Well there are a few other options and I have sucked down some aquarium water in my time. Five gallon bucket and a specific aquarium siphon helps. Basically it is a plastic cylinder with some tubing on the end. But what really works is a Python system <p>
http://www.pythonproducts.com/nospill.htm<p>
it attaches to a faucet and pulls the water from your tank then replaces taken water once you have siphoned enough out twist the pump at the faucet and it fills your tank back up add some dechlorinator and you are good, no sucking down tank water, less messes due to spilling. Costs a little more but you will really appreciate it. I have two one for my tank at work at one for home makes life so much easier. Hope you are enjoying it. <p> Any losses are have you been successful?