How Do You Use A Syphon?

[Mr.September15]

I just came back from the pet store and got myself a Lees siphon. I just dont know how to work it? Can you guys help me?

 

[Luke_e]

I place the big end in the water, suck the other end until the water is half way in the tube and flowing, then quickly point it into the bucket (has to be lower than the tank).
Should have instructions on the packaging anyway.

 

[Ethos]

(has to be lower than the tank)

yes, by atleast a couple feet.
Thats the problem I have faced with having tanks close/on the floor.
Not enough suction to suck-up the gunk

 

[Luke_e]

(has to be lower than the tank)

yes, by atleast a couple feet.
Thats the problem I have faced with having tanks close/on the floor.
Not enough suction to suck-up the gunk

How did you solve it? Moved the tanks?

 

[Tolak]

There are a couple of ways. You can either submerge the whole syphon in the tank, letting it fill completely with water. Hold your thumb over the end that goes into the bucket to keep the water in & put it in the bucket. Release thumb to start syphon.

You can also put the one end in the tank, put the other end near the bucket, and give the end near the bucket a good suck. You risk getting a mouthful of water this way, but once the water clears the top rim of the tank, you can stop sucking.

I use the second method. Most all of my syphon hoses are too large to fit completely in the tank.

Tolak

 

[Ethos]

You can either submerge the whole syphon in the tank, letting it fill completely with water. Hold your thumb over the end that goes into the bucket to keep the water in & put it in the bucket. Release thumb to start syphon.

I didn't know that!
I knew there was another way to do it, but I didn't know that that was it!

 

[!Gina]

I bought one of those and had no idea how to work it at first, i dont like the idea of having to suck one end of it though. So i'm going to buy a battery operated one instead, apparently these are much easier to use?

 

[consp]

Easiest way is sucking... Mmmm fish water

You can get syphons that you pump to start... I've got me one of those, they're great.

 

[Notsofab]

Easiest way is sucking... Mmmm fish water

You can get syphons that you pump to start... I've got me one of those, they're great.

Easier still, as I'm assuming you are using it to remove water from the tank - just fill it with water from the tap. Then put your hand/thumb over each end, release the end going into the bucket first, then release the other end. This way no water flows into the tank.

Personally for straight water changes I have found that a piece of hose pipe works well, but use a syphon hoover for cleaning only.

 

[Clairel]

I suck it too, the thumb trick never works for me

C x