Python Questions

[jmkgreen]

So I have a 20mm round mixer tap in the kitchen. Looking at the Python web site it says to remove the aerator (?) then screw their attachment on. I don't think we have anything on ours to unscrew unless I'm mistaken.

Is there another way of attaching such a thing? Assuming I can even find a Python, which I cannot in the UK at all...

The other option is 20mm tubing with a jubilee clip.

James

 

[minxfishy]

I attach my python (UK) to a mixer tap hose attachment, hoselock kinda thing, like the ones you use for attaching hose pipes to tapes.

If you cant get one, there is a link on this forum (somewhere) to a DIY python, easy to make here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/250013-how-to-make-a-diy-python/

 

[jmkgreen]

My original intention was a DIY Python. I went to the local garden centre (bear in mind I'm no-where near a B&Q or Homebase), added up the cost of the bits and came to over £50! I walked out empty handed and went down my LFS.

They suggested I take samples of several hoses to try fitting on my tap. 20mm squeezes on but as it's the "wrong time of the year" they have no more than 1.5m of the line in stock. They can order it in for Thursday next week, and have the jubilee clip. That'll likely set me back £25 total.

Of course, the cheap & simple solution would need a small pump to empty the tank increasing the cost a little still more...

Naturally if I went down the road of buying Hozelock I'd also be limited to a 1/2in tubing slowing the whole thing down a little.

This was supposed to be a really quick simple and cheap job to get done for the winter!

 

[HappyGeorge]

I must say I don't really understand the Python thing.

This is the Hozelock connector (available in Homebase but half the price £4 in Wilkinsons if you have one near you) I use for filling from my Kitchen mixer tap, and its a weird curvy shape modern tap and still makes a good seal.

2274 Indoor Square Tap Connector

Designed to fit a wide variety of square, round and mixer taps up to 43mm high by 34mm wide. Complete with a choice of sealing washers to provide a leak-free connection

I use a length of decent quality garden hose and it only requires a very little encouragement to start syphoning. Personally I syphon through the kitchen and into my utility room sink. I use the end of the hose as a gravel vac and control the flow by squeezing, the suction is great and is really good for getting into the corners behind rocks. I do lose a little sand but its so good I don't mind.

Then I just connect to the mixer and refill with the added bonus of being able to put back water at correct temp from mixer.

100G tank 15% change weekly, in about 30 mins, including equipment tidying time and thorough vacuuming.

Hope this helps?

 

[waterdrop]

I'm in the USA where its easy to get Python parts, but I've never checked whether they would send internationally via their web site.

I just liked the way you could mix and match the parts you want. I don't use the one-way valve thing. I just use one of their gravel cleaner cylinders screwed on to one of their long clear hoses that goes down my hall to the bathtub where I have a catch bucket so I can have tank water for cleaning filter media and matching temp at the bathroom faucet.

The aerator on the bath faucet just unscrews and I screw in one of the nice little Python brass adapters which fits perfectly. I have a "lever" style faucet so the temperature is already matched to my output water before I attach the hose, then I just lift the faucet lever for force. Its amazing, the refilling of the tank has become one of the quickest easiest parts of a water change.

If I had a big tank I'd even consider having one of my faucets changed to be one that would fit the Python! WD

 

[jmkgreen]

I ended up £25 lighter coming out of the local garden centre this afternoon with 15m of Hozelock hose, a 24mm round tap adapter and a couple of end connectors.

It turns out that once hooked up I can pump some tap water into the tank, turn the taps off and disconnect, only for a siphoning action to begin immediately without further action albeit at a rather slow rate of flow. As a result I gave the tank a thorough clean and refill today.

Thank heavens that's sorted out. Thanks all for the advice.

 

[always4lora]

i made a diy python it was really consufing to make , good for filling the tank but takes ages to drain, i have a water pump in my tank that's meant for ponds so it has a outlet presumably for a fountain or something, i put hose on this and watch the water drain in no time!