Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Bellevue, NE
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:50 am
Post subject: Water changes question
I have been considering the "python no spill warer shanger". I currently use the old bucket method of water changing. It appears that you put you water conditioner directly into the tank before you put the new water in. Is that safe for the fish?
Also can you test the temp of the water and adjust it with the Python?
Bill
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:09 am
Post subject: Re: Water changes question
wcox wrote:
I have been considering the "python no spill warer shanger". I currently use the old bucket method of water changing. It appears that you put you water conditioner directly into the tank before you put the new water in. Is that safe for the fish?
As far as I know and have been told, it is. I wouldn't use that method with shrimp.
wcox wrote:
Also can you test the temp of the water and adjust it with the Python?
Bill
The water you add back to the tank with the Python is whatever temp out of the tap. It shouldn't make more than a few degree difference.
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mbovinet Site Admin
Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 754 Location: Omaha, NE
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:59 am
Post subject:
I've had my python for about 15 years. I add my conditioner right to the tank and have had no issues. As far as the temp goes I adjust the temp at the tap before closing the bottom to refill. Without a python I wou;dn't have fish. Just with my main tank. How long would it take a do a water change in a 240 gallon tank with buckets. FORGET THAT
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A great investment IMO
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argnars Board Mbuna
Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 193 Location: Omaha
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 12:10 pm
Post subject:
I think it's one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have, instead of dreading the water change, now it's no big deal and takes minutes instead of an hour.
I adjust the temperature at the tap before pressing the drain thingy up so it reverses the flow. I add Prime directly to the tank and I'm good to go.
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MelonHead Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Omaha, NE USA
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:52 pm
Post subject:
I own a Python & think it's great...BUT
Before I'd recommend putting chlorinated water right into your tank I'd ask what type of fish you keep. I keep Discus (very sensitive) and breed angels - so I'm careful about both.
For my 150g discus tank, I use the python to drain the tank right into a floor drain in the basement. Some people run it out the window (summer) or whatever works.
However, I can't bring myself to dump chlorinated water in a discus or angel fry tank - so here's what I do...
I have a 32 gallon garbage can (about $9) and a 20g blue tub (also about $9) that I bought at a dollar general or something.
I Python the new water into those big boys at the right temp, treat it, and pump it into the tanks with a powerhead. It really is not that much trouble & goes fast.
I use my (clothing) washer hookups for new water so switching from HOT to FREEZING took me some time to get the temps right - but it's no big deal now. If you have control over your temps you should be close. By testing by hand I read you can actually get within like .25 degrees of your tank temp.
That being said - if you have hardier fish like some breeds of cat or africans - they most likely can take water directly in from the python - I just choose not to chance it with my particular species of fish.
.
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clunkster Topical Tropical Royalty
Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 1012 Location: the dark side of the tank ok then its dewsbury west yorkshire U.K.
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:08 pm
Post subject:
I agree with what gary has posted, i personaly would not put chlorinated water straight in to any of my tanks, not because of the fish more because of my fillters, as chlorine can and will kill off the friendly/benificial bacteria. Must admit i have seen a fair few people ask this same question, on many differing boards, allways with the same answer "well this works for me", so i think it is possibly down to your own personal choice. I would'nt but that dont mean you should'nt
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UNMC2010 Guppy
Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 19 Location: Omaha, NE
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:32 pm
Post subject:
I personally have used the python straight into my tanks after adding prime. I have had absolutely no trouble. I would agree to all previous posts. I only keep african cichlids which makes things easier for me!!
Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 648 Location: Bellevue NE
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:00 pm
Post subject:
I use a python too. It would take me forever if I didn't have one. I mix water from the taps into trashcans much like Gary does, except I add about half or so... (like I'm going to measure it exactly) into the two 40 gallon plastic trahscans. (certainly not high tech!). They sit in the utility room adjoining my fish room. I don't quibble about the temps. The water temp in the cans is typically 68-71° F. With huge (50% or more) water changes, then I add hot water to the cans so I don't shock the fish or bring on the dreaded ich. It could also be my poor fish are inured to this shabby treatment as they receive it once a week!
mike
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wcox Wiggler
Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Bellevue, NE
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:01 pm
Post subject:
well i went out last night and purchased a Python, at petco it was 52.95 but at petsmrt it was 29.95, wow what a differnce. Anyway i brought it home and the attachment that will fit all faucets don't fit mine.
My faucet is just one size smaller. So today i will go searching for a solution, any ideas?
What length did you get at PetSmart? They are normally CHEAP online. With PetSmart, if you print out the product's price online and bring it in the store with you at the checkout, then they'll price match. PetCo's supposed to do the same thing.
You should be able to get a faucet adapter at the hardware store.
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mpp Moderator
Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 648 Location: Bellevue NE
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:17 pm
Post subject:
Hi again,
I use a small metal adapter that I purchased at Menards. Unscrew the aerator and take it with you and compare sizes once you get to the hardware store. Also take off the end of the python so you can check the male end of your adapter for size. If you need, I can take a picture of it when I get home tonight so you can see what I mean.
mike
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wcox Wiggler
Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Bellevue, NE
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:08 pm
Post subject:
Well I found the right fittings at Ace Hardware. so i am set
Also the online prices were less, i mentioned that too the people at petsmart and they said, well then order it on line.
Bill
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mpp Moderator
Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 648 Location: Bellevue NE
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:22 pm
Post subject:
I might've called them "Richard" at that point. Of course it all depends I guess. Glad you got the fittings. One recommendation is to keep your receipt for the python. The fitting that attaches to the faucet develops cracks sometimes. Python will replace the fitting if you have the proof of purchase. Sadly, I learned that little helpful bit years after the fact.
mike
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killingt1m3 Moderator
Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 46 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:07 pm
Post subject:
oh man, honestly I'd take it back or go in and see if they'd price match. Just show them the receipt and the date of purchase and such. you could buy some fish with what you save
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mbovinet Site Admin
Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 754 Location: Omaha, NE
Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:35 pm
Post subject:
If you print off the online item at
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and take it into the store they will match it. Now at Petco that's a different story. They will tell you to pound sand
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