Using powerhead for water change?

I always wondered why no one uses a powerhead to clean gravels, instead of using python?

Right now I have a slight problem - most of my tanks are at the basement and the tap is only on the first floor. Until recently, I only had small tanks so water change was manageable but at the rate number/size of tanks are growing, this will soon go out of control...

I am considering python (or equivalent) but due to the structure of the house, I am about 50 feet away from the tap (even though the actual distance is no more than 10 feet).

So would 50 feet python work, especially when you are one floor under the tap? Water pressure is pretty good...

What about using powerhead instead? Is there one that is powerful enough to drive water one floor higher over 50 feet of hose?

Originally posted by Cearbhaill
You'd need an awfully big water pump to move water up one floor- a powerhead wouldn't touch it.

Measure the vertical distance then research pump capabilities. If you go the long way (50 ft of tubing) instead of directly up you'll have to take into consideration each bend of the hose as well.

Is there no sort of basement drain for wastewater?
Even a toilet would do.

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Hmm, actually that is a good point - I do have a drainage, but I put a carpet over it as I didn't see a need for a drainage in the basement at all when I was doing the renovation. Perhaps I should revive it! At least then I have the option to syphon out the water without any help from either motors or even python...

Thanks for giving me the dea!

Originally posted by JSchmidt
I use a Mag pump at my office to pull water from the tank; I don't have to go up a floor to the sink, but at one time I had a very long run of hose and needed something more than the suction produced by the Python. If you look at the pump capacity per head, you'll get an idea which pumps would do the job. One of the larger Mag pumps should do the trick, and I'm sure there are other brands as well.

Jim

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Sounds like alot of trouble for just few tanks... For now, I'll find out if I can create a drainage through the carpet safely... Otherwise, I'll be forced to look into ths pump idea...

Thanks!