Best way to clean out a large tank?

[PoggiPJ]

I'm downsizing from a 220 to a new 180, and need to drain the water, remove sand, etc. I'm visualizing a really nasty, smelly mess, reaching in and manually scooping out wet sand. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to make this job just a little bit easier?

 

[slief]

Use 1.5" vinyl hose to siphon the sand out. Try to get any large snail shells and small rocks out before you siphon as they will clog the hose up.

 

[catman78]

Shop Vac

 

[dave.m]

Pay an unsuspecting teenager to do it.

Dave.M

 

[Blitzburggirl]

Hahaahahaha teenagers are great labor. I'm trying to find one that wants to make $100 by pulling all the asterina starfish from my display.