I was going to clean my filter for the first time since getting my tank, and as usual, got everything ready for the water change, 50%, switched off all the electrics and pulled the filter from the cupboard. With the instructions to hand I tried to remove the tap connector, but my hands weren't strong enough to undo the screws and like the idiot that I am,

I've just this minute realised that's not what was meant!!

so I thought I would just remove the pump head and I suddenly found all the water was syphoning back out of the tank through it

luckily I had a couple of buckets to hand (and the carpet covered) and managed to catch nearly all the water before I could drag the outlet and inlet pipes from the tank to stop the flow. I eventually got the filter housing to the kitchen complete with bucket of tank water (here's one I filled earlier!!

and did the necessary work. I had removed all the silk plants and ornaments to make a good job of cleaning the gravel and emptying the tank. That bit went well as I can run a pipe straight outside into the garden. No problem there. Then I have a 25 litre bucket which I fill with the garden hose, dose with de chlorinator, add warm water and use a submersible pump to refill the tank. This is where it went wrong again! The pump switch had accidently been knocked on and as I was trying to get the pipe into the tank, water was flowing onto the carpet, it took me a while to realise what had happened!! Finally I finished and cleaned up, somewhat wet and chastened and not to mention shattered, it had taken me all morning. I just hope my poor fish survive after all that!!
Not doubt I'm not the first and won't be the last to make these silly mistakes and I hope it's given everyone a laugh