Can't figure out gravel vac

[MyFishAddiction]

I have no idea how to use my gravel vac! I watched a lot of Youtube videos, but none of them help and I don't want to suck on it. What do you guys do to get the siphon started?

 

[ahouseofscales]

If you move the siphon up and down in the water really fast it can start the siphon, but it can also stress fish out. You can also submerge the tube and get all the air out, and then cover the draining end with your finger and put it in the bucket and let go. That should start the siphon.

 

[inari]

I have no idea how to use my gravel vac! I watched a lot of Youtube videos, but none of them help and I don't want to suck on it. What do you guys do to get the siphon started?

I would just suck on the end to get it up above the top of the tank then drop it in the bucket and drain off the amount I needed to remove (25 to 50%). Then I would go wash my mouth out with mouthwash because fish water can taste pretty bad sometimes.

 

[John58ford]

Put the siphon bell in one hand, tube in the other. Scoop water into the bell then hold it above the tank, as the water drains into the hose kink it. Scoop again, hold it above the tank and gently release the kink, as the water drains into the hose, repeat. Once the hose is full of water, your siphon will work. Partly kink the hose for expert level vacuuming action.

 

[Mike]

Here ya go: 1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video | Cleaning and Maintenance Forum | 19653

 

[BigManAquatics]

Here ya go: 1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video | Cleaning and Maintenance Forum | 19653

This is the one i was looking for!! Thank you Mike !! Forget the name of it

 

[LurkingontheReg]

Turkey baster. Get em for $1 at Dollar Tree.
Don't even put my hand in the water.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Turkey baster. Get em for $1 at Dollar Tree.
Don't even put my hand in the water.

Do you mean you use the turkey baster as the gravel vac or do you use it to start the siphon?

 

[LurkingontheReg]

Sorry, I mean to start the syphon.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Sorry, I mean to start the syphon.

That’s neat. I have a turkey baster already in my aquarium stand for watering plants so I’ll have to try that next time

 

[SallImSayin]

The plastic part you use to suck stuff up, fill it with tank water. Hold it up and at an angle with your thumb over the end of the tube, blocking water from coming out the end of it and let the water fill the tube. Put the plastic part back in the water fully and it should start. Personally, I just suck on the end - quicker.