It finally happened :(

[Rostato]

After almost 15 years in this hobby I finally ingested what seemed like a massive amount of saltwater while trying to start a siphon today Let’s just say it was gross and I hope it never happens again!

 

[max_nano]

Ew

get something like this to start the siphon!

 

[Rostato]

Ew

get something like this to start the siphon!

ive had those spring leaks on me. So I just went back old school.

 

[max_nano]

I’ve also started siphons with putting the tube in front of a return pump outlet or powerhead, but that’s a little finicky

 

[JVU]

I’ve also started siphons with putting the tube in front of a return pump outlet or powerhead, but that’s a little finicky

That’s what I’ve been doing for many years, just hold the tube up to the return nozzle, with your hand cupped over it to prevent spraying.

Sorry to hear you got a mouthful.

 

[Rostato]

I’ve also started siphons with putting the tube in front of a return pump outlet or powerhead, but that’s a little finicky

I May try that, but I normally have the return off if I’m starting a siphon.

 

[NanoCrazed]

Duuuuude.... that's why i refuse to use my mouth. Did it once with goldfish. Never again... they're dirtiest of them all.

You could submerse the whole line and then pull out with one end covered. Instant siphon

 

[Rostato]

Duuuuude.... that's why i refuse to use my mouth. Did it once with goldfish. Never again... they're dirtiest of them all.

You could submerse the whole line and then pull out with one end covered. Instant siphon

yeah. Just too lazy and worried about breaking corals. I just have to be careful.

 

[rygh]

Yuk.
On the plus side, it is probably a safer than ingesting water at the beach, or even a busy pool.
Lots of icky stuff in a fish tank, but really no nasty human diseases.

 

[Coral reefer]

Just practice sucking more. I’m really good at sucking.

 

[Corallus]

Hehe, I’ll one up you here (not out of pride either)!
I spat out a decent size bristle worm after starting a siphon, after accidentally turning the hose around between buckets. Not tasty.

 

[Coral reefer]

Hehe, I’ll one up you here (not out of pride either)!
I spat out a decent size bristle worm after starting a siphon, after accidentally turning the hose around between buckets. Not tasty.

Omg, now that is absolutely disgusting!

 

[max_nano]

Hehe, I’ll one up you here (not out of pride either)!
I spat out a decent size bristle worm after starting a siphon, after accidentally turning the hose around between buckets. Not tasty.

I’d drain the tank and quit this all if I had one of those nasty buggers in my mouth. Did it cause irritation in your mouth at all, I’ve heard the needles sting

 

[Coral reefer]

They don’t sting, just like tiny little slivers.

 

[Corallus]

I’d drain the tank and quit

It did make me question my methods (or lack of methods), but was mostly a grossness thing when I realized what I did.
I think I had a little irritation on my bottom lip, but not as bad as my hands if I move a rock without gloves.

 

[svreef]

ive had those spring leaks on me. So I just went back old school.

And now you gotta mouthful of salt, mr. never again

 

[RandyC]

Duuuuude.... that's why i refuse to use my mouth. Did it once with goldfish. Never again... they're dirtiest of them all.

You could submerse the whole line and then pull out with one end covered. Instant siphon

don’t need the whole tube, stick a portion of the bottom end in and let some water in, hold that end above the tank so 1/4-1/2 the water is at the beginning of tube. Then just stick the bottom of tube in your bucket and the siphon should start.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Worst ever by me... my first large tank, of 135 gallons, it was up for a year or more, and needed/wanted to move it, so drained it all, except for the little bit of water at the bottom on top of the sand bed, and it was still too heavy... I can siphon a bit more water out... but now the water was so dark and brown... well needless to say I feel sick just thinking about what happened in the moments following that silly decision of mine.

 

[RandyC]

After almost 15 years in this hobby I finally ingested what seemed like a massive amount of saltwater while trying to start a siphon today Let’s just say it was gross and I hope it never happens again!

never again.....I drank once a long while ago.....I fear the bacteria !

 

[RedLeader]

Expensive solution to a drinking problem:

Ultra Zero Utility Pump

The Sicce Ultra Zero is a multi-purpose utility pump, perfect for when you just need a sturdy pump to move water from one place to another, such as for pumping freshly mixed saltwater to your tank after a water change, or refilling reservoirs. The Ultra Zero has plenty of power to pump water...

www.bulkreefsupply.com