Water change help, can't use Python system..

Water changes sometimes feel like they will be the death of me. I want so bad to use the Python system, but because of our sinks in our house we can' use it. My 5 gallon isnt really a issue because its so small, but my 20 gallon is where my issues are..the tank is on the other side of kitchen wall, think if your at your kitchen sink and theres a open "window" right above it so you can see to another room. Right under that window to the side is the tank, so I know there must be a easier way for me to do water changes with it being so close to a sink. Is there some sort of pump system I can try? Right now what I do is syphon everything out into a bucket, haul that off, haul a new bucket with clean water to the tank and use a small 1 gallon bowl to add the new water in. This leads to back pain and almost always water spilling at some point..does anyone have a better system that I could try?

 

The only thing that comes to mind at least for taking out the old water is maybe a dedicated rolling trash can? At least you could wheel it instead of carry it. Would help the back a little bit.

 

i went from dragging around a 5g bucket to just using a gallon jug more trips but less of a back ache lol

 

Use a pump to pump water back in. No lifting a gallon at a time. Syphon out into a rolling bucket, pump water back in with a small pump with a minimum 6 foot head. I've had a bunch of heart operations so lifting is not really an option.
Even if you put the pump in the kitchen sink and matched the faucet speed to the pump speed.

 

Water changes sometimes feel like they will be the death of me. I want so bad to use the Python system, but because of our sinks in our house we can' use it. My 5 gallon isnt really a issue because its so small, but my 20 gallon is where my issues are..the tank is on the other side of kitchen wall, think if your at your kitchen sink and theres a open "window" right above it so you can see to another room. Right under that window to the side is the tank, so I know there must be a easier way for me to do water changes with it being so close to a sink. Is there some sort of pump system I can try? Right now what I do is syphon everything out into a bucket, haul that off, haul a new bucket with clean water to the tank and use a small 1 gallon bowl to add the new water in. This leads to back pain and almost always water spilling at some point..does anyone have a better system that I could try?

Sorry about your dilemma but I kinda feel like the python was made for larger tanks, but a 20 gal is feasible.In your case i would stick to the good ole bucket system,and all you need to do is take your time.i do both and for me either works.Also my setup in my home is different than yours whereas with the python I have the 25footer so everything is directly with in range of the sink.So,Instead of so many back and fourth trips maybe you should just have your dechlorinated water sitting and ready to go at the tank.So that way once you siphon out the dirty water it should all be in sync..boom new water right at your side.Its just an idea and thought for you... but through consistent WC I know you'll figure it out.Wish all the best and I hope I helped.Oh yeah and trust me either method(python or bucket)you can't hide from spillage..lol.

 

How big of a pump do you need to lift water four feet off the floor?

 

All pumps have a head height somewhere on them. I cant remember what mine is. But Its adjustable. I got it with a brewing kit. It cooled the coil for beer.

 

Thanks everyone! I will try to find a pump and try that out!

 

I just attach my siphon pipe with a pipe like shown in the picture and just sit in a chair and relax without any hussle. The other end of the pipe lies in bathroom floor. One of my tank is situated at least 15 feet away from the bathroom and it still works. Any opening anywhere in your house/flat where you can put the end of the pipe to drain the water will work. 1 thing, some water will spill on the floor in the process where 2 pipes are joined. But it will be extremely nominal. I just mop it twice once will dry cloth & then with a slight amount of detergent.
But as per I know, in North America the floors have carpet whereas in India cemented or marble floors are used. So the water spillage can be a problem for carpets but I think you can just put a swallow tub underneath the joining of the two pipes & it will work fine. The entire pipe will have to be lied on floor for this to work. But I don't think a minor upliftment because of the tub will cause any issue. Push the siphon pipe as far as you can inside the other pipe.