I have not used this product just yet. I have opened it up and inspected the parts. It looks to be real solid. The brass adapter fits my other Lees hook ups and the connecter fittings look beefy. More to come once I use it.

I've been using Python for several years. Tried to talk my sister in to getting one but she chose to go with a lesser expensive brand. She used it twice and returned it for a Python.
If I had a gripe would be the vacuum tube being to short. Wish they were longer so I did not have to put hands in the water. I know you can order longer tubes but I think they would be a bigger hit if part of original equipment.
The only problem I have ever had is the faucet pump breaking where it threads on to the faucet. I had to replace the top assembly. I was told by the dealer who sold it to me that it was a common problem. Now I make sure I thread on more carefully and don't try to over tighten and it has lasted quite awhile.
One other small quible would be when using it to fill and using the valve to shut water off, water pressure causes it to spray out at the faucet connection.
As to it's power, convenience and ease to use, I am very pleased with the product overall. Seems though that most LFS's and Big Box stores sell the cheaper products, so I have to order on line to find them now.

I have used the Python longer then Ron has and I think he is older than I am...LOL.
I like the quality of the product and easy replacement parts. LEE'S make one but the hose is to small. It does not work as well. Deep Blue, which is the old employees from Oceanic has one that workes just as well as Python. The key is your water pressure. It you don't have good house water pressure is will not suck very well and that will suck.

This is my third gravel vac set up just like this. I have used Marina, Aqueon, and a few replacement parts by LEE. By looks and feel the python seems to be built out of the right materials for the price and built strong at the correct points.

I would have to say the Python is a great INVESTMENT for any enthusiast, no matter how many tanks!! I used to use the bucket method, but once I graduated to bigger than 55G I knew it was time. Best $60 spent. My aquarium upkeep went from 2 hrs for 1 tank, to 2.5 hrs to do all 4. Its great, you can start the siphon and kill the water faucet power and use the trickle to wash everything. I did thorough review scanning to eliminate the Aqueon and Marina setups.

QUICK REPLY: Definitely spend a little extra on the Python setup, far superior with the new Brass connector.

First use was flawless. No leaks or air bubbles . The hose is by far higher grade then both Aqueon and Marina. I have purchased all three brand new out the bag/box. I like that the python hose is clear vs marinas bluish and aqueons grey. Very flexible tubing and is easier to control. plus after looking online for more that python offers, they have quick disconnects that could work wonders for the tanks I can just drain into the tub vs using excess water.

I LOVE the PYTHON!!!! I have always used the old bucket method. But after looking around and asking questions I bought the PYTHON (the only system I have used, other than the old bucket method) and I am sooooo happy with it. I will never use anything else. Thanks Flippercon for letting us know about the quick disconnect, I have to look around and see if I can find it.

Ron look what I found. Now ya got me thinking about getting one.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=36%22gravel+tube

I like the color...that's all I got lol

Do ya'll ever have a problem with the tube starting to turn black? My gravel vac does that. I guess it's hard to dry it out so over time it get's funky. Ever happen to you?

I did half of the tanks yesterday with the python and one thing I noticed was the return of water was a whole lot faster then the others I have used. The valve that comes with the unit is pretty much useless, I usually just pinch the line and release.

That's a little weird. Our posts got crossmojonized.