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Thread: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

  1. #16

    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    Quote Originally Posted by jeff@zina.com View Post
    For those using a Python (or similar), what are you doing to treat for Chlorine/Chloramines (or other treatments)? I use home-made vinyl siphons (a piece of threaded plastic tubing and a hose barb make for a rigid tip that is interchangeable depending on tank depth), but I'm seriously looking at aging barrels and a pump to refill tanks so I can treat the water first.

    Thanks,

    Jeff

    For what it's worth, I had a different thread regarding my aging barrel that I've upgraded since. Post #17 was my previoius set up and you can use a Python or garden hose to connect. I just got tired of moving the Python from the kitchen sink to drain and running down to the basement laundry room to connect the Python to the barrel, so I just bought a garden hose and left it attached to the barrel. It's a matter of preference.

    http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=73830

    HTH,

  2. #17
    Registered Member Ibanez540r's Avatar
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    I have a similar faucet (Moen) that pulls out, and if you look at the center of it where it looks like a normal faucet, it un screws and you can screw in an adapter that Python makes for sinks. Basically, it is the same as every other sink once you twist out the nipple. Maybe yours won't, dunno, but might want to check...

  3. #18
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    I too have one of these faucets and for a LONG time I was using buckets...then I discovered recently that like Ibanez says, the "shower head" like attachment could simply be unscrewed!! Duh!!! I went to Home Depot, bought a 3/4" brass connector, attached 20 feet of 3/4" hose to it, screwed it into the faucet, and bam! now I can refill my 55g tank in about 5 minutes (make sure you add enough Prime/Aquasafe/whatever water conditioner to the tank BEFORE you add the correct temperature water). Being an inexperienced moron regarding plumbing matters, I did find out the hard way that you REALLY need one of those metal hose clamps (the kind with the screw to tighten it), as the high pressure inevitably causes even the tightest fitting hose to pop right off the connector after a short while, leading to 1) water spraying out the faucet end onto the floor, and 2) water back-siphoning from the tank through the detached hose onto your floor at the same time! To empty the tank, I've always just gravity siphoned the water out through the nearby back door, the poop-enriched water making my hydrangeas triple in size to boot even in a Georgia drought.
    The above solution is what I use; other people will have different, and possibly much better setups than this, but this is what works for me, and I usually can't afford Pythons and all the attachments/replacement parts etc- it gets quite pricey. My setup cost around $20 total. Use what is best for your own needs.

    My 2 cents,

    Colin

  4. #19
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    I suck the poo off of the bottom of my tank into a 5 gal bucket, pour that into the toilet, then plop a pond pump into my tank and pump water straight into the sink.

    To refill, I have another powerhead sitting in my water reservoir that pumps straight into the tank.

    Quick and easy, and with minimal lifting...
    - Kevin

    The crickets and the rust-beetles scuttled among the nettles of the sage thicket.

  5. #20
    Registered Member Sharkbait's Avatar
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    These are all great tips guys. It's good to see what other people use and how you've gotten around the whole Python-esque 'monopoly.'

    I still have no idea really of what parts I need to construct the hose - connectors, pumps, etc.

    Perhaps a simple trip down to home depot will solve everything.

  6. #21

    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    [QUOTE=Sharkbait;575598]These are all great tips guys. It's good to see what other people use and how you've gotten around the whole Python-esque 'monopoly.'

    I still have no idea really of what parts I need to construct the hose - connectors, pumps, etc.

    It will depend on having a better sense of your goals. Here are few things that come to mind:

    1) Do you want quick empty/fill (high tech) or gravity (low tech) options?
    2) Where are you draining to and filling from?
    3) What is the distance to/from in #2.
    4) If using a pump, "head" may be an issue to factor in (head=total height that the water will need to be vertically pumped) and considering the your answer to #3
    5) Do you want to have more durable solutions upfront that may cost a little more or do you want less expensive and buy replacement parts as needed?
    6) Are you comfortable with some DIY factors in putting something together with our SD members and Home Depot techie's assistance or do you want something "out of the box"?
    7) Is "hard plumbing" water to/from your tank(s) possible and or desired?
    8) Side note questions: Have you tested your aged tap water parameters before/after 24/48hrs w/heat and aeration to determine your PH stability and need for conditioners? If so, what are the before/after results? Did the results indicate a need to age your water ongoing, compensate for chlorine and or chloramines, high alkalinity etc?

    Perhaps others, can suggest things I may have missed, but knowing these answers will help us better advise.

    BTW, it's great you're researching this topic and wanting to put a plan together. It's easy overlook something and end up not being happy with the results and maybe even wasting time and money in the process. Good luck!

    HTH
    Last edited by David Rose; 10-03-2009 at 08:29 AM.

  7. #22
    Registered Member Sharkbait's Avatar
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    First of all, thanks for these questions. It makes it easier to understand what is really required so that I don't miss anything and have to end up getting something different later.

    1) Do you want quick empty/fill (high tech) or gravity (low tech) options?

    My main objective is to lessen the amount of time spent on maintenance. It's not that I don't enjoy sucking up and replacing water for at least an hour on a 90 gallon tank, but I also have to trim, scrape algae, sometimes do filter maintenance...all these things add up. There are times when I could be working 2-3 hours on my tank if I'm replanting..

    2) Where are you draining to and filling from?

    I currently drain the water into a 20 gallon bucket, whereupon I take a 5 gallon bucket and get the water out from the 20 gallon so that I don't drag the 20 gallon across the hardwood floor to the kitchen sink. Not the best setup, I know.

    I then refill in the 5 gallon buckets at my kitchen sink and transfer those to the tank.

    3) What is the distance to/from in #2.

    Less than 25 feet.

