The Puffer Forum

Just installed a great valve in my hose from them!

So ya know the plastic fitting on the python that attaches to the faucet and allows you to choose siphon or refill. Has anyone ever come across a brass or metal one of those. I have spent quite a bit of time in the plumbing section trying to put one together with no luck. Absolutely the only weal spot in the python system. I'd pay good money for one I couldn't break.

I use a brass quick release.

The Python valve is patented and so far as know has never been made in metal. It can be a PITA (especially if you have high water pressure - I do), but it is the only and best game in town for me. My multi-tank addiction was limited to 12 or fewer tanks pre-Python. Any more were overload. It is all Python's fault...

McMaster-Carr is a very specialized company, and until they get taken over or sell out, among the very best companies in the states. They are perfect for the picky among us (definitely including me). They are aimed to what Eheim, Tetra, Seachem, and a few other companies used to be, and may or may not necessarily still be.

I'm lucky enough to be able to drive there to PU parts from them!

Their mail order service isn't bad, but I am jealous. Have you always lived in the city? There are some good things about the boonies, but access to materials is limited - even as close to civilization as I am. For me, McMaster-Carr is the dark side of the moon...

I got the pump for the python tightened up no more leaks. And I was able to get a pedal operatered shutoff designed for a router. And this is another lovely case of swingarm hydrometers being inaccurate. It was reading 1.004 the refractometer put it at 1.002. So ill start to raise the salinity today. Thank you guys for all of your help.

Thanks for all the info in this thread! Thinking about getting one of those barrels with wheels to store water in for changes for the future 55g... Tired of doing the bucket thing!

How was the refractometer calibrated?

I used distillied water to calibrate. I have the cheaper of the marine depot one due to the scale actually covering what brackish tanks require. I wasnt sure where to get ro/di water and assumed the distilled would have 0tds.

For BW (which doesn't need to be exact), distilled will be fine. For a reef tank, I suggest using calibration solution.
http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captiv ... -rodi.html

Pufferpunk wrote:For BW (which doesn't need to be exact), distilled will be fine. For a reef tank, I suggest using calibration solution.
http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captiv ... -rodi.html

Great article. Will definitely be tagging that solution onto my next online order. I just got the brass-quick release for the python, fantastic addition.

Pufferpunk wrote:For BW (which doesn't need to be exact), distilled will be fine. For a reef tank, I suggest using calibration solution.
http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captiv ... -rodi.html

Make sure you get good stuff too! Couldn't figure out why my refractometer changed values all the time, then I switched to DI water and it was consistent. Turns out my calibration fluid, that came with it, was not at the S.G. it said it was, so everything was a huge confusing mess. So in short, do whatever works for you, but I agree DI is fine for brackish water, within +/- .001 SG.