Below you will find my opinion of the Python Water Changer and whether it’s the best and if it can connect to all faucets?
If you’re like me, you understand how important weekly water changes are for the overall health of your aquarium. You also understand what a royal pain in the butt they can be as well.
Up until a few months ago, I was still doing my water changes the hard way, using a bucket and a siphon. Little did I know there was a much easier way that had been around for almost 30 years.
I wanted to share it with you all because I’m sure there are still many aquarists who could benefit from being able to clean your gravel & complete a water change in under 30 mins without any wet floors or lugging heavy buckets of water around.
Further Reading: See More Of My Recommended Tools To Clean A Fish Tank.
Contents
The Easiest Way To Complete A Water Change (That I Didn’t Know About)
The Python Water Changer, No Spill, Clean and Fill System was created by Lance Reyniers, a lifelong aquarist, who just like myself hated doing the weekly water changes.
You know the routine…Every week filling up large buckets of tank water, trying to carry them through the house, all the while spilling the dirty water all over your floor.
Lance hated this so much he came up with a product called Python No Spill, Clean and Fill System more than 30 years ago.
Today, Milwaukee-based Python Products Inc. employs 16, and its products—all U.S. made and assembled—are found in aquarium stores throughout the U.S. and in 23 other countries, and they are sold online through Petco and
Quick Overview: The Python Water Changer
The Python Water Change system is available on Amazon and it’s ready to use right out of the box with a 10″ gravel tube, connectors, pump and adapter that fits most faucets.
Longer gravel tubes (20, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 72 inches) are available for extra reach, these are sold separately.
I love it because I don’t have to tear my tank down, no spills, no mess, and no more buckets and I can drain, re-fill and clean my gravel all at the same time.
How To Use The Python Water Changer
This video by Big Al’s gives an awesome overview of what the Python Gravel Cleaner is and exactly how to use it.
So how does Python Water Changer Work?
Very easily… as water passes through the faucet pump it creates the siphon and starts to pull water from the tank out to your sink. You can then change the water direction by adjusting the bottom of the faucet pump. A simple pull and turn will instantly change the water direction.
What We Liked About The Python Water Change System
- Compact, light and easy to store
- Fast and easy to use
- Makes water changes simple
- Great add on features
- Great value
What We Don’t Like About The Python Water Change System
- Won’t work with all faucets
- Can disconnect from faucet during a fill
What’s in the Box?
The Python No Spill Clean and Fill comes ready right out of the bag and will connect to most faucets and includes;
- Lots of Hose (25 or 50 feet worth)
- Standard Gravel tube
- On/off switch
- Hose connectors
- Faucet pump
- Brass faucet adapters
Be careful though:
Note: Although the Python system comes with a few adapters it still doesn’t connect to every faucet out there. Be sure to confirm if it connects to your faucet before purchase.
What Do You Need to Know? Python No Spill Clean and Fill Gravel Cleaner
The Python is ready to use as soon as you open the bag.
The Hose:
It comes with either a 25 or 50-foot long hose, so you can reach a faucet no matter where your aquarium is.
The Gravel Tube:
Made with durable clear plastic the vac itself is pretty standard but does the job well. Nothing original or special here just a short tube used to suck up all the dirty debris off the bottom of your aquarium.
Faucet Adapter:
The Python system comes with a few adapters so it can connect to almost any faucet. That said, it doesn’t connect to all. In fact, I just recently moved and it won’t connect to any of my faucets. So if you’ve recently purchased a new home — maybe check your faucet.
Faucet Pump:
Additionally, the faucet pump allows you to change the direction of the water with a quick pull and turn. This way you can fill and/or remove water quickly without ever having to use a bucket.
The Switch:
Lastly, it has a switch located near the gravel tube which you can turn to quickly stop the siphon, in the event of any unexpected events that sometimes occur — ever sucked up one of your buddies?
The Hook System:
This hook doesn’t come with the Python Water Change System and is available for purchase separately. The hook allows you to place the gravel tube in one spot typically when filling a tank, so you don’t have to hold it. This is great for a large aquarium where the filling process may take a little while.
Use the hook — have a coffee and watch your tank fill effortlessly.
Want to know more about Python Products?
Check out this awesome interview with Lance Reyniers (Creator of the Python) conducted by Pet Product News
Is The Python Water Change System Right for You?
The Python Water change system is definitely one of the best options out there when considering a gravel vacuum.
Here just a few final reasons:
- It’s cheap when compared to other brands
- A very durable and quality product
- Makes water changes very easy
Basically, if you all you want to do is connect a hose to your faucet, turn it on and sit back and watch your tank empty or fill — Then the Python Water Chager is what you want.
How Does The Python Aquarium Water Changer Compare to Other Gravel Vacuums Like Aqueon?
Don’t Want To Spend Money? Learn How To Make a DIY Gravel Vacuum
If you are the DIY type and like a challenge check out this video that will show you how to make a DIY gravel vacuum. Note: you’ll still need a bucket.
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