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Do It Yourself DIY Python

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by Ryanstech, Dec 30, 2008.

  1. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    Note: this was inspired by Robert Livingston's write up.

    Materials Needed (for the basic version with no gravel vac):
    - Waterbed Drain & Fill Kit (sold at some walmarts and hardware stores)
    - sink-to-hose adapter if you're not using a standard faucet like mine
    - Garden Hose
    - Hose shutoff valve

    Optional Materials:
    - Clear tubing (like the Python) instead of garden hose
    - Male quick-connect hose adapter or similar pipe-to-hose adapter
    - Cheap or used gravel vac

    1. Waterbed Fill and Drain Kit
    This thing is pretty self explanatory and almost identical to the python part. Just make sure you have a standard faucet that can take a garden hose or the adapter needed to get you there. The top of the fill and drain kit hooks to your sink, the side to the hose and the bottom is the piece that creates a syphon or fills the tank depending on what position it is in.
    aimg114.imageshack.us_img114_5345_upload18uq4.th.jpg
    [​IMG]


    2. Garden Hose shutoff valve
    just screw it to the end of the hose! if you go with the clear hose instead of garden hose you'll need an adapter to screw the valve to.
    aimg183.imageshack.us_img183_5999_upload12tc6.th.jpg

    3. Gravel Vac (Optional)
    Since they all have different size hoses you'll need to find the right sized adapter. Mine fit snugly on a male quick-connect hose adapter.
    aimg123.imageshack.us_img123_8453_upload16py2.th.jpg
    aimg123.imageshack.us_img123_6931_upload15io2.th.jpg
    aimg71.imageshack.us_img71_4328_upload17cq0.th.jpg

    This is another idea I'm working on so I can use a pump to clean out the tank and pump it right back in between water changes.
    aimg71.imageshack.us_img71_663_upload13hq7.th.jpg
     
    Ryanstech, Dec 30, 2008
    #1
  2. jeepn4x4

    jeepn4x4 New Member

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    What was the total cost for this?
     
    jeepn4x4, Jan 4, 2009
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  3. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    I had a lot of the parts laying around already but I'd say that for the basic version with no gravel vac it couldn't be more then $20 the biggest cost here is how long of a hose you need.
     
    Ryanstech, Jan 4, 2009
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    I've made one before simply by attaching some clear tubing from Home Depot to a water bottle. I'm sure you could use a larger soda bottle as well.
     
    Anthony, Jan 4, 2009
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  5. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    anthony, you mean to create the gravel vac part?
     
    Ryanstech, Jan 4, 2009
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Yep and used gravity to siphon the water out. It works REALLY well.
     
    Anthony, Jan 4, 2009
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  7. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    that's a good idea. my problem is that I have a bunch of low tanks in my basement so I need to use water pressure to get a siphon
     
    Ryanstech, Jan 4, 2009
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  8. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Yeah, that wouldn't work very well then, unless you had a drain in the basement floor.
     
    Anthony, Jan 5, 2009
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  9. caronsd

    caronsd New Member

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    Pythons are really cheap now... I would still just go out and buy one, or find one used. I have 2 and payed 30 total
     
    caronsd, Jan 6, 2009
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  10. Ms. Wright

    Ms. Wright Member

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    I bought a low-budget pond pump for filling/emptying tanks tanks where gravity is a problem; think it was around 35.00 at PetsMart. It also comes in handy for the school tanks, where the water has to be treated before it goes back into the tank after a water change; I stick a bucket into the sink, put the tap water into that, and treat it slowly as the pump refills the tank. Big surprising expense there was the tubing. I can't remember whether I used 3/4 or 7/8", but it was pretty expensive even at Lowe's. Anyway, I figured this was (hopefully) a one-time expense, and it's a lot easier than schlepping buckets. :D
     
    Ms. Wright, Jan 7, 2009
    #10