Water changes on a 125G Tank - Need some advice!

[Lusus_Naturae]

If you don't want to spring for the python, just get a good 3/4" hose from a hardware store. Siphon the tank out the window or through a door, then attach the hose to a nearby sink and fill with water the same temp. You don't waste tons of water this way like you do with a python and it costs a whole heck of a lot less. I now use a pump attached to the hose that I just drop in the tank instead of siphoning and it speeds everything up even more.

You can also stick a powerhead on the end in the tank and you can speed up water flow out and you can stick a flex hose on the other side of the powerhead, add a screen, and vac your tank too.

Doesn't the FX5 have the advantage of being able to connect a hose onto it and backflush the canister out, effectively being able to use that as a means to do a water change?

 

[Cicho]

I went to Home Depot and purchased a 25 foot 1.25" hose used for sump pump drainage for $10. It comes with a fitting to connect the hose to a threaded connection. I purchased a fitting to go from the threaded connection to 1.5" PVC Pipe and a 24" section of 1.5" PVC pipe. Total cost about $16.

I can easily start the siphon and drain 75 gallons from a 150 is about 3 minutes. I just drain outside to some thirsty bushes or to my slop sink.

Then I use a Python (just because I have it) to put warm water back in the tank.