Water/Tap powered syphon

Oct 09, 2004 3 Replies

There is device that for changing water in aquariums called a Python.

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blurb states "The special connector fitted to a normal household tap creates a vacuum when the tap is turned on full pressure. (In this mode, the tap water goes to waste down the sink). This vacuum draws water from the aquarium through a gravel cleaner and into the sink. Once the required amount of water has been removed from the aquarium, the tap connector can be switched to allow the tap water to refill the tank through the same hose"



The unit costs about £30 for what appears to amount to a bit of plastic (A standart gravel cleaner costs about £4.00)



Does anyone have any idea of how a DIY version could be acheived?


Tap powered 'pumps' are a standard bit of lab equipment- any school chemistry lab will have them. Try a supplier of lab equipment- I doubt they are more than £5. Some areas (inc Kent) have a central supply point for schools- they may even sell you one.

As I recall (and it was a "few years" since I did chemistry at school), they are a T piece with the I leg finding into the through route at an angle via a venturia.

I'd imagine there are details one the web.

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Cut the top 1/3 off a 2l coke bottle. Now, fold over the last 10mm of the bottle to make a not so sharp edge. Drill a 12mm (?) hole in the top of the cap. Place hosepipe in boiling water, feed into hole. Dry thourougly, and apply tape to keep in place.

Siphon into loo. Simply fill bottle bit with water, raise above tank a bit till it drains, then put it back underwater. Jiggle around on the bottom, trying not to suck up any fish.

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