The Puffer Forum

I'm planning on buying a water changer. I have a few questions, first off what length of hose should I get? From all my tanks to the nearest faucet measures about 20'. Should I get a 25' or 50'? I'm afraid that if I order the smaller one I'll have trouble maneuvering in the tanks..but if I get the big one will the suction be severely lacking?

Now, should I buy the python or aqueon brand? I know you can make these fairly easy but I really don't want to deal with that, I'd rather just order one and be done with it. I know sounds lazy but I'm super busy and will probably screw it up somehow lol.

Finally, I have all sand substrate. Should I get a special attachment? Thank you in advanced!

I have an old one that I think was the predecessor to the Aqueon one.

Mine wasn't quite long enough at 25' to reach one of my tanks so I stuck a regular gravel vac hose inside the water changer hose, fit snugly enough to extend mine about 3-4'. So that's a workaround if you get the 25'.

If you use yours with sand just don't stick the end in the sand and you should be OK. I've had small bits of sand go through mine and it's still fine...I've only been using it about two months now though.

Thanks for the info! I use a regular gravel vac and only lose a little sand here and there but I keep extra on hand so no big deal there. I think I'll get the 25' it's cheaper and I can try to add length like you did. Thanks!

Go with the 50' Python. When they were halting sales last year I bought an Aqueon part & it didn't even last out the year. Replaced it with a opart.

Pufferpunk wrote:Go with the 50' Python. When they were halting sales last year I bought an Aqueon part & it didn't even last out the year. Replaced it with a opart.

Do you have any suction issues with the longer hose? Either way I'm sure it will be better than my current bucket brigade lol

My Python is actually 100' & it drains into the basement.

Buy the longer and shorten it to your needs. And get the Pytyhon...I've own/owned both and the Python wins by leaps and bounds. Spend the extra now, so you don't need to know why you need to spend the exrtra now..

I've never used anything but Python, and actually have 3. I do use two routinely - one within the tank room, plus a long one for the rest of the house. The long one is ~30 years old and still works fine, but the tap connector has been replaced several times.

Personally see no need to shorten...

I have the 50 footer and noticed no loss in suction. I would love to have a brass fitting instead of the plastic. I am hard on my stuff and have to replace the attachment fairly regularly. I spent an hour in the plumbing section trying to figure out what I could put together out of brass parts to perform the same function but no luck. All you entrepneurs out there I would pay $50 bucks for a brass one, I bet lots of people would. Anyone? Anyone?

Just go to the hardware store & ask someone there what to buy. That's what I did.

Biff owes pp 50 lol

I owe her far more than that!

Pufferpunk wrote:Personally see no need to shorten...

Flow is the only reason I'd recommend it. Longer hose will take a little longer to both fill (depending on home water flow/pressure) and draining. It depends on how much longer we are talking. A few extra feet would be unnoticiable...But 10 extra might be enough of a difference.