Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer 50 Feet 17.7" x 2.7" x 21"
Aqueon
Regular price $88.99
I know people are comparing it to the pricier and objectively better python water siphon, HOWEVER.. this water changer is good for people who are a bit tight on money. Yes, the adapter does not work on all faucets, and I have to manually hold it in place, as I haven't found the right adapter yet, BUT--- it does it's purpose, and does it without any problems, at least for me. I think it is a good investment when you figure out how to use it most efficiently, and it does make water changes much easier and quicker! I have a 40 gallon and it works great for it. I do make some messes with water, but it really cuts down on maintenance time and I don't mind cleaning up afterwards (all entirely due to my fault and lack of a proper adapter).
The adapter that came with it didn't fit my sink, so I trooped on over to Lowes and got the (both sides male) adapter that was 3/4" on one side (for the siphon) and 1/2" on the other (for my faucet).
Your faucet might be different.
Lots of reviews mention that part breaking, so I suppose it was going to need it anyway, but it was less than $5 so I'm happy.
The suction is not amazing, but I upgraded my filter to an AquaClear and there is hardly anything on the bottom to worry about anymore anyway.
Happy me, happy turtle, great water quality, looks like smiles all around.
I really like this water changer/vacuum.
Sadly does not hook up to my bathroom faucet ( recessed filter/flow outlet)
and it's not long enough to reach from my kitchen to bedroom- they do have longer hoses but I didn't order because thought I would be using it hooked up in bathroom, which is directly across from bedroom.
This is a great price as I saw the same system @ a pet food/supply store for $30 more!
I hooked this up in kitchen to test it-
The only real issue I can see with it is that
it leaves a fairly large amount of water/moisture in the long tubing and I have concerns of molding.
I did hang it outside of a sunny day ( though not very warm) and it didn't help with that.
I think an air compressor would be the only way to eliminate the retained water.
I will keep this and try to purchase longer hosing.
This thing is a game-changer, turning what used to be an incredibly arduous chore of lugging 5g bottles to and from the bathtub into a pleasant "vacuuming" experience that's quite gratifying to watch; dig into the gravel a bit and watch the debris flow! As soon as the cleanup is done and the water level desired reached, you just turn the valve at the faucet and water starts flowing back into the aquarium. Just be sure to set the water temp before sending back up the tube!
All in all this tool took a 2hr chore and turned it into a 40m lighter chore. It's well constructed with thick tubing and reinforced pressure fittings. Anyone that has gotten this thing to break is most -certainly- threading it into the facet too tightly... it only needs a light hand tighten to seal.
Highly recommend.
The instructions were about average for this item, meaning they could have been more clear but I figured it out just fine. There are additional pieces that came with this, but there were no instructions about why you may need them or when to use them, so that is an area that could use some improving. The packaging was the type that is impossible to open without destroying it, so do not plan on being able to store the item in its original packaging! Otherwise, set-up was very easy and it worked like a champ! I've used siphons in the past and it is not only a pain to get them started properly, but to have to empty buckets. This eliminates all of those headaches and made refilling the tank an absolute breeze. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who has a fish tank!