A siphon is tube that moves liquids from one side of the tube to another using hydrostatic pressure. Siphons are useful when draining water from an object not having a drain. Because the sucking action of a siphon is powerful enough to lift water up and over the edge, you can also use it to clean material from the bottom of a higher water-filled tank, like a fish aquarium.
Learn how to clean tanks and aquariums using a siphon hose. The article below provides you the step by step procedure but, all you need are to be handy with the items like hose or tubing, bucket, glass or plastic tubing.
To begin with the siphon the hose should be filled with the water, keeping both its end at the same level and the ends pointing skywards. The ends should then be closed so that the water does not start flowing out of these.
Place one end of your hose or tubing into the liquid to be siphoned. It does not have to reach to the bottom of the tank, but it is important to understand that a siphon will only continue to work as long as the end of the hose remains submerged and unblocked. Holding the other end of the hose lower than the level of the liquid is being siphoned; gently suck on the end of the hose.
For cleaning up a tank we may use suction and move the hose end to the material to be sucked. if the entire tank is not to be emptied and only the debris is to be sucked, we may partially close the upper end of the hose thereby lessening the water flowing down the drain. Every care should be taken to ensure the frequent shifting of the hose need to the matter so that only limited water is sucked with it.
To ensure that the hands of the operator remain dry and are prevented from frequently contacting with the liquid, and a glass tube or a PVC tube can be fixed at the hose end.
Increase the power of the siphon if necessary. Simply maximize the height difference between the top and bottom containers to create a larger negative pressure on the siphon hose to give you more power in your siphon.
Excessive care should be taken that you do not begin siphons by sucking on the hose with your mouth, which can lead to accidental ingestion of the fluid in the tank you are cleaning.
John Borden has specialized in all aspects of plumbing for many years. His articles offer a wealth of information. For more information on installing a tub drain (click here) and a garbage disposal clogged (click here), visit eLocalPlumbers.com.
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