Topfin Gravel Vacuum?

[tyler]

I just recently bought a gravel vacuum and I can't get the thing to start by itself. Do I need more water? It's gravel compartment is 5" long and I have a lil over 7" of water. I'd hate to start using my mouth to start it and I probably never will because newts do secrete toxins. Should I have gone with the smaller vacuum?

 

[joan]

Fill the big tube full of water. Then raise it up over the hose, and fill the hose with water. Cap the hose with your thumb. Fill the tube full of water again, and let go of the hose into your empty-ing bucket. This should start the siphon without having to mouth it.

 

[tyler]

That technique didn't work for me but I just got so agrivated with it that I did the whole shaking it rapidly thing and that seemed to work.

 

[jim]

Tyler- find a siphon bulb at an auto parts store. They are for outboard motors on boats. You put your thumb over the end of the tube and squeeze the bulb, and as the bulb expands it draws the water into the siphon. Soon hydrodynamic theory will take over and you will curse yourself for not having figured it out sooner. I know I did!

 

[tyler]

ooh I like that idea.

 

[edward]

I use the method described by Joan, but with the siphons you have to shake to start, you need to remove the little plastic flap that allows this as they stick and make it hard to work.

Ed

 

[tyler]

Oh thanks Joan I only used the shake technique once I've been using your technique ever since I just need to get the air out of the hose sometimes.