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thought I would make a thread with an outrageous topic

anyway, my grandparents gave me their python with their tank and I don't know how to use it. . . if anyone can give me a link to instructios that would be really great. . . I'm not even sure if it works, might have to fix it.

Not too tough.

I'd give you photo instructions with my own python, but unfortunately I'm at work so I'll do my best with words.

First, start off by looking at the pump. It's probably green, and is made out of plastic. There should be 3 openings, two that look like you can screw something into them, and 1 valve that can be twisted open and shut. You should also have a brass (new pythons) or plastic (older pythons) threaded fitting that screws into the top of the pump.

The brass (or plastic) fitting is what you use to attach the pump to your faucet. Most faucets these days have a nozzle which can be unscrewed. Once unscrewed, the brass fitting should be able to screw right into the faucet.

The hose section screws into the side opening of the pump.

To remove water from the tank make sure the valve on the bottom of the pump is twisted to the open position, so that water flows from the faucet directly down through the pump and out through the bottom. Make sure the water is on full blast, or suction can be diminished to the point where the python won't function properly.

To put water into the tank, make sure the water coming out of the bottom of the pump is at the desired temperature, and simply close the valve by pushing up and twisting in the proper direction. This will send water out through the side opening of the pump and through the hose to your tank.

There are some pictures here that show how a DIY python attaches to the faucet, which should mostly apply to your python:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_python.php

Last edited by AndyCLS at 22-Oct-2004 13:10

One thing I didn't realize about the Python at first is that, when used for suction, it's effectively self-priming - the suction is powerful enough to draw the air out of the hose on its own, pulling the water with it. Figuring that out made Python water changes a nearly splash-free operation - just turn on the faucet, stick the bell in the water, and watch the water flow.

A conclusion I came to early on was to never, ever use the ball valve to stop waterflow to the tank. I tried it once, and the pressure was high enough to visibly stretch the plastic hosing. Nowadays I hold the hose in the tank using the hood, make sure it's stable, and turn the water off at the faucet.