[fishmom3]

Hello I just purchased a python tank cleaning system. It works great for replacing the tank water for my water changes. The problem is when I tried to suck the water out it has alot less suction than my short syphon has and it wil not clean the gravel very well. I have good water pressure but maybe it is because of the hose length witch is forty five feet.

 

[Nick]

FORTY FIVE FEET!!!! I would definatly recommend cutting that down some. I mean that is a lot of hose no wonder there is less suction!

 

[zeb_nz]

Hello I just purchased a python tank cleaning system. It works great for replacing the tank water for my water changes. The problem is when I tried to suck the water out it has alot less suction than my short syphon has and it wil not clean the gravel very well. I have good water pressure but maybe it is because of the hose length witch is forty five feet.

i think he means 4-5ft, could always cut it

 

[Lauri]

Forty-five feet really isnt outta the question. I have 3 25ft pieces to clean the tank in the living room. Fishmom3 have you tried leaving the water running after sucktion has started? Normaly once the water reaches the sink hook up you turn the water off and it will keep sucking. I leave the water running saves a little time and sucks the gravel much cleaner.

 

[joeshmoe]

I hate cleaning with those kind of thing so I bought battery powerd gravel vac and work pretty darn good.

 

[Nick]

Oh you got it? Does it work pretty good?

 

[joeshmoe]

ya it got it in two days! it said it would take 7. its realy good and it come with a algea scurber the sucks the algea of the glass.! its great

 

[girlofgod]

did you order it off the net? you have a link? i dont know what that is, but i bought just a regular plastic hose thingy with a bigger section at one end for cleaning the tank and it has NO suction...i hold it down to the gravel area and the stuff just floats around it...it picks nothing up...so anyways...any ideas?

bri

 

[Nick]

the least you could do is shorten the hose 10 - 15 feet. I mean what do you have to lose? ( besides 15 feet lol ) Mine is just a little syphon thingy. The cylinder thingy that you use to do the gravel vac is only an inch in a half in diameter ( was for a 10 gallon, and im using it for a 55 gallon and it works! ) and its only 3 feet long and it picks up everything.

 

[joeshmoe]

yup http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...-Maintenance&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113164

 

[usmc121581]

I added 75 ft on to my 25 ft hose and it works like a charm. I never turn the water of though.

 

[Oceane]

Do you syphon water out of the tank and directly into the garden to need 75 ft of hose? So far mine just goes into a bucket that i cart off. But sending the water directly outside seems a timesaver. :idea: [/quote]

 

[SKAustin]

The advantages to the python is that it is hooked directly to the sink faucet. This not only aids in starting the suction, but in refilling the tank. If your sink sits higher than or equal to the base of your tank, the suction will be minimal. In the event that this is the problem, run the hose out of a window and let it empty outside. the farther below your tank the other end of the hose is, the more suction you will have. If an outside window is not an option, try running it to a bathtub.

 

[blnkndufus]

This was the topic I was looking for. Here's my situation. I am in the process of putting a tank into my basement. The nearest faucet is upstairs (water spicket outside is just as far if not further). I have a 50' python with about another 25' extension (wouldn't reach with just hte 50'). I get NO suction (obviously since the tank is well below the faucet level). Does anyone have any suggestions? I am cleaning it right now it's going to be an African Cichlid tank. It is 265 gallons so the battery operated syphon would not cut it. Thanks in advance for the help. I am at a loss here...

Mike

 

[Amphitrite]

Hi Mike, I've never tried a python but here's what I do. Somebody on the forum kindly gave me a powerhead, and I link this up to a length of tubing and drain water in and out of the tank using a large bucket. It's not ideal, as obviously you still have to lift the buckets but it's still much quicker than doing it by hand.

How about putting a sink in your basement? Is that a possiblity?

 

[crazie.eddie]

This was the topic I was looking for. Here's my situation. I am in the process of putting a tank into my basement. The nearest faucet is upstairs (water spicket outside is just as far if not further). I have a 50' python with about another 25' extension (wouldn't reach with just hte 50'). I get NO suction (obviously since the tank is well below the faucet level). Does anyone have any suggestions? I am cleaning it right now it's going to be an African Cichlid tank. It is 265 gallons so the battery operated syphon would not cut it. Thanks in advance for the help. I am at a loss here...

Mike

I agree. Either a pump or powerhead may do the trick. Or you can hire a plumber to get plumbing downstairs as well.