you can drain two tanks at once or drain one tank twice as fast. Putting aquarium water into the outside environment (ie. Out a window) rather than down a drain is illegal in most states. I'm not sure where you are located, but here it is a $10,000 fine. I actually know some one who was busted for doing it. You may think oh, they will never drive by my house and see it, but all it takes is one neighbor concerned with what you are "dumping" to call authorities on you. Just sayin....

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[Jesseliu13]

I just use my python, syphon the water out my window when I do waterchanges over 20%. You don't HAVE to have it hooked up to the faucet, running down the drain. just let gravity do what it does...

unfortunately my tank is sort of on the same level as my window as it is on the middle floor... So i am not so sure how powerful the siphon will run. I will try this when the weather is warmer (there is snow in my backyard right now)

 

[Jesseliu13]

Or you could use the python to vacuum as normal and then pump the rest out the window. And fish poop has been used as fertilizer for literally hundreds of years. What's worse, fish poop or the chemical cocktail used to make miracle grow?


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well my python is connected to a sink.. but im guessing you mean siphon the water into a container(a large one) and then pump the water out with sump pump and to my grass.

 

[Jesseliu13]

I have a python but I don't use it to drain water. You have to turn on water at the python adapter connection to get a good siphon and if you dont like wasting water then that's a bad idea because you waste a lot of water draining with a python.

Instead I bought an extra large gravel vac and siphon the water into a big trash can I put nearby. Then I put a regular pump (I use a Rio 26 hf because they're cheap and powerful), connect it to a 50ft garden hose, and run the water in the trash can all the way to my trees and grass. You waste no water that way and the siphon is faster than with a python. I like this method because you can vacuum the sand to get all the dirt and it drains fast.

I use the python to refill my tanks. So I bought a faucet adapter and connected it to the female end of the python and my bathroom faucet. Then I turn on both hot and cold water to it to try to match the old water's temp. If you want to use the python to drain all the water to your garden, its either going to be really slow or you waste a lot of water.

I actually kind of like this alternative. I just need to get a cheap ramp and just pull it down to my back yard... or front yard. same thing. And yes... the python adapter wastes ALOT of water... but i wouldnt really just sump out all the water... i'd just knock over the garbage can over my grass lol... im mad lazy. I doubt it would drown my grass as my yard goes down a slope anyways... so it would run its course. I like this idea! +1 for you!

 

[Jesseliu13]

I use my old water in my compost especially in my bunny poop compost. Produces huge vegetables an house plants every year.

well maybe im overreacting about the whole not eating my fishes poop vegetable things cause its technically natural.. But i dount really grow my own vegetables anyways. Though I do have chestnut trees that i pick every fall. I think i'll do this for the trees as well as they are on my lawn anways.

 

[ecoli73]

If you have a fx5 or eheim 2262, the back flush port can do that with ease...and it can also be used to do gravel vac too


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[Jesseliu13]

you could run the python out the window and hook it up to a garden hose. If you don't have them, you can find thread adapters at hardware stores. I do that in the summer with local cool water temps being perfect for tank, winter I adapt it to my shower hose in the bath tub (I have no deep sink to use)

Well the python for some reason has the weakest suction i have seen. It barely gets the pleco poop out of my tank. i have to use the sink. and like fight the pleco poop by turning the syphon upside down when the poop is in target...