If you go the DIY route, get a hose that is rated for human drinking water, not a garden hose which may leach contaminants into the tank. The hose you want is generally marketed for use in recreational vehicles.
Bartender - i use the gravel vac just like a normal syphon, i don't mess with the switch thing on the hose just to move it around in the substrate, but if you had problems losing suction when you move it around, try using it.
By the way, the python keeper thing they sell is worth buying, you coil the python and then the keeper wraps around it and velcros shut, there is a carrying handle on top and it's made of a fabric that handles being wet well and doesn't mildew. It's great for keeping your python rolled tight and for transporting it when you need to carry it around. Yes i'm sure you could find a cheaper DIY option for that too, but iirc it wasn't too expensive.
Bartender - i use the gravel vac just like a normal syphon, i don't mess with the switch thing on the hose just to move it around in the substrate, but if you had problems losing suction when you move it around, try using it.
By the way, the python keeper thing they sell is worth buying, you coil the python and then the keeper wraps around it and velcros shut, there is a carrying handle on top and it's made of a fabric that handles being wet well and doesn't mildew. It's great for keeping your python rolled tight and for transporting it when you need to carry it around. Yes i'm sure you could find a cheaper DIY option for that too, but iirc it wasn't too expensive.
