I had bought a syphoning gravel cleaner and it told me to shake it half way under water until it started to syphon. It didnt work so I had sucked it then it started to move but by time it got to the end of the line into the bucket it was so slow that I could go make lunch, eat it, and come back to it before it did anything. So I was wondering if anyone could help because I am so doing it wrong.
2007-02-25 19:46:31 · 5 answers · asked by Crystal L 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
How high is the tank from the bucket or whatever you were using to hold the water you were removing? If it wasn't high enough you will never get a good fast flow and maybe you should invest in getting one that hooks up to your faucet. There are 2 brands that I know of, Python and Lees ultimate gravel vac.
2007-02-26 01:06:34 · answer #1 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find the best way to get a siphons working is to plug the end with plasticine, (or bluetac) and fill the tube from the tap. Lower the siphon into the tank, and ensure that there are no air bubbles in it.
Place a bucket on the floor, and then remove the plasticine from the end of the pipe.
The flow rate will depend on how large your siphon is, but the end in your tank should be able to pull gravel an inch or so up the pipe.
Siphons work with gravity, so the larger the height difference the stronger the flow will be.
If the flow rate is unbearably slow, you could try getting a larger siphon.
2007-02-26 01:19:21 · answer #2 · answered by deranged_bee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two ways, submerge the entire thing and let the air bubbles run out, then plug the end of the air tube with your thumb and bring it out into the bucket, let go and the syphon should start immediately.
Or submerge only the vacuum end and tilt it up so the air runs out, then use a turkey baster (or your own mouth should you not mind the taste of fish water at some point in time) to start the syphon from the air hose. It will go faster since you got all the air bubbles out of the vacuum end.
2007-02-25 22:03:43 · answer #3 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a syphon that has a hand pump on it, you put the gridded part in the water onto gravel then at the other end you squeeze it about 4 ttimes and the water comes out pretty well. I got it off ebsay for £3 new, maybe one like that would be better?
2007-02-26 05:22:26 · answer #4 · answered by A C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hold the siphon where the tube and siphon connect. Submerge it underwater at that point and start bouncing it quickly underwater in small jabs. You should start to hear the water getting sucked it. Keep doing it until it begins a flow out of the other end. Then you are all set to go. Once you do it once or twice you'll get the hang of it of how it works.
2007-02-26 01:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by sonicachic311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