Siphon Starting

[lobsternoob]

I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but I figured I'd post this for the heck of it.

Well, I'm not able to use a Python unfortunately for a few reasons, I also maintain a few other peoples tanks for them, and I'm not a big fan of getting tank water in my mouth. So, to start a siphon for water changes or for vacuuming I use one of these [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] . They work great for starting a siphon, and if you find the right place they're only around 10 bucks, Just thought I'd throw this out there and see if anyone else finds them useful. There are also cheaper primer bulbs you can find, any type will work. Just be sure to get a new one and not use one that was already used on a boat, wouldn't want any of that residue getting in the tank. I use them to siphon water back into a few of my tanks too, since I have a tall movable rack i can set buckets on next to my tanks.

[Oscar_freak12321]

Huh...interesting. Usually I just either suck on the end or push it up and down in the water. Never thought of anything like that before.

[Crispy]

My dad uses one of those for his boat.... I'm tall enuff I can get all the air out and syphon as per usual. Cool little gadget though... we used one to drain a small pool last week...

[lethfisher]

if you submerge the entire hose in the water so it gets completely filled then leave one end in and plug the other end with your thumb. lift the plugged end out of the water and stick it in your bucket, unplug it and the suction will be created if you have enough water in the tube. a few air bubbles are okay but the majority of the hose should be filled with tank water. hope this helps!

[Northernguy]

I agree with lethfisher! It works great.
This works well too.

[DrNic]

I agree with the part about getting tank water in your mouth. I always hated that part. It's too bad you can't use a python though. If you don't mind me asking what are the problems?

As for the siphon starters, I've seen those before. My dad uses them a lot as a plumber. Most hardware stores will have them for $5-10 around here. They work pretty well.

If you're using a manual siphon to empty the tanks how are you filling them?

[lethfisher]

my fill routine is a long one. i have two 5 litre container that i fill then stick dechlorinator in it and let it sit for 10 minutes then stick it in the tank. Long process but i am not sure how else to go about it

[DrNic]

my fill routine is a long one. i have two 5 litre container that i fill then stick dechlorinator in it and let it sit for 10 minutes then stick it in the tank. Long process but i am not sure how else to go about it
That does sound kind of long. If you have an avaliable kitchen sink anywhere you can try to get a hose adapter for it. They are pretty easy to find at the hardware store. You can just put the hose into the tank and fill it slowly. As long as your dechlorinator goes into the tank at the same time the water is going in you should be fine.

[lethfisher]

don't you need to let the water sit for a bit before adding it to the tank? I have 20 gallon tank so will the water temp change effect it at all? Obviously i can't make the tap water the exact same temp as the tank water... I guess as long as it is close?

[lobsternoob]

I can't use a python because I don't have access to a tap with anything but very cold water within about 50- 70 feet from my tanks. I rent a studio apartment type deal that is not attached to the main house on the property. My waterchange days are ridiculous, I have a collection of 5 gallon buckets, and I siphon the water back into the tanks by putting the buckets on a movable metal rack thing, similar to a bakers rack thats about 4 feet tall or so. Also very convenient that some of the plumbing is pretty old and when i run hot water it comes out kinda funky, so I have a bunch of spare heaters. Usually I start filling buckets in the morning and don't get to actually changing the water out till the afternoon. It's a lot of fun:hmm3grin2orange:

[Northernguy]

I still do the the bucket dance!
In my 35s I change 3-4 5gal buckets at a time. I remove the water while vacuuming and feed that to my lawn after rinsing the filter.I then add 3-4 buckets of water to the tank.1/2 a bucket at a time.I have one tank thats 7ft high! lolI fill the buckets with the roughly right temp water.Add dechlorinator.almost a capful /bucket. I pour that in the tank as soon as I am ready.
Its not rocket science.Just make sure you add your dechlorinator.

[klaalla]

yea i used to use a python myself, but it has gotten to be a hassle to make sure all the water is out of the hose and that i roll it up and put it away. Maybe it's just how i have things setup for myself? I did however, get some pickle buckets from work. they've got gaskets on the lids so it can hold liquid. it's and simple. it may be going back to the basics but it sure beats using those lame buckets with no lids we got from buying detergent in bulk.

[Scrup]

tidy cat kitty litter buckets work great as well. The big yellow ones. can hold a little under 15G.

[Scrup]

Also I would avoid using your mouth to start the siphon (i do it too though..)

Have heard some stories about people having some bad reactions to mildew/mold building up in some of the tubing. Plus fish water just tastes gross, even more so when its in your lungs.(got a mouth full of snail tank water last night...almost threw up...)

[MonkeyPox]

I use a pump instead of a siphon or python.

[pep3000]

I am a vet tech student so I have access to all sorts of weird goodies. I use a giant slip tip syringe to start my syphon (I think its a 50CC syringe). I also use mu syphon to refill my tank, I find it adds the water back in at a nice slow rate unlike just dumping it in, although if I had a larger tank (Mine is 20L) it would prob take a long time...and I would just dump it in cause im not the most paitent person lol.

-Paul

[Dagamoth]

if you use a siphon that has the gravel cleaning attachment on the end which i'm sure most of you do. just stick the end of the hose in your bucket then submerge the gravel head whatever it's called underwater, when it's full lift it up and as the water starts draining down the hose drop the head part back in the water with the open end facing upwards at an angle, as long as you get water flowing back into the top of the head area and down to where the hose meets it, it will keep sucking water, just keep submerging it further till there is no air in the head and then turn it upside down and start sucking up debris.

if you do it that way your mouth will never again touch aquarium water... hopefully...

[sheamurai]

Wow, you folks with the bucket brigade are way more dedicated than I am! I am pretty sure that if I didn't have my Aquavac I would NOT have the bigger sized tanks that I do, let alone 5 tanks.

I am not worthy!

[terrapin24h]

I can't use a python because I don't have access to a tap with anything but very cold water within about 50- 70 feet from my tanks. I rent a studio apartment type deal that is not attached to the main house on the property. My waterchange days are ridiculous, I have a collection of 5 gallon buckets, and I siphon the water back into the tanks by putting the buckets on a movable metal rack thing, similar to a bakers rack thats about 4 feet tall or so. Also very convenient that some of the plumbing is pretty old and when i run hot water it comes out kinda funky, so I have a bunch of spare heaters. Usually I start filling buckets in the morning and don't get to actually changing the water out till the afternoon. It's a lot of fun:hmm3grin2orange:

The tubing on those things can be easily extended(it's about .80-$1 per foot at home depot and the like). I couldn't do the buckets with our tanks. On the 65 i do 30 gal changes and on the 56 i also do 50%(or there abouts) every week. When i am in a hurry i can have both tanks done in 30 min. However, i generally use the python as a passive siphon-- I just use the water pressure to get it started then shut off the tap and let it go naturally. Saves lots of water and goes easy on the septic tank :)

--chris

[lobsternoob]

for siphoning the water out I just hang a hose out my window after im done using what I want to water the garden. No sense in investing in a python when I have to run a half mile to turn on and off the tap and adjust the temp anyway. Plus since I don't pour the buckets in by hand it isnt that bad, and i can do 3 at once.

[gadget228]

I remove the water while vacuuming and feed that to my lawn after rinsing the filter.

Any chance you have a bunch of cats hanging around your yard ? :hmm3grin2orange: