Water changes

Like I said before, I like doing the changes. I use a python to fill and do part of the draining, but I rigged up a vacuum / drainer that works faster than our python. I took some heavy clear hose and a cheap gravel vac that you pump. It has a tapered end on its outflow tube, which I just pushed into the clear hose. I use that to vacuum and drain into the yard (goes pretty fast). Plus, I didn't really want all that water flowing through our drainfield as it would if I drained through the python only.
 
Anyone ever made a home-made version of the Python? Is it any cheaper? Parts to do something similar available?
 
Usually I enjoy them; it's fun to watch my fish react to the current from the python. However, since I'm now rather pregnant and suffering extreme back pain, not so much. LOL
 
I detest water changes. Less so since moving into a place that makes a python a viable option, but they're still a time-consuming hassle, and I still don't do them with any kind of regularity. They do get done at least once a month now though, as opposed to almost never when I had to carry buckets.

I still have to schlep buckets around for my tanks at work, so those don't really get water changes.
 
I created a python type device by buying a garden hose, a Y adapter with valves and a sink adapter. I put the hose on one end of the Y adapter that is on the sink and keep it closed, I open the other side that just dumps into the sink and get the temp right. Then you open the one to the house and shut the sink one. Other end is of course in the tank. For changing I just syphon with my gravel vac into a hose that leads out the door into a garden.
 
I hate doing water changes and tank maintenance in general...but somebody's got to do it. Besides, I hate looking at a dirty tank just as much as cleaning them.
 
i love every single minute of tank maintenance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I hate getting ready & putting away but I do kinda like watching the poo get sucked up & the fishes' happy swimming after. I use a Python most of the time but buckets if it's just 1 or 2 tanks, discus need more WCs. Keeping everything separate on a quarantine tank is a PITA too.
 
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