Singapore Fish Shops sell Python cleaning product?

**loupgarou** · 2nd Jun 2005, 10:58

the python appears to use clean water to in the initial stage to start the siphon running (much similar to the venturi effect), not sure what happens once you turn it off.

http://www.thekrib.com/Filters/python.html
http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/g...al_pagesid=329

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113165

Look at this link for a close up on the pictures/diagrams and you would guess how it works.

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/p_python_no_spill.htm

**juggler** · 2nd Jun 2005, 11:01

Two more links on the product:

http://web.singnet.com.sg/~teosb1/python.html
http://www.pythonproducts.com/

**juggler** · 2nd Jun 2005, 11:07

See this pic at the manufacturer website:
http://www.pythonproducts.com/nospill.htm

If both ends of the hose is at the same level, how can we have a siphoning action? Not logical to me. I suspect some water must be coming to waste from the faucet to create that "venturi effect". Well -- I may be wrong.

Added:

On the same page it says:

"Environmentally Responsible!
Due to our powerful 7 to 1 suction ratio, cleaning your tank uses about the same amount of water as flushing your toilet."

Proof that some clean water is used. But sounds very little as they claimed.

**BFG** · 2nd Jun 2005, 12:09

Guys, my method will start automatically once the hose has been filled with water and the hose end that is attached to the tap is removed and that end is drop near the drain pipe in the toilet. There is no need to 'suck' the hose at all! I really find that disgusting! The other end of the hose must remain underwater in the tank. If that end in the tank is being removed and above the water, the siphon effect will immediately end. No need to buy some overhyped or overrated product. You just need a rubber hose that will fit your tap. That's all to it! Really!

Need a demonstration?

**Star-flog** · 2nd Jun 2005, 12:26

Originally Posted by BFG

Guys, my method will start automatically once the hose has been filled with water and the hose end that is attached to the tap is removed and that end is drop near the drain pipe in the toilet. There is no need to 'suck' the hose at all! I really find that disgusting! The other end of the hose must remain underwater in the tank. If that end in the tank is being removed and above the water, the siphon effect will immediately end. No need to buy some overhyped or overrated product. You just need a rubber hose that will fit your tap. That's all to it! Really!

Need a demonstration?

Theoretically, it should work.
Again, it's really not as easy on practice even you have a bucket just below the fish tank not even mentioned when you've a sink/toilet 10 metres away. You've to run to both ends and to make sure the water in the hose etc. also level of water can be different to achieve if the sink happen to be level or higher than the tank.
Therefore a product with a siphone power 'automatically' will be very nice.

**Star-flog** · 2nd Jun 2005, 13:21

Originally Posted by juggler

Two more links on the product:

http://web.singnet.com.sg/~teosb1/python.html
http://www.pythonproducts.com/

Thanks for the links.
This product already "sold" to me. I'm convinced this is the right tool, can't wait to have one. Changing of water is actually worst part of this hobby and hope this product change all that...

**BFG** · 2nd Jun 2005, 13:57

It's not just theoretically but I am doing it at every water change.

**juggler** · 2nd Jun 2005, 15:58

Originally Posted by BFG

Guys, my method will start automatically once the hose has been filled with water and the hose end that is attached to the tap is removed and that end is drop near the drain pipe in the toilet. There is no need to 'suck' the hose at all! I really find that disgusting! The other end of the hose must remain underwater in the tank. If that end in the tank is being removed and above the water, the siphon effect will immediately end. No need to buy some overhyped or overrated product. You just need a rubber hose that will fit your tap. That's all to it! Really!

Need a demonstration?

ha ha ha ... no need lah ... I tried that before and it didn't suit my taste.

The reason is because I didn't like the streams of big bubbles coming out from the tank end of the hose as it is being filled with water. It scares my fish. Anyway, the clean water in the hose is going to be drained away again after preparing for the siphon. A bit wasted.

I am glad every one has their favourite method of water change and has fine-tuned it to their routine.

I try to keep mind open to new ideas, products or technologies.

Cheers!

**Star-flog** · 2nd Jun 2005, 16:39

Originally Posted by benny

If I'm not mistaken, Pet Mart at Serangoon North Ave 2 should have it. Call them to confirm.

Cheers,

Hi Benny, you're right. I called just now confirmed they've such product and selling forty ++ sing dollar.

**arclaveus** · 2nd Jun 2005, 17:06

Do they haf the algae mitten? It looks rather interesting

**Star-flog** · 3rd Jun 2005, 16:17

More end-users experience: http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9773

**jhansolo** · 3rd Jun 2005, 16:21

Originally Posted by Star-flog

Hi Benny, you're right. I called just now confirmed they've such product and selling forty ++ sing dollar.

I thought it is going to be more than that. I think it is better to use a connecting powerhead to create the movement.

**Star-flog** · 3rd Jun 2005, 16:31

Originally Posted by jhansolo

I thought it is going to be more than that. I think it is better to use a connecting powerhead to create the movement.

I plan to go down to Petmart tomorrow to buy this Python and will give your guys some review on this equipment......

**benny** · 3rd Jun 2005, 17:49

Originally Posted by Star-flog

I plan to go down to Petmart tomorrow to buy this Python and will give your guys some review on this equipment......

We would really appreciate that.

Cheers,

**Star-flog** · 4th Jun 2005, 20:44

Got myself a 25 foot Python Standard model today from Petmart. Quite expensive, paid S$60 for it. Made in USA and quality is good. Will give your guys some review once I put it into use...

