Home made python

by Fishypastor Thu Nov 27, 2014 3:57 pm

Well for about 15 bucks and parts lying around that I had, I converted my own vacuum into a python. It doesn't do the suctiony thing but you just start it the way you would start a normal vacuum and gravity and the toilet take care of the rest. Works awesome and no more buckets. I was just too cheap to shell out the money for a 50ft python, which is the one I would have needed to get. The fitting that goes onto your sink can be had at any hardware store. If somebody wants details or ideas, I'd be happy to help. I'll attempt attaching a photo to another post.

by Fishypastor Thu Nov 27, 2014 3:58 pm

by l_l_l Thu Nov 27, 2014 4:01 pm

Thank you!
I have tried building one myself but finally found one in a used stuff bin at my lfs for 20$, and one at a garage sale for 5$..
You will fall in love with that thing.

by GaryE Thu Nov 27, 2014 4:43 pm

I looked into doing that, but the cost per foot of clear tubing was more in the hardware than 50 feet of 'aqueon' tubing. It was more economical to buy the device and remove the waterbed drain head (a good source for that part) just to have the 50 feet of hose!

by Fishypastor Thu Nov 27, 2014 5:42 pm

So that's where a person can find the suctiony thingy. Yes it is silly what they charge per foot. I found some on sale and had some lying around, otherwise it can be cost prohibitive. I guess an old garden hose could do the trick but there may be some chemicals leeching into the water or rubber coming off. Sitting out in the sun for years is generally not a good thing.

by **CAAIndie** Thu Nov 27, 2014 6:54 pm

Looks like a cool little project. Nice job.

by **Sbenson11** Thu Nov 27, 2014 7:04 pm

Why buy it new when you can do it yourself I always say,

Even if it does cost twice as much Smile

cool rig up.

Steve

by nyleveiam Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:57 am

FYI, I discovered the Aqueon syphon hose end on Amazon for $5. It has the on/off feature that the waterbed ones lack. And, the plastic tubing is pretty inexpensive at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply, if you have those up in Canada. This makes the DYI ones much less costly than the ready made.

by Fishypastor Wed Dec 03, 2014 8:11 am

Well, I am in love with my home made python. Once you get into the groove of using it. Minimal spills and allows for 30-50% water changes with ease rather than 10-20% changes and buckets and drips and spills oh my. Thanks for the heads up on the hose end thing. I probably don't need it as my one tank is up high and gravity does the work and the other tank in the basement is right next to a bathroom with a floor drain which works awesome.

Cheerio!

by mikebike Fri Dec 05, 2014 11:49 am

If you use a 'potable' water hose it is safe to use.

the cheap clear plastic tubing found in hadware stores may flatten out on you making it difficult to use.

I use a molded 1/2 pipe bent in a U to hang on the side of the tank. I use some 1/2 ball valves/the cheep plastic hose ones to allow me to fill the hose with water before I start.

I put the shutoff but full of water end of the hose/with valve in the tank

put the other end where you wish to drain to, open the valve in the tank
then open the valve in the drain
the water draining from the hose will pull/vacume up the tanks.