Like I said when starting back up in this hobby, you're suddenly inventing all types of gadgets and processes to support the tank. Aside from being a plumber, chemist, biologist, carpenter, etc....LOL
Show Me Your Waterchange Hardwares
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Like I said when starting back up in this hobby, you're suddenly inventing all types of gadgets and processes to support the tank. Aside from being a plumber, chemist, biologist, carpenter, etc....LOL
like i said i siphon out windows and slider door, i like the standered python hose size. gives me time to get a good vacuum in with out sucking out my gravel, but enough to fill the vacuum tube half way and let the gravel filter out as it falls back out. To Me, changing the water only half the job, getting the gravel cleaned out the other. I only use the python to fill, besides the water waste it does not create quite enough draw to do a good vacuuming.
Been there, done that. Vacuuming/siphoning into a 5 gallon bucket for a total of fifteen miserable gallons, then filling the bucket in the bath tub and carrying it back into the living room to refill the tank...and then repeating the process at least three more times every single day. Getting a python was definitely a level up from the 5 gallon bucket. Ran the hose out the back door to drain and to the kitchen faucet to fill the tank.
How much water is routinely changed out is key in determining an efficient water change system. I'd use a 5 gallon bucket if I had a 10 gallon tank. If I still had a 55 gallon tank, I'd use a python or some kind of hose system. Unfortunately, when changing out hundreds of gallons, syphoning is too slow, and a drain or pump is more efficient. Efficiency becomes more important when changing out large quantities water.
How much water is routinely changed out is key in determining an efficient water change system. I'd use a 5 gallon bucket if I had a 10 gallon tank. If I still had a 55 gallon tank, I'd use a python or some kind of hose system. Unfortunately, when changing out hundreds of gallons, syphoning is too slow, and a drain or pump is more efficient. Efficiency becomes more important when changing out large quantities water.
I do 500g every Saturday, it is the ritual, along with the vacuuming and filter maintenance. has been for years, takes between 5 and 6 hours, and i do not mind a bit, the large part of the satisfaction of keeping my fish and enjoying them is the work that is put into them. for 6 hours on Saturday, I get 6 days of just enjoying them. It works for me. 
Good for you.I do 500g every Saturday, it is the ritual, along with the vacuuming and filter maintenance. has been for years, takes between 5 and 6 hours, and i do not mind a bit, the large part of the satisfaction of keeping my fish and enjoying them is the work that is put into them. for 6 hours on Saturday, I get 6 days of just enjoying them. It works for me.
Tank maintenance and housekeeping are not my thing.
1.5" pool hose will siphon twice as fast as a 0.75" garden hose. But how do you start the siphon. Are there adapters sold that can connect to wash room faucet?
I tried the pool hose, for my 180, but I found handling/storing the hose a PITA, so I went back to the garden house. I started the siphoning by just sucking on the end of the hose and let gravity do the rest. It sure drained 50% of that 180 quickly though.
I use my shop vac...about a 2 sec suck.
As far as storing it, I had the same issue. ...then I got a big screw-in hook from HomeD and screwed it into a stud in my garage. It hangs there by the door next to my shop vac.
A friend of mine puts his pool hoses in outdoor storage bins made for storing pool equipment....I'm not so organized..lol.
Velcro straps are my friend...I use them for wrapping up python hoses, to wrapping up wires on my aquarium gear to make it look tidy. That can zip-ties.
I don't suck to start siphoning on my garden hose. I hook up one end to the faucet, and the other end submerged in the tank. Turn on the faucet until all air is out and full flow begins. Then shut off the faucet, disconnect and relocate hose end to a lower elevation for discharge. The quick disconnect smooths the transition and allows my thumb to plug the leak in transition.
Because of handling hazzle, I'll pass pool hose idea and stick with my garden hose set up. In summer months, I dump the flow at the lowest point in the lawn and it drains fast. In winter, I use two hoses to drain my big tank because I can only dump the water in a toilet at higher elevation and it drains slower.
