Water changes - advice please

[CyprusSteve]

I have a 250 litre tank, and, I am trying to achieve a 50% water change weekly.
At present I am emptying water into buckets, and refilling from buckets - whilst this works fine, it is causing me a problem as I have a serious heart condition, and it is proving difficult for me to manage it physically due to the number of buckets and weight involved to complete the process - it is something like 15 LARGE buckets each time !
I am totally non technical, and I am sure there must be a solution to this which does not involve lifting and carrying large volumes of water - my sink is roughly the same heigh above ground as my fish tank.
Is there a piece of kit I can buy, or have made, which will solve the problem - if it is something I need to have made, can you please explain it in as SIMPLE terms as possible, as, I am not practical at all - I am sure there is a solution, and I am hoping someone can help.
Thanks
Steve

 

[DaHerb_what_herb]

i'm pretty sure you can buy a water changing kit (seen one somewhere just can't remeber where). however if you can't find one you could also purchase a submersible pump connect a hose to the outlet of the pump, put the pump in the tank and the other end of the hose in a drain / sink. once in place turn the pump on and leave running until the required amount of water has been removed from the tank. then when you want to fill the tank again simply connect a hose to the kitchen tap for example and refill. only problem you might have with this is that unless you have a mixer tap you will only be able to fill with water the temp that comes out of the tank which may result in stressed fish due to temp change.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

this thread may well contien the answer!
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=95738

 

[zig]

^^^^^exactly what i was going to post, it works as well i just made one following the instructions in that thread, and the good thing is it isnt difficult and the parts are readily available so you should have no problems, even for a non DIY ER its easy enough.

I was in the same situation as yourself, buckets of water everywhere, and water changes became a real chore, i was doing 10 out and 10 back in and it took ages, anyway the diy python works and makes life so much easier, id highly recommend it.

 

[CyprusSteve]

Thanks
The water temperature isn't really a problem, as I live in Cyprus, and even most of the year the cold water usually comes out about 27 degrees - it may need warming in the few winter months though.
I have printed off the DIY recommendation, and will shw it to my friendly neighbourhood plumber - remember, you are talking to a guy who can only just change a plug !!
Steve