python no spill system

OneEyedTetra · 03-20-2008, 09:30 PM

I finally hurt myself doing the bucket brigade, significantly enough to warrant a new system, so I'm the proud new owner of the Python hose system thingee! Anyway, I've heard a few different opinions, but I was wondering how to condition the water appropriately since the water will be coming straight from the chlorinated tap into my tank. Some people say pre-treat, some say treat directly afterwards, and some tell me to drip conditioner in as the tank is filling. I did the drip system today, and I am very sure I used way more conditioner than was necessary.

Basically, what is the best way to remove chlorine and chloramines using this system? Will chlorine exposure for a few minutes be severe enough to necessitate pre-treating or can they last 5 minutes until I can dump conditioner in?

E46er · 03-20-2008, 11:26 PM

i put the conditioner in afterwards and none of my fish have died or shown signs of stress............mind you where i live the tap water is so 'clean' it barely has trace amounts of chlorine

Ruadh · 03-20-2008, 11:53 PM

And I'm the other way, I put the Prime in before I get the water going. I set the temp of the water first also.

Rick

fernival brainard · 03-21-2008, 09:55 AM

I put in half the conditioner then add water then add the other half of the conditioner. So far so good with this method. I know others that add the water then condition, then there are others that I know add all the conditioner then add the water. Guess the choice is really the one you are more comfortable with.
fern

Steve C · 03-21-2008, 10:01 AM

I think it depends on your tank, fish, and water param's from the tap. I have hard and highly chlorinated water. For two years, up until just recently I went straight from the tap with my Python, treating with prime first. I have a water mixer at the tap with a thermometer so I could get the temp just right.

Recently my Tangs started to show stress during water changes. After some research and help on another forum it was decided that the water from the tap wasn't oxygenated and was suffocating the fish as I added it. Now I pretreat and use a heater, airstone and powerhead in the holding tank for the Tangs. The Mbuna don't seem to react the same way.

orb4me · 03-21-2008, 01:24 PM

Im back to the bucket system. The #$%$ python uses up more of my energy than I have. Untangle 50 ft of hose, get a 1/2 (|)'d siphon going. The green connector leaks and sprays water all over the place. I think I could come up with some more complaints. I used your suggestion, but I discovered I could carry the bucket easier than starting the &^%^& suction, by the time I fill the hose and start the suction back to the sink, Im done in.

Oh yea, the chlorine .

I'm back to using the spray hose at the sink to fill the bucket, seems to work.

Steve C · 03-21-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orb4me

Im back to the bucket system. The #$%$ python uses up more of my energy than I have. Untangle 50 ft of hose, get a 1/2 (|)'d spython going. The green connector leaks and sprays water all over the place. I think I could come up with some more complaints. I used your suggestion, but I discovered I could carry the bucket easier than starting the &^%^& suction, by the time I fill the hose and start the suction back to the sink, Im done in.

Oh yea, the clorine.

I'm back to using the spray hose at the sink to fill the bucket, seems to work.

The pump adapter for the faucet can be tightened to prevent the spraying, and they recommend that you only close the valve for as long as it takes to get to your tank, or between tanks (if that is what you are referring to leaking). Otherwise the hoses are connected with compression fittings, you should be able to tighten those up.

Starting your siphon should be as easy as turning your faucet on. Yes it uses more water to siphon your tank while running your faucet and I guess that is a cost or benefit depending on which side of the fence you're on.

I have a rubber coated metal hook next to my sink in the basement that I coil my hose on. Leave the faucet running while coiling the hose and it drains all the water.

OneEyedTetra · 03-21-2008, 09:33 PM

I guess I'm coming back to the chlorine question...
My tap doesn't test too bad, about 150 ppm GH, 1.0 ppm chlorine, 180 ppm KH and a pH of around 7.8. Once I get the siphon filling my tank, it takes 5-7 minutes to fill. Is this amount of time acceptable before I can chuck in my water conditioner, or would this be harmful to leave my fish in this water for even a few minutes?

gm333 · 03-21-2008, 10:08 PM

Personally I add the dechlorinator to the end of the gravel tube as soon as I turn the valve on the fill adapter. I have done this method for 8 yrs and never had a problem.

orb4me · 03-22-2008, 12:55 PM

I forgot to say.... Im sorry to hear you hurt your self, especially bad enough to get the dreaded python. I think they named it right

Maybe we should start a thread called "How many times have you hurt yourself with this hobby"

Steve, theres nothing to tighten. the water sprays out of the bottom of the first green piece that connects to the faucet.