Concerned about pythons wasting water

Hi Everyone!, I want to try getting a python water change system, but I am concerned about the fact it wastes a ton of water during the vacuuming portion of the water change, does anybody know a workaround to minimize water wastage with pythons?

 

I only use the python to fill. I run a 50ft hose to my backyard and syphon my waste water into the grass.

I cut the metal ends off this:


HDX 1/2 in. Dia x 50 ft. Utility Water Hose-WWT5821050 - The Home Depot

zip-tied this to one end (the end that goes in the tank):


Medium Pre-Filter Sponge | Aquarium Filter Accessory for Fish Tanks

and clamp it halfway down the tank (so it doesn't fall out and drains 50% of the water without me watching it):


Anvil Spring Clamp Set (22-Piece)-TGS0199A - The Home Depot (they come in a pack, but any weak spring clamp that wont damage the glass should be fine)

looking at a total cost of about $35 after tax (approximately)

 

You need to find a drain below the water level of the tank for it to syphon without running water. Usually a bathtub works. Edit to add be very careful if working by yourself that the hose doesn't fall out on either side, Easy to put a weight on tub side [careful to not scratch tub] tank side is a little tougher, also be careful not to suck up small fish.

 

Pythons are a huge waste of water and way overpriced. I use a tradational siphon for my upstairs tanks and a pond pump for the tanks in the basement. The pump empties the tank very quickly. For filling i just use a garden hose off the taps.

I like having it seperate so i can drain one tank while i fill the other.

You can get the same thing as a python by buying a waterbed fill kit for 1/4 the price.

 

I noticed my Python will vacuum my bedroom tank (weakly) even when I turn off the bathtub faucet once I get it flowing. If your tank is higher than your faucet this will work for you also.

Having said that, I leave my water on when I vacuum because I like the higher suction and actually completely vacuum my gravel. Many here do not and cannot. But like you I have wondered how much water this uses. I suppose I could close the tub drain next time I do a water change and see.

 

"I like having it seperate so i can drain one tank while i fill the other." This would end in disaster for me. One tank at a time for me. I was doing a water change on my 240 gallon tank in my bedroom and got distracted by a movie [Road Warrior] in the living room. Hose flopped out of tank and about a third of 240 gallons was on the floor. Wife wasn't happy. Took days for the rug to dry.