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I'm interested in purchasing a python as my syphon with the 3 ft hose that runs to a 5 gallon bucket and then hauling buckets of water is getting old. I have cichlids in my 90 so water changes occur FREQUENTLY (every 4 days). My question is, how exactly does the python work? I know that it can fill your tank and connects to your faucet. Do you then diconnect the end that runs to the faucet and run it down ur sink drain to syphon your gravel?

The python has a little T-type attachment that screws onto your faucet (that is, if your faucet has a screw on type regulator/screen assembly). The 25' hose then hooks onto a this at a 90 degree angle. The water from your faucet gets concentrated down a little cone and shoots past the intersection where your 25' hose comes in. The water/air rushing past the hose creates a vacuum, as the pressure inside the connector is lower and water starts to be pulled into the 25' end, and you start siphoning water and detritus from your tank

When you're done cleaning your gravel, just flip the switch at the bottom of the connector that's on your faucet. This seals the bottom of it, leaving the water no place to go but back out the 25' hose end, back into your tank. Add water conditioner as you're filling and voila, no spill no mess water change w/o the buckets!!

They work very well, i use one at home

i also use one, but heres a tip. if u close the valve on a python to go change it from drain to fill, HOLD THE HOSE FIRMLY BEFORE YOU OPEN THE VALVE AGAIN!!! i didnt do this once, and there was a whole bunch of pressure (i think TV distracted me, or some one IMed me), the hose nearly flew out of my tank and spilled everywhere.