DIY - Python Gravel Cleaner

[jojomichael]

I came across this article over at cichlid-forum

I bought the drain kit $4.96, shut-off valve $3.91, 50 ft. hose $7.98 for a total of $16.85.

[Wasserpest]

The idea of water blasting out of the tap for an extended time to create suction makes me cringe. Maybe I am just greedy, but when I grew up I was taught that water doesn't just flow out of the wall, and that there is more to electricity than a socket that you plug things into.

Anyway... that's off the topic. Great article!

[digger]

Wasserpest: so how many watts of light over your tank?

[Wasserpest]

Over my large one, about 160 Watt, mostly normal fluorescents to keep it cool and efficient :roll:

[GDominy]

Don't forget that once the water starts flowing out of the tank (assuming its higher then your tap) you can turn off the water and let gravity do the rest.

If I had to run the tap constantly to change all 320 Gallons of water in my living room I'd have to reconsider the bucket route :-)

[GulfCoastAquarian]

Gareth took the words right out of my mouth. This DIY setup works just like the popular "Python" water changer. I run the tap for a few seconds to get a siphon started and then turn it off. Occasionally I'll run the tap full blast again to get some more suction power, but I'm with Wasserpest on conserving water.

[m.lemay]

I usually start a suction by sucking on the hose and draining it into the bottom of the bathtub. It drains quicker because the tub is almost floor level. Then I use the python to refill.

I hate wasting water too!!

Marcel

[Buck]

Ditto !

My hose goes out the door, I give it a liplock and then I only use the hose to refill the tank...

I really missed my Python after moving because it would not adapt to the "new" faucet but that will be straightened out tomorrow....

Unless you have a python I wouldnt bother having a tank over 20 gallons ! :lol:

[Guttboy]

Man.....

I live in a desert so I really conserve water. I use a 5 gallon jerry can plastic jug thingie...LOL....and I siphon off water for all my tanks that way and carry it out to the plants around my yard...yes its a long tedious pain in the arse way to do it but I just cant let the water dump down the sink.

Besides keeps me exercising .....LOL....

Mike

[Rex Grigg]

One note here is that a standard garden hose is not the best choice to fill your tank with. They contain many harmful chemicals as well as lead. If you want to go the cheap route make sure you get a drinking water safe hose. They are easy to tell as they are always white. Normally you will not find these in the garden department but in the auto/RV department.

[Anonymous]

One note, you can use a normal garden hose to clean and fill your tank--even if its not drinking water safe. However, you should not, for example, use a garden hose to run water continuously to and from your tank. Since the water is only in the hose for a brief amount of time, the chances of the algacide getting into your tank is slim. However, if you ran the water through the hose all day, alot of the algacide would get into the tank. Nonetheless, you should buy a whole house water filter and connect it to the end of the hose when it returns into the tank (usually about 14 dollars and 25 for the good filter).