Uk version of "pyhton" water change aid ?

[London Mc]

have seen many references to a US device called a 'Python' (you can buy it on Big Als online) sounds like a useful piece of water changing equipment that all the users rate.

I was wondering if anyone in the UK knows if this device, or something similar, is available in the UK ?

Or how experienced users, with 150gal tanks do regular water changes without using buckets ?

thanks
mc

[fishmuffin]

Hey mc,

The unit is available in the UK. It is distributed by Aquatic Solutions - the sole distributors for Kent Marine stuff.

It works by connecting one end to your tap and the other end to your tank. When you switch the tap on the tap water goes down the sink but a venturi-type device also sucks water from your tank, like a powerhead venturi sucks in air as it throws out water. This is when the unit is used in 'draining' mode. When used in 'filling' mode a valve (I think) is turned the venturi action stops and the tapwater goes into the tank instead of down the sink.

I have never used one of these. However, knowing how they work, I would, personally, not reccomend them...even for a tropical tank. The draining action wastes a lot of tap water (not good for the environment or you water bill if you have a meter) and the filling action simply puts a lot of cold, chlorine filled, (high) nitrate/phosphate filled water which, I'm sure you will appreciate, is not good for any tank.

[roughneck]

also available from
http://www.aquatics-online.co.uk/acatalog/ they do not have to put cold water back if you connect the outlet to your bucket etc can send that back according to above site they have a link that explains it.