this is a 6 month upkeep on 50 gallon water heater
***Cleaning idea was my wife's and it really works well
1-1/4" pvc pipe with cap
CLR or Sanivac

Good sites to go to:
http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/Long...

http://www.water-heater-repair-guide....

parts for drain:
3/4" Ball Valve
3/4 " 2 way threaded 2-3" tube (brass)
3/4" hose nipple

parts for wet/dry vac

3/4" corrugated blue electric tubing 5 Foot
(or)
3/4" Clear tubing 5 Foot
Wet/dry vacuum adapter

TIP:
if the calcium is hard to get at , just do small bursts from the cutout valve to move around the sediment or use Compressed Air