Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went and spent way too much money for a Python....

and I hook it up and the fill function seems to work well.. but I can't get it to suck water from the tank and that's the biggest reason I wanted it. Heck, I can fill with a garden hose if I need to.

Even when I flip the thing to fill for a few seconds and get the line clear of air, then go to the drain function, it sucks very little....I see a couple bubbles move which tell me it's moving, but [bleep]...I'm putting 3 times the water down the drain than I'm sucking out of the tank. This will cost me more in water than I paid for the thing.

What's the problem with this thing?

Hi,

Did you get the actual "python" brand python? If you did, here's what you do: When you attach the drain end to the water pipe, make sure you twist and pull down, and twist again to lock the hatch in its "open" state. Then turn on your water (turn it on all the way), and the other end of the python should immdiately start sucking up from the tank, and deliver the water to the faucet. If you've done that correctly and it doesn' suck up any water - that means you've got a defective one and you should do return/exchange it.

To reload water to your tank, you would then need to twist, push up, and twist again to lock the cap to its "close" state on the water pipe. Then when you turn on your water it should simply travel through the tube back into the tank.

If you got a generic python, I am not sure how it starts the suction...but it should work in similar ways, where you need to turn a cap or something in order to start the suction.

Hope this helps.

It's an actual Python brand. I can operate the twisting part, and it seems to close off when filling, and open when sucking from the tank.. but geez, it's slow!! I did have to run the fill mode first to prime it before it would pull ot of the tank.

I called Python about it, and they were supposed to get back with me about it. The lady that I talked to said she'd only been with the company about 6 months and didn't know the common problems with these things. I havn't heard back from them yet.

There's no crimp in the line, any connecting valves are open all the way? I don't know what the problem would be - I love my Python, wish I had three or four of them (so I wouldn't have to bleach between different containers of turtles). You might try exchanging it if that's an option.

Katrina

Yeah, i love my python as well. I think it's one of the greatest invention for aquarium owners. Do what kartina says: make sure the valve is open all the way - there's a green valve midway down the tube and it should be set to horizontal - parallel to the tube - for its open state.

I've never heard anyone who needs to prime the python for it to start. How strong is your running water? The stronger the pressure/current from your water pipe = the stronger the suction the python gets. If your running water is very slow, then you might not have much suction.

Good Luck! If it doesn't work for you, make sure you get your money back!

How much is a Python? Where can I get it for the cheapest? Thanks!

http://www.pythonproducts.com/

Or Petco or Petsmart, although I prefer buying directly from the manufacturer. Cost about $40, but well worth it - mine lasted four years before I had to replace a part that broke - and that's just one little piece that I ordered without any trouble. You can also buy extension pieces if needed, if you decide to redecorate and your tank ends up farther away from the sink than you thought.

Katrina