"Mr. Gardener" wrote in message
...
To whomever was asking me about building my own Python-like water
changer, there are one or two things I forgot to add. The Real Python
has a water shut off near the aquarium, which appears to be very
conveniently placed. In my first prototype, I added a similar shutoff,
but the back pressure seriously challenged the integrity of my sink
faucet to hose adapter, and fine jets of water began spraying from the
tap. So I removed the shutoff valve. You may have a better faucet
connection than me, so the shutoff might work for you. It's worth a
try. I also wanted to mention that when the completed device is in the
siphoning mode, the water coming from the faucet adds some oomph to
the rate of the siphoned water - but, a tremendous amount of tap water
is run directly down the drain, wasted, in order to increase this
syphon action. I've read the ratio of water wasted per water siphoned
and it was huge, 10 gallons to 1, or 100 to 1, I forget the numbers.
If the tank being drained is physically higher than the faucet end of
the unit, even if it's a hundred feet away, the water can drain into
the sink without the need of added running water, albeit the rate of
the siphon action is slower. Whether the concern is water conservation
or saving money on the water bill, or electric bill if you run a well
pump, I've found the slower action works pretty well, I'm still able
to vacuum the gravel of lighter detritus. For serious deep down
vacuuming, I turn the water on at the sink full blast, and turn it off
again once the vacuuming is complete. I only mention this because when
I first began changing water with this device I was puzzled over my
suddenly and significantly higher water bills. If you're only doing a
tank a month, it's no big deal, but if you're doing frequent changes
on multiple tanks, that water bill can be a big surprise.
==============================
I have several gripes with the python. The waste of water is one of them.
Fortunately my tanks are within 25' of the side door so I siphon it right
outside. But that's not so great in the heat of summer or during freezing
snaps. Also the crappy adapter it came with split and sprayed water all
around my kitchen the second or third time I use it to fill my tanks. I
don't use it to fill my tanks anymore. Another is there is no way to hook
it onto the tank without cutting it and adding a U shaped gizmo from the
hardware store. All in all it's not worth the money in my opinion.

Koi-Lo.......