Here's my review of my DIY Python project. Total cost to me $26. Some fine tuning still as I only did one little test. I might get some rubber hose washers to make sure there are no leaks of high pressure water coming out of the Waterbed Fill/Drain tap adapter. Also, I found out the hand held manual gravel vacuum tube I have, is a one way valve, water and air go in, but not out. Heh this was quickly demonstrated to me when I opened the water valve only to have my gravel vacuum tube explode of the end of my rubber hose from the pressure. So...when draining, I have the plastic gravel tube on...when filling, I have to take it off, no biggie. The main advantage is price. $26 for a 50' version, compared to $69 for the Python equivalent.
I don't have a Python, but from what I've seen of it, I know these to be its advantages.
1. The 50' tube with the python is certain to be much more flexible than the garden hose I have. The fact that it was kept rolled up meant it was a big long line of loops rather than just a straight hose. The problem here is when first filling water, you get air pockets, these air pockets then shoot into the water in your tank, scaring the living hell out of your fish, and potentially spraying you with yummy tank water. When draining, it sometimes takes a few sputters before it starts draining smoothly. A straight flexible hose would solve most of this.
2. The Python 50' tube is clear. This is important. When you finish draining the water from your tank, you must keep draining until the tube is empty, and then shoot water out to rinse the tube completely before you begin to fill your tank. If the tube is not rinsed totally, you end up spraying back in some of the crap you were draining out of your tank in the first place. With a clear tube you can easily see if its rinsed and empty. With a garden hose you can't.
Overall I think its a decent setup. I got plenty wet the first time, but that was mostly due to getting used to the water shut off valves and having a few unpleasant experiences with unexpected water pressure hehehehh. Now that I've done it I'm sure I could do it without soaking myself, or getting wet at all. For 1/3 the price I'm pretty sure it works pretty close to what a python would. I'd say if your really pressed for cash this is a great alternative. But I also think that $70 isn't an outrageous amount to pay for something that makes water changes and tank maintenance MUCH easier. The Python won't require any assembly, or trips to both a hardware store and Walmart to gather up all the parts. If I come across a spare $70 I'll probably still buy a python off Big Al's or something, just to see if its any better. Heh I need a new garden hose one way or the other anyway.
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