How do you start a siphon?

I was browsing some threads and I noticed two people said they start a siphon by sucking on the other end of the hose, in this thread.

That got me wondering if a lot of people started a siphon that way.

I have used that technique for emptying a gasoline tank which you can only access from the fuel neck... but for an aquarium, with easy access, there is a lot easier way that won't get fish poop in your mouth.

All you have to do is stick the entire hose under the water and let the air out so the hose fills with water. Stick your finger over one end of the hose and pull that end out of the water, leaving the other end completely under water. Then put the end of the hose with your finger on it into the bucket and let go.

 

That is how I start it. Just get all the air out of the line and make sure the output is lower then the input and you should be ok.

 

U - tube siphon overflows still require the suck and spit method. Or, a pump.

 

I had a problem here a few days ago with my overflow. It just wouldn't prime, even with my siphon assist. I had to suck. Yup. Saltwater. From the overflow. Anyone look in their overflow lately. I did afterward. Shouldn't have.

 

Fair enough, but they were referring to gravel vacs, which lead me to believe people may be using that method when they don't have too.

I happen to have a regular drain overflow... but if I did have a siphon overflow you can bet I would modify it (or get a pump) so no sucking need me required.

 

I use this kind of gravel vac from petsmart.




No sucking or sticking a long tube in the water making a wet mess trying to get all the air out and getting your hands all wet. Just squeeze the bulb a few times and flows it goes.

 

fish poop, smish poop.. I drink water from lake Michigan really don't think that there is anything worse than that! so sucking for me, like sostoudt said its faster.

 

gasoline vs. fish poop, hmmmm

 

I suck--it's faster and I rarely get any salt water in my mouth.

 

I suck but I also use a clear siphon tube so I can see the water coming and stop before it gets to my mouth.