A better siphon solution?

[dleute]

I'm new to the hobby and I'm draining my tank and sump from a vinegar bath before I cure my rock (in tank) and start my cycle.

I used a 50' python clean and fill and I have to say, it is terrible. There is absolutely no way it could live up to it's claims of cleaning gravel. There is no suction in the gravel tube. It can barely move water. Siphoning with 5 gallon buckets and a short hose was much much faster. My water pressure is 80psi. At one point I took it off the sink and drained it into a shower which worked better as the drain was on the floor, but still no actual suction in the tube.

Do people have other solutions?

For moving RO/DI and Saltwater back into my tank I will use a maxijet or mag-drive from the brute garbage can. I'll likely even use the python hose so it's not a complete waste of money. That solution doesn't help me get the last half inch of water out of the tank (all my pumps need to be submersed to function).

When you want to get every drop of water out of the bottom of the tank, how do you do it? I can't get a siphon to run for the last half inch of water.

Sorry, I'm a complete newbie for this stuff. I would love any advice.

Thanks!

 

[scuzy]

A better siphon solution?

Siphon only works on where your drain is. Gravity pulls the water so if it has to go up a sink it won't work so well. I usually use a maxijet on the end and not bother siphoning the sand.


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[dleute]

Siphon only works on where your drain is. Gravity pulls the water so if it has to go up a sink it won't work so well. I usually use a maxijet on the end and not bother siphoning the sand.

It's just sold as "clean and fill" system. I can't imagine how the clean aspect could work for anyone unless they used a pump to increase suction. Are there people who have sinks on the floor?

As a siphon for normal tasks, like a basic water change, it's fine. Slow, but fine. It would have been far cheaper to simply buy 1/2 inch tubing at 50 feet length.

--Derrek

 

[scuzy]

A better siphon solution?

Your toilet will give it more siphon speed.
I actually like their tubing I use it up for plumbing my reactors so I end up cutting it. It's far more flexible than other tubing.

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[dleute]

Your toilet will give it more siphon speed.

I went lower than the toilet. I have a stand up shower with sliding doors. Had to go over the rim of the tank, and then travel along the floor, up over the lip of the shower doors (less than 2") and let out on the floor of the shower.

There is no way enough suction could develop to "clean gravel". I just don't see how it's physically possible for this product to work as claimed in the majority of use cases. If my tank were upstairs and the sink downstairs, *maybe*.

--Derrek

 

[Dans85]

I have the Aqueon version that I used to use for my 40b planted tank. I never had an issue with it. It seemed to have plenty of suction and cleaned gravel like a champ.

 

[ColoReefer970]

Use an absorbent towel and a bucket to get that last bit of water

 

[Portsie]

I use a shop vac for the last little bit. Just make sure you remove the dry filter bag and replace with the one included for water.


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[RogueGrown]

Ive used a python on my fresh tanks for years now and love them! My sink is 60 psi and. I have zero issues with it pulling debris from the gravel. I make sure the sink is full on while cleaning the gravel so I have more suction and then turn the sink off and let the tank drain down the sink. Or you can run the hose outside where it will be lower than your shower even I'd imagine and feed your garden the water.... I do this too, there is always a 55g drum fill d with good water out back.

I noticed your drain and fill comment too. Are yo pulling RO water from a current reservoir or just useing tap water and mixing salt once filled?


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[WatDatThing]

I have been using a 50' python for 8 yrs. I have 1 end connected to the faucet. The vacuum created by the running water is more than enough to siphon everything from the sand bed.

 

[Julius Chen]

I use mag 7 pumping water out of brute until last 1", then switch to a smaller pump to move remaining to a bucket.

 

[billdogg]

I have been using a 50' python for 8 yrs. I have 1 end connected to the faucet. The vacuum created by the running water is more than enough to siphon everything from the sand bed.

What he said, except I've had mine for about 30 years. If you don't have decent water pressure it won't work very well. It relies on the suction created by the venturi in the part you hook to the faucet. If anything, I have to slow the water down because it sucks too good.

IMHO, it's one of the better products on the market. It does what it says, it is pretty much indestructible, and it is reasonably priced.