Super Python Help

[Greenaveli]

I have stopped using the python to drain the water out of my tank. The water consumption didnt make sense at 125 gal so it sure doesnt make sense at 270gal. Now I use a 1 1/4 tubing to drain the water then I use the python to refill. Only prob i I cant vaccum the gravel because the pressure sucks out the gravel. Now the question...Is there a way to modify this so that I can use the 1 1/4 tubing to vaccum the gravel?? Im a welder and in no way a plumber but I can follow instructions. Someone has the answer...Please help.

 

[RS2000]

If i understand you right u have 1 1/4" tube all the way now as a drainage line and it sucks with that much pressure that it takes the gravel with it?

if thats the case what you wanna do it make an attachment to make a say 1' section much larger dia, so that the siphon pressure of the 1 1/4 tube is spread over a larger area


eg/ would be if you could u get say 1' of 2" or 2.5" pvc pipe and get a fitting that reduces that to a 1 1/4" barbs fitting and attach that to your tube.

 

[WolfFisho1]

the way above is how other gravel vacs work! they have about half inch tubing with the vac about 2in! so the force is more spread out!

 

[WyldFya]

If you don't have a planted tank, the easiest thing is to just set up the siphon tube to take water, I use a PVC unit that stays in place, and has a mesh to avoid sucking up fish. Then just stir up the gravel really good as you siphon, and it will pull most of the crap out. The other method is to get a gravel washer, such as the Eheim gravel washer, which is a great system to use.

 

[armac]

Use your python to clean the gravel, then switch to your big hose to remove the water. Easy enough?

 

[freeskierrocket]

Use your python to clean the gravel, then switch to your big hose to remove the water. Easy enough?

that works ......also you could get a sump pump and hook that to your python (place sump pump in tank) and drain outside / toilet /drain / etc.....and then fill as normal w /python

for the gravel vac problem....siphon into a large rubbermaid then use sump pump hooked to python as stated^^^^^^

 

[danny]

Use your python to clean the gravel, then switch to your big hose to remove the water. Easy enough?

thats what i do

 

[Potts050]

I have stopped using the python to drain the water out of my tank. The water consumption didnt make sense at 125 gal so it sure doesnt make sense at 270gal. Now I use a 1 1/4 tubing to drain the water then I use the python to refill. Only prob i I cant vaccum the gravel because the pressure sucks out the gravel. Now the question...Is there a way to modify this so that I can use the 1 1/4 tubing to vaccum the gravel?? Im a welder and in no way a plumber but I can follow instructions. Someone has the answer...Please help.

Have you considered installing an 1 1/4" valve in your drainage hose? You could choke of the flow as required for gravel cleaning (more for sand, less for peastone) and then wide open for water changes.
Get a valve that has threaded female adaptors on both sides and fit them with 1 1/4" hose barbs. That way you can place the valve anywhere you like on your 'super-python'.