Sure. I have one of these. You need to prime it. Can you see the nipple where you put the airline tube? Put a length of airline tube over this nipple, then turn on the skimmer - make sure there is water in the chamber first, just pour some in with a jug so that it's full. Then open the flat knob to the fully open position (perpendicular to the skimmer), now, suck on the airline tube; you need to draw water into the chamber. Be careful not to suck any water into your mouth! This'll start the water flow into the skimmer.