    4) If using a pump, "head" may be an issue to factor in (head=total height that the water will need to be vertically pumped) and considering the your answer to #3

    The tank is pretty much on the same level as the sink. I don't think head would be much of an issue.

    5) Do you want to have more durable solutions upfront that may cost a little more or do you want less expensive and buy replacement parts as needed?

    Personally, I'd rather not have to buy replacements since the LFS doesn't have a lot of good plumbing solutions. Plus, I kinda live out in the boonies and wouldn't like to make frequent trips.

    6) Are you comfortable with some DIY factors in putting something together with our SD members and Home Depot techie's assistance or do you want something "out of the box"?

    I'm always up for learning new things. So if there's a way to do things easier, I'm all ears. I just need a little direction I had to put together a C02 setup and ...to be honest...I'm not that handy. But, I put all that plumbing together...(reactor, T bar) at the cost of a few nights of no sleep from my fiance and I because we didn't know if the connections would suddenly burst. Worst fear ever. lol.

    7) Is "hard plumbing" water to/from your tank(s) possible and or desired?

    I'm renting. I'd rather have something that I can move when I move.

    8) Side note questions: Have you tested your aged tap water parameters before/after 24/48hrs w/heat and aeration to determine your PH stability and need for conditioners? If so, what are the before/after results? Did the results indicate a need to age your water ongoing, compensate for chlorine and or chloramines, high alkalinity etc?

    PH out of the tap is 7.0 and is still 7.0 after 24 hours. I add prime to my tank before adding the new water and everything has been good thus far. CO2 is in my tank that keeps my PH stable.


    Now, hopefully when I move, which won't be for a while (but will happen eventually) I won't have to change much of the setup.

    Thanks again for all your help. Not sure what the result would be for the final equipment. Possibly one of the pythons with a stronger connector? I gotta check to make sure my kitchen faucet can be unscrewed like one of the other members pointed out.

  8. #23

    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    You're welcome... the questions and your answers will help. It's amazing how many different ideas and creative folks can be on SD gained from their own personal experience.

    If your sink faucet will work to fill your tanks, I would start with getting a Marina over the Python. It comes with a brass adapter and IME, the Marina has better seals at the sink siphon attachment.

    Faucet adapter, bottom right piece pictured:


    The parts that tend to ware quickest can be the middle piece to the right, which attaches to the faucet adapter. I think this is what one of the other members was talking about. Mine cracked as well and needed to be replaced, which I think can be caused by tightening them with tools to ensure no leaking. I've also cracked the vaccum tube and needed to replace it.

    Again, the above will work to fill your tank, if your faucet is compatible.

    To drain your tank quickly, which can be added later if needed. I would purchase an inexpensive power head pump similar to the one here for $28. The two requirements would be to have sufficient gph such as the Maxi-jet 1200 at 295gph or better if you wish and to make sure it has included the "Barb" (ribbed) connector that your vinyl tubing with vac attachment will slide over for intake. I think the barb fitting is pretty much standard to be incldued. Not pictured is an undergravel filter adapter that attaches to the barbed fitting that will block large pieces from going through the pump. You'll take the other longer piece of your Marina to slide over the Outlet at power head rather than attach the pictured flow deflector.



    You may be happy for awhile (like me) with just using the Marina given it's much faster than buckets, but there is always faster. LOL

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    HTH
    Last edited by David Rose; 10-03-2009 at 04:45 PM.

  9. #24
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    I typed a post and it did't get through so I am going to link to an adapter that works on all the switchable sprayer faucets.
    In the link I carefully go over everything.

    Seems I can't post a link yet but Aquion makes a solid brass or even a plastic adapter that will fit in the deep well of the spray heads after you remove the aerator.
    fishtankkeppers.com has the review in freshwater section under equipment.

    I looked at a good number of adapters and found the Marina to have really thick tubing that doesn't collapse and it would seem the older Pythons had thick tubing too but not having owned one I only saw a brand new one and the tubing seems about the same as the Aquion.
    The Hagan/ Marina is built very well but the threaded stem on there solid brass adapter is way to short to reach the first thread on facets with a deeply recessed aerator. I have contacted Hagan and they are working on that. But the easy fix is the Aquion adapter for now.
    Last edited by goraman; 09-19-2012 at 03:43 PM.

  10. #25
    Registered Member Dubiadiscus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    I must say I have had my python for over 25 years and I have never had a problem with it. I can tell you though i have had to just recently get a new adapter for the sink because my old one finally called it quites. I do Like the idea of running a hose out the door instead of wasteing water to suck water from the tank. I does had the idea of doing it the old fashion way but it works.

  11. #26
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    Best water changer adapter ever. The Aquion brass faucet adapter far better than the plastic one,this will last a life time.

  12. #27
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    faucets have changed dramatically since the onset of the new no-lead laws.
    lots of plastic parts in them now.
    i don't know 15-20 years from now how they will all hold up.
    taking the lead out of plumbing now means we will live forever but our faucets will not.
    buy a delta and forgetaboutit.

  13. #28
    Silver Member Willie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Python Vs. Aqueon/Marina Gravel Vacs

    Different strokes for different folks.

    My syphon hoses get used daily for 1.5 hours so they get a lot of work. The Python brand beats the Aqueon brand hands down based on flexibility and durability. Aqueon hoses and other brands get brittle, while the Python material stays soft and flexible. I look for used Pythons at fish auctions but they seldom come up for sale.

    I don't use my faucet connection to start the suction because I have a floor drain. Just raising the front end 4 - 5" is sufficient to get a flow going, so I defer to those people complaining about the connection.

    Whatever you end up deciding, here's a way to reduce your water change time in half...



    Get two, Willie
    At my age, everything is irritating.

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