How do you start your siphon?

[5xevy]

It only took me one time (okay, twice) for me to get water in my mouth to know I never wanted to do it again. I used my hand over the end of the tube to avoid touching the tube but that didn't help much.

If I'm not using the Python (which is rare) I just dunk the entire syphon and hose into the tank and bring the one end out of the water and into a tub.

When I acclimate my fish I use the drip method. I start it by filling the airhose up at the sink and then sticking one end in the aquarium and it just starts itself (figured that out accidentally once after I washed out the tubing before using- must've left enough water inside for it to go on its own).

 

[grannylvsfish]

I guess I am odd. I use the old fashioned "mouth method".

same here, less stress on the fish and takes 1 sec.

 

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

I just submerge my gravel vac and hose so that the entire hose fills with water. Then I put my thumb over the end of the hose, remove hose from the tank, position it in my bucket and remove my thumb...takes about 10 seconds.

x2

 

[Beasts]

I not only use my mouth to start siphon hoses, I also swim in our backyard pond, which is full of hundreds of fish, and allow (even enjoy!) the dogs (Rottweilers) to lick my face. Have you ever watched your dog nose his way around the yard?! And we have a flock of geese wandering around our yard! By the way, it's been years since I have had even a noticeable cold. Exposure to some of these bacteria on a day to day basis helps develop a healthy immune system.
But if you want really gross, how about the quarterback who licks his fingers before every snap. Those hands have just handled that sweat covered football on the previous play and I'm sure you've noticed where he places his hands to receive the football from the center!
Mouth siphoning gasoline, however, is quite another matter. Even the fumes can cause health problems.
Beasts