How long does it take for you to do a water change w/ a Python? How big is your tank and how much water do you change? For me, it takes me about 30 minutes to do a 50% water change on my 55g.
takes me no more than an hour to do all of my tanks with the python. thats a 75, 40, 38, 29, and a 5. maybe 30-40%, i just go until the gravel is all cleaned, maybe a little more depending on how much water is left when i'm done. i clean all my tanks first, then put in my conditioners, then fill them all back up.
20-30 minutes,maybe not even that long, to do two tanks, 1 45g and 1 46g.\
Much easier. It's so quick and easy, helps me keep a more regular water change schedule on my non-planted tank. Python is also great on the planted tank, doesn' disturb the substrate.
Mg, good thought on turning off the water....my wife wasn't so thrilled about the amount of water it wastes.
it sounds like you are using this without turning the water on!!! i made that mistake when i first used it but now i can do a 55g 50% w/c all in about 15 min