how to start overflow siphon

[Fierro Nights]

when i first got my fuge i was confused as to how to get the thing started, i tried putting water in the u-tube, keeping my fingers over it, and a few other things, nothing worked just right, but i did find a way that works 100% perfict everytime.

my sump/fuge came with some pumps a 600gal and an 800 g/h well, the 800g/h pump like most tank pumps or powerheads came with suction cups, mine where large enough to fit on the ends of my u-tube, what i do now is put the u-tube under water inside my tank, let it fill with water, i get two suction cups place them on the ends of the tube while still underwater as to not let any air in, i then press down on the suction cups so they create a vacuum then i take it out of the water, place it in my overflow, and diy surface skimmer, and before i remove the suction cups, i start my sump to bring up the water level in the main tank, i turn off the water flow leading to my sump w/ the ball valve i installed and then remove the suction cups to the u-tube.

then i slowly open the ball valve on the pipe leading to my sump, this way i dont get any air build up inside of my u-tube untill i turn off my sump during feeding time.

i just wanted to share this with everyone and hope it helps out a guy because it really stumped me when i was first trying to get the whole thing started.

 

[lance]

You could also use an air tube stuck through the pipe on the tank side and then blow to force water flow.

 

[NiGeR1986]

I was going to say the same thing as Lance. But i guess whatever works for ya.

 

[ccCapt]

Well, Lance almost got it right. Except you don't blow into the u-tube, you suck the air out. Put the airline half way thru and suck. You'll never start a siphon blowing air into the tube, you have to suck it out.

 

[lance]

Yes i agree , as blowing would add air as sucking would remove the air. Just besure theres a water surface on both ends.

Thats for the correct as i do that alot.

 

[Fierro Nights]

BUT, my method does not require putting tubes in my mouth, all the same as long as they work, but!, does the tube method remove all air bubbles? my u-tube does not have a nipple on the top which would really come in handy when air does collect up there.

 

[Ziggy953]

Typically using the airline tubing/surgical tubing will remove all air from the U-tube. Air can build back up in the tube as bubbles get trapped. I have some surgical tubing I use to start my overflows. I have 2 overflows and 4 U-tubes on my system and when I do regular maintenance I check the u-tubes. If I need to remove the air bubbles I do so, most of the time I don't have to mess with them.

 

[cmor1701d]

An Aqualifter pump is ideal for this if you don't want to suck on the end of a tube.