New 90 Gallon - Python or No Python Siphon?

[balton777]

i just don't like the concept of buying a hose and sucking on it and letting it drain out.

cup your hand and put it between your mouth and the hose,now suck.
poof,no mouth on hose.

Even that isn't necessary. Put the gravel siphon portion underwater open-end facing the ceiling. It will fill up with water. Now take it out of the water still facing up and let the extra hose go down so the water starts to flow. As the water is flowing, dunk the siphon back underwater and it will fill up...now still underwater turn it around and the water will continue to flow because of the suction in the hose. If you want more flow, quickly ram the siphon portion up and down in the water. It's harder to explain than I thought it was going to be. <----- lol


*edit* I want to add that I modified my python by trading out the small siphon tube for a much larger one and it's way more effective at cleaning the tanks.

 

[ercnan]

I just use a siphon "intake" tube like a canister with a valve behind the tank.
attach enough hose to get to the drain, roll the hose out to the drain, open the valve and that's it.
Shut the valve off when drained, attach the drain end to a pump in the sink, start the pump, open the valve and fill.
No carrying buckets, sucking on hoses, attaching things to faucets, etc.
When finished filling, close the valve, unhook the pump, drain out the excess and roll it up under the tank.

 

[Garaman]

I drain my tanks with my python hooked to the garden hose, just keep an eye on what your doing, I've lost a few fish to their curiosity and my not paying attention. Then I fill them back up from the sink so I can regulate the temp, and yes they have several different adapters so you can hook your python to different type of connectors.

Also, my python hose is black too, I use to feel bad like I didnt take care of it right, now I know I'm not alone. I did have the idea of cutting the hose into 6 to 8 ft lenghts and just buying a few more connectors to make the lenght I need, that way I could break it down when I'm done with it and hang the individual lengths along the garage wall to dry completly.

 

[sproett]

If I didn't have a python I would dread doing water changes. To me it's the only way. I remember lugging buckets when I first started keeping tanks...don't miss those days!

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I don't use the python on smaller tanks, but in anything over 100 gallons I couldn't bring myself to not use the python.

 

[jackel]

python rocks got a 75 and a 120, and take care of my neph. 55. wouldn't even think of goin back to no python. you can hook it up out side, or an inside sink to blend hot and cold water in the winter to do your water change. also unlike a garden hose you can vacuum you gravel with out suckn it out of your tank. do your self a favor, get one.