I keep trying to figure out if there are two different types of Pythons.

The Python I have is just a gravel vacuum and siphon, I use it to clean the gravel and siphon my tank water into a bucket before doing a water change.

But I keep hearing people refer to the Python as a "bucketless" method of cleaning your tank, talk of faucet adapters and switching from "empty" to "fill". I am not sure how that would work with the thing I have, so I am assuming there is another type of Python? Is it just that some Pythons are longer in length, so you could use an adapter to attach them to your faucet, then fill the tank without lugging anything? But then how do you condition the water first? And I am assuming if it was an extra long tube, you could drain your tank directkly into the sink, which would eliminate the bucket on that end. If saomeone could explain this other type of Python to me that would be awesome. I am wondering if it would be a practical thing for me.

I have been trying to figure this out like crazy, and looking at the Python products online has not entirely cleared it up for me. So thanks....for once again helping a newbie! :-)

There's a couple of different types on the market - the standard and then the bells and whistles version that attaches to your fawcet. I'm not overly familiar with them myself but I did happen to find you a pic which might help.

It's of the python that you attach to your fawcet

yeah i got that one on the photo very usefull

a syphon is just the general word for something that syphons water out of a tank and into a bucket.. or syphons anything else for that matter!
the python is a brand name really, its a fancy syphon which has bits on it to syphon straight from the tap to the tank or vice versa.
this is basicly a very basic diagram of a basic syphon (lol that sentence)
http://www.efluids.com/efluids/gallery_exp...ages/Syphon.gif

and this is the 'python'.. one of them anyway.. now after a bit of research in a bit confuzed too
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=PY1211

On the Python Brand syphon, you change the water flow at the faucet attachment.

[attachmentid=7685][attachmentid=7686]

There is also a switch to stop/start the water flow from/into the tank, not too far from the tube end of the syphon.

Does this look like what you have?

I got a Lee's Gravel Vac. I think its just as good. Looks identical except for the color. Used it for the first time last night. I love it!!

Thanks guys! I just have the plain siphon/gravel vac one. From the pics I see how the other one works, but how do you condition the new water you are putting in if it comes straight from the faucet? Or can they handle the chlorine and stuff for a few minutes until you add something?

Just curious, maybe I will get one like that when I get my 55 gallon....

I dont know if its right, but i wait until the tank is full then add my chemicals.

Python makes two types of siphons, the traditional manual siphon for gravel vacuuming and water removal (to buckets):
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=8...&N=0&Ntt=python
and the No Spill Clean and Fill which attaches to the faucet for gravel vacuuming, water removal (down the drain), and water refilling directly to the faucet (like the picture JenW posted):
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=3...&N=0&Ntt=python

Lee's also makes a traditional manual siphon:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/gravelvac1.html
And they make a product just like the Python No Spill Clean and Fill called Lees Ultimate Gravel Vacuum:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/gravelvac1.html

Both companies make the fittings that are sold separately so you can save money by buying the parts and then going to the hardware store for the tubing!

It is best to add the water conditioner before adding new water to the tank - so if using Python NoSpill Clean and Fill, Lee's Ultimate Gravel Vac., or a DIY version that fill s formt eh sink, the water conditioner should be added directly to the tank. if using buckets of clean water to refill the tank, then the water conditioner should be added to the buckets before pouring into the tank! This way, any of the toxins present in the tap water will be neutralized before coming in contact with fish!

i think you are meant to add the corect amount of water conditioner etc. before you start adding new water.. not sure

there are actually a couple of ways in dechlorinating the water with Phython.

i was told to fill the tank slowly and at the same time put water conditioner (guestimating the amount needed).

Phython's instruction is to place the vacum part upright so that the water flow would creat bubbles (wherein the cholrine gas escapes).

i do the latter, (you need to have the water on pretty fast to have bubbles) and to be sure, i add water conditioner while tank is being filled.

do you remove the fish, or is this done with the fish in the tank? how can you get your water faucet temp the same as the tanks? is it better to remove the fish into a bucket until the water temp comes down??

I leave my fish in the tank. The syphoning part really isn't much different than using a regular syphon. And my fish love the filling part--it's just a little current for them to play in!!

I use a thermometer to measure the temp of the water coming out of the faucet and match it ot the temp of the tank. Many people jsut kinda feel it with their hands. I don't trust myself to do it that way though.

I use the Python that attaches to the faucet. However, it does not attach to any faucet i have in the house, therefore I run it otu the window.

Ive never had a problem with it, and it will remove and refill about 1 gallon per minute. which is much faster than anything i have encountered yet.

I bought it mainly because i didnt need the workout with a 46 gal tank. However, if you are working with a smaller tank, the water might drain too quickly for you to really clean your gravel.

As far as maintaining chemicals and treatments, I will only empty my tank a little more than half way to minimize the stress of the cleanings, and i will treat as the water refills, the longer refill process allows me to close the lid on my tank to hold the Python in place while i rinse out the filters.

I recommend it for all larger tank owners! It is very handy.

This is the exact one that I have. Acutally I have 2 the 25' & the 50' since the 50' takes longer on the smaller tanks (They're closer to the sink, kind of like using too long a hose when you empty a water bed.)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000255NX...284507&v=glance

I use Prime in all my tanks as a water conditioner and add it in front of the filters so that the Prime dispurses throughout the tank. This I do at the same time as I change the water flow to fill the tanks. I ususally do 50% water changes on my goldies & 30% on my tropical tanks, once a week, so I know to use enough Prime for that many new gallons. If I use a little more Prime (since I do a visual measure on the water level) it wont hurt my fish.

Oh and if you add salt, I hang a breeding net box at the top of the tank and direct the python to flow towards it to help dispuse the added salt.