Equipment Review and Discussion :: Python

[sublime1008]

ANYONE own the python? Im thnking of buying the 25 foot one with a 20 foot extension (its cheaper than buying a 50)...any thoughts? leaks? failure in pumping? THANKS

[sonyj]

I just bought one and love it, except for the plastic aerator fixture that attaches to your sink. It is very easy to strip the threads. If it were metal it would be better, and actually we have a metal one now purchased from Lowe's because of ruining it trying to get it off the sink after use.

BTW, where do you find the 20 foot extension? I've only got the 25ft but could use the extra length.

[sublime1008]

you could find the extension pretty much anywhere that sells pythons,,,but I choose big al's online. They have all sizes and all extensions.


Should I not buy a python because of the plastic breaking crud?

thanks

[sonyj]

The replacement piece was only $3. So if I had to do it all over, I'd buy the python again. It really beats throwing my back out hauling buckets of water every cleaning.

I bought my python at Walmart and that's all they had was the 25ft ones, no extensions, no 50 ft ones. I'll keep my eyes open though for the extension. Thanks.

[Spookster]

The python works pretty good for cleaning and water changes. As was said though the threads on the plastic part that attaches to the sink faucet gets stripped easily. You can get replacement ones at Lowes or any other hardware store. It's a standard connector. I also had to replace the main piece by the sink where you change it from drain to fill. It cracked. The shutoff valve in the middle of the hose also cracked but I just took that section out and hooked the hoses together without it.

[IshMaster]

Yeah, mine is rather old and the threads haven't stripped. They are really handed to have, it makes life so much easier. I used to have to empty the aqaurium a hermit cage at a time once we upgraded to a 75 gallon I dreaded that, till I heard and bought the Python. It is well worth the money.

[Sally]

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread but I have a couple of questions about the Python No Spill.

I found some instructions on the net and it sounds like you run the tap to siphon the water from the tank. So I guess the running tap water creates some sort of vacuum to draw out the tank water- is this how it works? Another set of instructions I found made it sound like you first run the tap water to fill the tubing and then remove the end from the faucet to let the tank water flow out in the opposite direction but maybe this was an older version of the Python.

Last question: Does having too much tubing cause problems using the Python? The local store has the 50' Python for not much more than the 25'. I don't need 50' of tubing at the moment (if I ever move the tank I will). I realize that I could always get an extension down the road but since it's currently on sale, I was thinking of just getting the 50' now for some added flexibility. But if there's some problem like it'll be unmanageable to use, I'll just get the 25'.

[Spookster]

Yes it uses the running water from the faucet to create a vaccum to suck the water through the python. If you disconnect the python from the faucet it will actually very slowly drain the tank. The water pressure in the tank will force the water through the hose and into the sink.

[Sally]

Ok thanks. I'm looking forward to getting the Python because I'm tired of lugging around 5 gallons of water. Any advice on whether 50' will work as well as 25' if all I really need is 25'? I can see 50' coming in handy in the future but my immediate need only calls for about 20'.

[Spookster]

I would think a longer hose wouldn't have as much suction power off the same faucet as would a shorter hose. I would stick with the shortest length needed. You can always get extensions. Or you could just get the 50 foot now and cut it in half.

Also I would recommend getting the brass faucet adapter. It will save you a ton of headaches in the long run. The python comes with a white plastic one but the threads get stripped easily.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ct ... assadaptor

[fishandcandy]

Are you planning on moving your tank to somewhere that you'd need the 50? If you aren't, get the 25. It'll be easier to get out and put away and have more suction power.
I love mine. I haven't stripped the adapter. Just keep in mind that it's plastic and be careful with it.