Aquarium Water Changer - 25 ft.
I did research for some weeks to find the right siphon. I've used a manual one for years, but it requires using buckets to get the water closer to the aquarium. Due to a recent back injury, I wasn't able to carry any type of weight, so I was going to buy the Python, however, after reading reviews here I settled for this one which is less expensive and looks to be the same. On the first try, the siphon did exactly what it said it would do, no buckets and no spills. It is amazing! Now, I plan on getting a bigger aquarium, because I know it will be easy to do water changes.
I was initially concerned with the water coming directly from faucet to the tank, and only after adding the water conditioner. I was scared to kill my fishes. But everything is fine, the conditioner took action. I only add a percentage of conditioner based on the water coming in; not for the whole tank. Clearly, local water varies from place to place, so you may want to double check with a local pet shop.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the Python comes with extension hoses, so if you plan on moving, and need more length, then to buy the brand accordingingly to your needs. Also, it is possible to use this siphon by yourself, it just requires running to the faucet and back to the tank a number of times as it vacuums or adds clean water. I've ended up asking someone to help me just to turn on water to get the vacuum going and to turn off water so there isn't so much wastage.
I was confused by some of the comments about water wastage. I.e. if I had to keep the water running as I vacuumed. But no, just initially it needs to run to get the siphon running and if to control the speed of the vacuum. That's why it is easier with a 2nd person opening and closing faucet.
Lastly, I did have one major problem with the siphon, the adaptors for the faucet did not fit. I had to buy an additional one to make it work with my kitchen faucet, but it worked fine.
This is a great product!!!
Hose - Thick and sturdy - not flimsy like a lot of other vacuum hoses. Won't crease on you during use which is important. I believe it will stand the test of time.
Vacuum Attachment - Think and wide enough to do the job. Won't break apart as you scrape it through the gravel to suck up the crap buried in it.
Faucet Attachment - Comes with several different attachments. Fit on my faucet easily with no leaks.
Use - Put the vacuum end into the water. Open the valve at the vacuum and open the valve at the faucet while running the faucet and the auto-siphon will begin. Make sure you turn off your aquarium filter so you don't burn it out and remove any plants/decorations in the water so you can do the job right. Might also be a good idea to clean out your sink of dishes, etc because all that crap will be coming back to your sink and going down your drain. Get down into the gravel and watch all the crap start lifting out from between the rocks. After you're done vacuuming simply lift the vacuum out of the water and let all the water suction out of the faucet end until the hose is empty. To fill the tank back up, simply close the faucet valve and the water will flow freely into the tank back through the vacuum end.
Easy enough and definitely worth the money. Good luck!
I just got this one, and already I really love it. It makes water changes so much simpler!
