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	Siphoning Air out of U-Tube
PeaceB2U Hobbyist Posts: 64 Kudos: 48 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-Jul-2004	After doing water changes in my tank, I sometimes get air into the u-tube of my overflow box which breaks the flow of water when I try to start it up again. The only way I know how to siphon the air out is by inserting a small piece of tubing in the curve of the tube and then using my mouth to pull the air out. Of course this results in getting a mouthful of saltwater. I'm thinking there has to be a better way to do this. Is there some kind of small hand pump that can be used for siphoning? Last edited by PeaceB2U at 26-Sep-2004 20:27
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002	The way you are doing it is the easiest way to get the air lock out of the U tube.......sorry!
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
fishheadfred Fish Addict Posts: 708 Kudos: 653 Votes: 12 Registered: 30-Jul-2003	You could drill a small hole in the top of the u-tube then insert and glue a piece of rigid tubing in the hole.Next insert an air line valve and some of the flex hose you are now using.When you suck all the air out stop and valve off the line before getting your daily recommended allowance of sodium.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
dthurs Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4340 Kudos: 4170 Votes: 529 Registered: 18-Feb-2003	I'm with fishheadfred, add a valve to suck out the air. Another option is to remove the water from your overflow box when you do a water change, then add the new water to the tank at the same time. This will keep your tank water level the same and you wont loose suction. Dan
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
raider_fish Fish Master Posts: 1452 Kudos: 1340 Votes: 0 Registered: 02-Oct-2001	Use a powerhead. Attatch the air tubing to a powerhead and start it up underwater. The suction will pull the air out and you can even start the siphon faster. No water in the mouth this way. Raider_fish
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
fishheadfred Fish Addict Posts: 708 Kudos: 653 Votes: 12 Registered: 30-Jul-2003	Here is a pic. Cost less than a $1 to make! *fishheadfred attached this image:*
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
fishheadfred Fish Addict Posts: 708 Kudos: 653 Votes: 12 Registered: 30-Jul-2003	Good Grief that pictures BIG I haven't figured out this digital camera yet!
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20
JMT1SOMR Big Fish Posts: 302 Kudos: 192 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Oct-2001	That's one of the most sure-fire methods of removing air. But it involves breaking down the u-tube to drill and glue it. And I know some people aren't sure enough to do a small project like that. The airline tubing is the easiest method. But, instead of trying to suck it out the entire time, start a siphon within the tube and let it drain back into the tank. Then use it to suck out the bubbles. If the siphon breaks, start it again. Sometimes it's a little tedious, but once you get the hang of it, you won't be swigging anymore saltwater.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:20


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