Has anyone hooked up an external pump to a python hose?

RussC · 06/16/2018, 12:42 PM

I want to speed up water changes. Thought about using an external pump on my python hose. Anyone done that with any luck?

lapin · 06/16/2018, 01:38 PM

It can be done. Internal is a better choice. There are a few drawbacks to an external pump hooked to a hose. The pump and hose leading to it will need to be primed with water. If the pump is lower than the water level, once flowing, turning the pump off will not stop the syphon flow.

RussC · 06/16/2018, 01:43 PM

Makes sense. Didn't consider having to prime the pump.

billdogg · 06/16/2018, 01:50 PM

I run my python hose to the slop sink in the basement. Once it's going, I have my wife hole the hose in the tank and I go downstairs and disconnect the hose from the venturi so it is free-flowing. That allows me to turn off the faucet and let gravity do it's thing. I've found that the water moves much faster that way, and the hose doesn't get clogged with gunk as easily. (especially helpful on those major algae/cyano removal days!)

davocean · 06/16/2018, 02:08 PM

Depending on volume, a shop vac might actually work for you, many of us use them already, I use a buckethead to clean my sump

oldhead · 06/17/2018, 05:26 AM

If I don't have a whole lot to suck off the rocks then I use a small submersible and stick it in the sump. It's the one that came with my old hob skimmer. Fills a 5 gallon bucket pretty fast. I use a power strip with a switch to turn it off and on. The other 5 gallons I take my time and clean the rocks.

06/16/2018, 12:42 PM	#1
RussC Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport (Mississippi Gulf Coast) Posts: 1,405	Has anyone hooked up an external pump to a python hose? I want to speed up water changes. Thought about using an external pump on my python hose. Anyone done that with any luck? __________________ When a habit begins to cost money, it's called a hobby! Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer XL 425 Alive and Kick'n BOD 8-29-17

06/16/2018, 01:38 PM	#2
lapin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin Posts: 801	It can be done. Internal is a better choice. There are a few drawbacks to an external pump hooked to a hose. The pump and hose leading to it will need to be primed with water. If the pump is lower than the water level, once flowing, turning the pump off will not stop the syphon flow. __________________ Tank sizes, 2-10's a 55 and one that's about 500gal Current Tank Info: Interior decorating happening

06/16/2018, 01:43 PM	#3
RussC Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport (Mississippi Gulf Coast) Posts: 1,405	Makes sense. Didn't consider having to prime the pump. __________________ When a habit begins to cost money, it's called a hobby! Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer XL 425 Alive and Kick'n BOD 8-29-17

06/16/2018, 01:50 PM	#4
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I run my python hose to the slop sink in the basement. Once it's going, I have my wife hole the hose in the tank and I go downstairs and disconnect the hose from the venturi so it is free-flowing. That allows me to turn off the faucet and let gravity do it's thing. I've found that the water moves much faster that way, and the hose doesn't get clogged with gunk as easily. (especially helpful on those major algae/cyano removal days!) __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

06/16/2018, 02:08 PM	#5
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Depending on volume, a shop vac might actually work for you, many of us use them already, I use a buckethead to clean my sump __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

06/17/2018, 05:26 AM	#6
oldhead Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 527	If I don't have a whole lot to suck off the rocks then I use a small submersible and stick it in the sump. It's the one that came with my old hob skimmer. Fills a 5 gallon bucket pretty fast. I use a power strip with a switch to turn it off and on. The other 5 gallons I take my time and clean the rocks.