Reddit reviews Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, 50-Feet

If you don't have one, a Python water changer is the biggest time saver I have come across. There's also a 25 foot version for a bit cheaper if your tanks are closer to a tap.

I have 4 tanks ( 3 * 10g and a 29g), although I do have my girlfriend to help out. We keep a schedule as best we can - Saturday morning is water change day. If you don't have enough time to do all your tanks in one go you could split them up and schedule doing 1 or 2 tanks on one day, then another one the next or whatever works with your time.

Once a tank is fully cycled regular water testing becomes less important. I test nitrates regularly to make sure that my water change schedule is frequent enough but I only test ammonia and nitrite if something gives me reason to such as strange fish behaviour, illness or unexplained death. Same with pH, GH, KH... they get tested rather infrequently to make sure nothing is way out of balance but if there are any issues in the tank I'll test right away to be sure.

Are you having significant algae issues? Do you use fertilizers, co2, and what kind of lighting are on the planted tanks? Algae is often a sign of too much light.

Protip, this works amazing:

Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, 50-Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ptMxybW8AQD8Y

For gravel vacuums, what's the level of concern regarding using one like a python that hooks up to your faucet and auto-fills into your tank? I'm worried about the chlorine / chloramine.

You could get a Python Hose if you are worried about hooking a regular hose up to your kitchen sink. I have used them for aquariums and they keep the water where it is supposed to be. Your plants look beautiful!

I have 3 different siphons:

• One is a python and connects to my sink
  
  
• One is like the one linked by another user that has a hand pump
  
  
• One is the most simple it could possibly be (Tube connected to plastic)
  
  I cannot stand the hand pump one. I find getting the siphon started with the pump to be extremely frustrating and a huge waste of my time. The python is amazing but is a lot of "work" to hook it up to my sink and run it across my living room to the tanks.
  
  I have been using the simplest of simple siphons to clean 55 gallons spread across 3 tanks for most of a year now. I just go the old fashioned route of sucking on the output end of the tube to start the siphon. I have never once got tank water in my mouth.
  
  Just my personal experience ;).

Hey OP, try this. TOTALLY worth the price! Drains water directly into your sink. I am sure you can find it cheaper in other places.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-No-Spill-Clean-Fill/dp/B000255NXM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1348601844&sr=8-4&keywords=python+siphon

Anubias and Java Ferns are some of the best to keep with goldfish. Cryptocorynes and Swords should do alright as well. If you're looking for a moss type plant to keep with them, Riccia Fluitans is a good one. If your fish are going after those plants, try increasing their feeding schedule. Adding plants specifically meant to be eaten will keep them off other plants. Toss a bundle of Anacharis in with them or a handful of duckweed.

Quick growing plants will do more for your water quality than the slow growers listed about. Consider adding floaters, like Dwarf Water Lettuce and Salvinia. My goldfish pick on those some, but I end up dumping a solo cup of floaters every other week from my goldfish tank just to let light through. Alternatively, you can grow some terrestrial plants out of an HOB. Pothos is a popular choice.

The Python comes in a 50 ft length

Sorry for the dumb question, but i found it on Amazon with 4 sizes, 25, 50, 75, and 100
What's the difference? Is it how long the gravel tube is? or how long the water tube?

https://www.amazon.com/Python-Aquarium-Maintenance-System-50-Feet/dp/B000255NXM

I bought the Python water changing system. It comes with every thing you need. It comes in different sizes.