I have just added a lionhead to my new 55 gallon setup. It has no rich colors just pink all over with no head growth, it is different. I just purchased a Phython System because of the reviews I have read here. My question is, when you add water after a change will this harm the fish as the water has not been treated? I live in New Jersey and the water here is heavily Chlorinated. Any advice will be appreciated.

That fish sounds really neat - quite different!

In general, when using a python, it is suggested that you remove the water that you wish to discard, then treat the remaining water in the tank for the full volume of the tank before refilling with the python.

For example, you syphon out 20 gallons of water from the 55. Before reversing the python and filling the tank, you would add a dechlorinator to the tank as if you were treating the entire 55 gallons, even though there is only 35 gallons in there. Then reverse and fill the tank. The water will never be without dechlorinator.

Thank you Daryl for the info. Now I can continue adding my fish to the 55 gal.

HI PMA, We use the Python system, it has helped us so much, considering we have a 60 gallon tank, like you, large tank!

The only complaint we had was after a few times, we found the part that attaches to the faucet would not stay on, so watch that, or you will have water spraying all over the place! not sure if they revised that design, ours is about 3yrs old now. the green cap that screws onto the faucet adaptor has that cone part that it sits and is screwed into, those two parts would loosen and it was hard getting them back together.. it works fine most of the time though and I can't imagine using buckets! 20 gallons of water removed would be a much harder task..

When I read the instruction booklet at first, it stated there is a filter included in the part that attaches to the faucet.. does yours state this too?

I read Daryl's reply about adding the decholorinator to the entire volume of the tank... usually, I would syphon say, 20 gallons, and as the new water is being added, I'd sprinkle the Aqua Nova along the surface of the water for the 20 gallons removed.... I didn't think it's a positive to treat the entire tank volume?

Maybe Daryl can explain this part... I live in Illinois...

Lynn

I too have been using the system for a bit now. I've found that eventually the plastic threads wear & I just buy a new adapter. I really like the system (I have one for each of my large tanks!)

I just recently bought a Python, holy moly, how did I ever live without one. I have six 55 gallon tanks, each set up with different kinds of fish. I had been hauling water around with 5 gallon buckets, needless to say my water changes were not always timely.

I was told to use "Prime" when I refil, just a cap full added as I am filling, however in one of my tanks that is not planted I am having a heck of a time with nitrates, I have done two 50% water changes in less than three days.

My Ph is around 8 as well and it was around 7 before I started this, I think I am going to do another 50% water change tonight as see if that changes anything.

Any other ideas about taking care of the nitrates other than water changes?

Robby

Hi All - I love my Python! Because of it, I am able to get a larger tank.

If this is the part you are talking about -
http://petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=5744&...&familyID=6240&
the conencter to the sink (between the sink and the pump)- Python now makes that part out of brass - so you could get a permanent replacement and diminish leaks - (no picture):


http://petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=9202&...D=9447&#details

If the leaks are occurring at the neck of the pump, only a replacement will do the trick - I keep an extra on hand beucuse the juncture of the pump is prone to snapping in two.

Also, the Lees Ultimate replacement parts are compatible with Python.