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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: washefuzzy on January 08, 2011, 02:33:04 PM

Title: DIY python
Post by: washefuzzy on January 08, 2011, 02:33:04 PM
I have a DIY python that is only pulling water out of tank in a slow trickle. The python worked great a first now it dosen't.
I pulled it apart to make sure it wasn't plugged up though it does work great filling up the tanks. Can't fiqure out what's going on.
Dose it matter how the hose lies. The hose goes over a kitchen counter. So I have tried letting the hose hang at different lengths on each side of the divider but no luck.
Anyone have any good ideas?
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: Brent Shaver on January 08, 2011, 02:47:07 PM
I know with mine I replaced all the hose with regualr garden hose which has stopped the kinking and it getting weak and crimping while working with it.

Keep in mind it still could be a blockage, when you fill it is under pressure but on a syphon it might not be able to pull the same amount.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: washefuzzy on January 08, 2011, 02:50:52 PM
I took apart the whole thing looking for anything plugging up the works and it's as clean as a whistle. Wish it was just something plugging it. I haven't had trouble with the kinking of the hose.
Sigh.
I'm going to go test it again.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: Brent Shaver on January 08, 2011, 04:03:50 PM
If this is the green one, I have had it crack on me before, my fault being too aggressive on tightening it.  This could also cause problems with draining water.  Hard to say unless I could see it working.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: magnosis on January 13, 2011, 03:02:10 PM
However the hose lies should not affect the flow (assuming the intake is higher up than the output).  Say your tank is 6 feet up the ground and sink is 3 feet up the ground, the water travels down 3 feet from start to finish and this is how gravity affects it, doesn't matter if in between start and end it goes up 10 feet and comes down again.   To get the flow started is another story, but once it's flowing, it's all the same.

You can easily verify this by starting the siphon, let it run, take the hose in your hand and lift it up.  It will keep flowing at the same rate.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: washefuzzy on January 14, 2011, 09:55:14 AM
Brent
There are no cracks

Magnosis
What I'm finding is it flows pretty good when i first start but than ends up a trickle I'm thinking it must  change when I start cleaning the gravel.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: magnosis on January 14, 2011, 10:19:08 AM
I use a real Python and find that it clogs very easily as chunks of algea and java moss get sucked in.  What I do then is put the nozzle back over the sink and reverse the flow for a minute, then go back to vacuuming.  In most cases the clogging happens in the attachment to the faucet.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: washefuzzy on January 20, 2011, 08:54:55 AM
I figured out my python works great at the start it's after I clean the gravel that it slows down. So I wait until the water is 3/4 siphoned out before I do the gravel. Not great but goes a lot faster this way.
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: Nerine on January 20, 2011, 09:07:36 AM
I will come over and look at it...maybe a new set of eyes will help?? Sometimes they are fussy!! :) but hoping we can get it sorted out!!
Title: Re: DIY python
Post by: washefuzzy on January 20, 2011, 09:14:04 AM
Me to I would love to figure it out. Thanks Nerine. Stupid thing.  >:(