easy way to drain a tank

[Laticauda]

I use a siphon attached to a garden hose. Here is the siphon I use, and it's just a regular garden hose, the small hose on the end of the siphon fits snugly in the hose. The siphon is self-starting (push it up and down to get the water going) and if you had some way to get the end of the hose lower than the tank, then it would siphon.

I believe what he meant by a floor drain, is a drain in your floor, like in a shower stall. I'm assuming you don't have one though, because then you probably wouldn't be here asking us this question. I say probably, because this is the internet, and you never know!

 

[BrandonJ]

Utility pump is the fastest and easiest way.

 

[Laticauda]

Oh, here's an idea. Buy a large trash can, with wheels on it. Drain your water into the large trashcan, and use the sump pump to drain the trash can into your yard through the window.

 

[jvin85]

I would suggest a DIY model.

You could easily hitch a hose to a pump (I'm sure a pond pump would do it... maybe even overkill) that either goes up to the nearest sink or have it connect to your python hose. Probably can get some advice from a local hardware store.

Diagram:
Python Siphon Head: ||||||
Hose: ====
Pump: @@
Sink: |____|

Current this is your setup
||||||=================== -=> |____|

You may need to do this:

=========@@=========== -=> |____|

or

||||||======@@=========== -=> |____|

 

[Juxtaroberto]

One time at Petco I saw what was basically a hose for water changes, except there was an electrical pump attached to it that pulled the water out. I think you just plug it in and you're good to go.

 

[rrcoolj]

So a pump seems to be the most common suggestion. I do also like the trash can idea at least until I can get a descent pump.

 

[Clay]

There are a few options, but a pump in a bucket is by far the best. It will pump out the water, and if you forget, it won't drain the tank.

OR, you could put the 55 up higher instead of on the ground, slacker.

 

[rrcoolj]

What size pump should i get regarding gph?

 

[CHOMPERS]

I do have a sump pump a room down

Run your hose to the sump. Make sure it works first. Lift the float to see if the pump kicks on. Or just dump a bucket of water in the sump.

 

[rrcoolj]

Run your hose to the sump. Make sure it works first. Lift the float to see if the pump kicks on. Or just dump a bucket of water in the sump.

I do know for a fact the sump works. I have used it many times.