I think they are all much of a muchness. I have 2, one is a large one where it "sucks up for you" but I loose patience and suck it myself (otherwise it's ok it's just the self suck which is rubbish if the tank in't quite full) - I think it may be an Aqua one make but I'm not sure.
My other one (I'll have to find the make at home) is horrible looking; it's black inside now, but I got it second hand with a tank 10 years ago and it's still going strong. The tube went slack on the lid bit so we put a cable tie around it to keep it in place and it works fine
I've got an (ancient) Algarde basic one; just a rigid plastic tube with a top the pushes into a smaller flexible pipe. No 'vacuums' or syphon starter or anything like that.
You can use a old drink bottle with a pipe attached to the end too; I did it like that for years until some gave me the Algarde one!
Not available in the UK though; the only way I know of is to either make one yourself (there's instuctions on how to do it in the DIY section) or import one.
I just use a hose out the window for emptying and a hose from the tap to refill; the only buckets I use are what I've needed to clean the gravel (two or three per tank).
Anyway, marie's tank is only 60l, a python might be a bit over overkill there tbh!
Still need to be able to clean the substrate though! My hose doesn't fit my gravel cleaner, and the pipe on my gravel cleaner doesn't reach the window from some of my tanks, so I'm still having to use some buckets
I use this one, http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Interpet-Extra-Large-Prime-Gravel-Cleaner-1719-/180638337788?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a0ee24afc#ht_1735wt_1199
I made me own out off a coke bottle and a piece off garden hose
Works like a dream... Maybe a little 2 well as its soooo fast lol.. Fills a bucket in like 30 seconds.