**Goondoo** · 5th Jun 2005, 08:30

Originally Posted by Star-flog

Got myself a 25 foot Python Standard model today from Petmart. Quite expensive, paid S$60 for it. Made in USA and quality is good. Will give your guys some review once I put it into use...

hmmm... I volunteer my tank for you to test

**Star-flog** · 5th Jun 2005, 11:19

I purchased this piece of cleaning equipment: 25 feet Python (Standard model) yesterday. After set up and used and tested it on various tank positions, my personal verdict: the product serves well on its intended purpose.

Hope this brief user experience and review can provide some reference for those may plan/intend to buy this product in near future.

First Impression & Quality (7.0/10)
The LFS tucked away Python in the upper level of the storage and hidden by others product. It must have been forgotten the existence of the product by the new sales shop assistance only the shop owner knows where they are.

The poor guy has to take a ladder to unloaded everything and revealed 2 packs of 25 feet Python (one is original packing & one is clear plastic) & 1 extension tube. And with dusts covered all overall.

It seems to be the product has been stocked for long time and hardly anyone enquiry on this product. Also, after being told selling at S$65 because it made in USA and the tubes are very good quality, I was hesitated a little! After some negotiation, we settled the deal for 60 bucks.

Therefore the first impression on this product is not entirely positive.

The original packing in big plastic bag printed with very big and marketing phases:
• No Spill, Clean and Fill
• Aquarium Maintenance System – The Aquarium Owner’s Friend
• Complete Ready-To-Use System
• All FDA Approved non-toxic materials (Good quality

)
• Non-electric / operates on water pressure
• Cleans gravel & under gravel filter without removal during water change
• Eliminates tank teardowns, buckets & Siphons forever!
• Made with Pride in the U.S.A.

It appeared to be a usual Americans marketing slogan!

The 25 feet standard model package includes:-
• A) Universal Adaptor – attaching the pump to any faucet
• B) Faucet Pump – creates strong suction to clean, has reverse flow feature fore easy refilling
• C) Open/close switch – manually controls removal of water and refilling with clean fresh water
• D) Clear Gravel Tube – Does into the gravel for cleaning and into the tank for refilling
• E) FDA-Approved, Non-toxic clear, flexible tubing – carries water to and from the tank
• F) Two little instruction manuals

Ease of use & Effectiveness (8.8/10)
The two brief product instructions manual (F) was poorly printed in original colored paper. After some struggling trying to fix the Universal Adaptor (A) to HDB existing tap, the rest of operations are now easy.

I was particularly curious how the suction power was generated and obviously more interested in cleaning part (to suck the water from the tank). The filling part is rather straight forward, just like original hose.

How the siphon suction power generated? It mainly operates through water power pressure which means if the tap water pressure is high (when you turn to max,) the suction will be great.

• First the siphon flexible tubing (E) needs to be cleared of water.

• Connect the Faucet Pump (B) to the Universal Adaptor, very easy done and pull the ring of Faucet Pump downward.

• Put the Clear Grave Tube (D) in upright position in the tank

• On your water tap to the maximum power and once the water is running, switch on the Open/close switch (C) on the siphon tube controlled. At this moment, the siphon suction power is generated and you can actually see the water ‘running’ from tank water straight up to the sink. Amazing! No more mouth method. So far so good and it’s working. The dirty water now all ‘running’ toward the sink

• Turn off the tap water and the suction continues until about 30% tank water sucked out.

For the experiments, I used kitchen sink (~ 3 feet height) & hose length is 25 feet (7.62 meter) and placed a bucket (simulate the tank in various position around 5 meter away from the sink)

• Test 1: Tank above the water point (your tap in the sink)
The whole operation running very smoothly and working like a charm, great product.

• Test 2 : Tank level with water point
The siphon power just as great and water ‘running’ in the tube from tank toward sink is interesting to watch. Great!

• Test 3: Tank below water point (~ 0.5 feet)
The siphon power getting a little weak but it’s still no problem. Nice...

• Test 4: Tank 1 feet below water point
The siphon power getting weaker but suction power is still there but the flow is slower. No problem.

• Test 5: Tank 2 feet below water point
At this point, this product won’t work anymore. The water was running from tank which was placed at 2 feet below sink at 5 meter away. The water stopped at the edge of the sink. Unfortunately, the product failed at this point but I suspected my water pressure was not as strong and probably not to the maximum yet as I stay at 14 levels in HDB flat.

Value for Money (6.5/10)
No one would believe that this basic product with all the tubing, connectors etc cost 60 bucks. Based on Singapore market price, it should be selling at below S$30. Over priced!!

If you look at aquarium hobbyist point of view, the product serves its intended purpose well above the marks. Although still expensive, but based on ‘long term investment’, I believe I got the right piece of aquarium cleaning system. To save me a lot of energy, backpain of lifting the water bucket etc and additionally, I’m now looking forward more to changing water (weekly or bi-weekly) and believe it would be beneficial to all my tanks. Before, I was subconsciously delayed as long as possible all my weekly tank cleaning and changing water.

Again, if you got only 2ft tank or below, this product would not be particularly useful but any tank size 3ft and above, this equipment would help you, I think personally.

Overall (8.5/10)
Would I regret buying this equipment? No.

First I was a little disappointed; after reading 42 reviews how great the product was etc. therefore the expectation was too high, after seeing a relatively simple product. Nevertheless, if given the same circumstance, I would buy again.

Only think I regretted was I should have brought the 50 feet long hose instead of 25 feet (unfortunately the LFS only has 25 feet and no other choice). Although they do stock 20 feet long extension tube so it can be used to clean and fill tank in every corner of your home. Unfortunately, this optional extension tube costs S$40, too much.

But I reckon the length of the tube is not great deal of problem as I can purchase a similar size tube from any LFS and just simply tie its together to extend the overall length.

Hope this is useful and if you need any further information/clarification, do send me a reply post.....