max size pipe to create a siphon

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krisRTC

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 1, 2008
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gloucestershire UK
i have some plastic pipe with a 50mm outer diameter and a 43mm inner diameter and have been trying to create a siphon to try and speed up my water changes, i have tried to start the siphon by making the diameter smaller and then drawing the water through a normal diameter hose with the end capped to size of hose,
the only problem is the water draws out of the tank and stops as soon as i have a mouthfull!!!:screwy:
can any1 shed any light on this??
can supply pics if needed
thanks
 
I think pics are needed.--------The diameter should not matter as long as you can provide enough suction to get the siphon going. And the entire system is sealed. If you have a air leak that will break the siphon.
 
Yes it is true that the diameter does not play a part in keeping a syphon. The parts also must be sealed. Where the diameter will play a part is in getting the syphon started. It will make it harder because when you are sucking the air out, you will have to suck more air and faster to ensure a successful prime. If not, the air will rise in the hose as the water falls causing the prime to be lost.

Secondly, many of us are entertained easily so you might want to post a video of yourself trying to start the syphon. :naughty:
 
Here's what I use for my water changes:

attachment.php


It is 1/2 inch pvc with a threaded attachment for the garden hose. To get it started I use a water bed pump (like a python pump).

Here's that thread:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56299
 
ive given up trying to get it started, i think my lungs are full of water and i will wake up as a fish in the morning i will downsize the pipe i think and get it out that way.
and yes it would be quite funny on a video of me trying to get the siphon started but i dnt want you lot to kill urselves laughing, LOL.
cheers
 
aspear;2588405; said:
u sure thats not 3/4 inch CHOMPERS?
Click to expand...
I had to go check, but the one in the picture is 1/2 inch. I have a bigger one in 3/4 and two in 1/2 inch. For what ever reason, I always use the 1/2 inch ones.
 
largest syphon tube i have ever had to start was somewhere around 18"ID (part of a massive ac chiller system)... once upon a time it had a pump to start it.. that died long before i ever worked on it... now we have to close a ball valve and fill the line with a 3/4" hose... takes about an hour to fill the line.. then you open the valve and hope that you filled it enough to start the syphon..... if flows somewhere around a kazillion gph...
its a 30,000 storage tank... i hope i never have to clean it again...
 
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