In the past and including myself, we’ve all sucked the bottom of the hose to start the siphon. Those who are less skilled at this will usually get a mouthful of fishy water – YUKS! Be aware that there are several zoonotic pathogens in the water and it is not a good idea to do it this way.
Below are several ways of avoiding tasting the fishy waters:
- Use a syringe at the bottom end of the hose
- Fill the entire tube with aquarium water by submerging the entire length of hosing in the aquarium and allowing the air to escape; and then with a thumb sealing one end of the hose, put that end in the bucket and leave one end in the aquarium
- Scoop water into the hose with the broad end as shown in this video
- Purchase gravel siphons that come with a unidirectional valve so that you can pump the broad end in the water and start the flow.
Sorry that my descriptions aren’t quite clear, but speak to your other fish buddies and I reckon they can possibly figure out what I’m trying to say.
