I used to use phyton its good to vacuum the sand, best way to drain water fast is using a submersible pump and attach a long hose that goes directly outside, save you alot of time.
I just bought a Sicce pump and I agree wholeheartedly. Makes life SO much easier. Even my wife was happy, as she's not thrilled with some aquarium-related purchases. I use a 75-foot garden hose to reach two Brute garbage containers (one for R/O, the other for wastewater). It makes moving water so easy, including watering the garden with nutrient-laden fish-poop water.