How to Make a Siphon

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Depending upon the method you use, it only takes one or two things to make a cheap siphon. Whether you're siphoning gasoline out of your car, or showing kids how siphoning works as a science experiment, it can be done with a few tools and a few minutes. Knowing how to make a siphon can be handy for things like siphoning gasoline for a lawn mower, emptying a fish tank, etc. The materials are cheap and the procedures are fairly simple.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Siphon for a Large Tank

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  1. For this project, you'll need: at least 10' of 5/8" by 7/8" vinyl tubing, an empty clear plastic bottle, a 1/2" ball valve, three 1/2" male hose adapters, and plumber's tape.
    • You can always use more than 10' of 5/8" by 7/8" vinyl tubing if you need your siphon to be longer than 10'.
    • These can all be found in a hardware store, usually the irrigation section.
    • You'll also need scissors, a wrench, and a lighter.
  2. First, take off any labels on the plastic bottle. Wash it out if it had something besides water in it. Drill a 3/4" hole in the cap of the bottle. The easiest way to do this is with the cap still on the bottle, tightly screwed.
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  3. Stick the thick end of one of the 1/2" male hose adapters in the hole you drilled in the cap.
  4. Use scissors to cut off approximately two inches of the bottom of the bottle. Use a lighter to heat up the edges of the cut. Just run the flame along the edge to strengthen the plastic.
  5. First, wrap a few layers of plumber's tape around the thick ends of the remaining two 1/2" male hose adapters. Then thread them into both ends of the ball valve. Use a wrench to make them tight.
  6. Use your scissors to cut 3' to 4' of tubing. Attach one end of this 3' to 4' tube to the male hose adapter connected to the bottle, and attach the other end to one of the male hose adapters on the ball valve. Attach one end of the remaining tubing to the last male hose adapter. [1]
    • The function of the ball valve is to give you the ability to stop and start the siphoning without having to put your mouth back on the tube that's been in dirty water.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Homebrew Siphon

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  1. To siphon your homebrewed beer, or other beverage, from one container to another you need: a rubber sink stopper anywhere from 1 and 1/8th inch to 1 and 1/4 inch in diameter, 2 feet (0.61 m) of 1/4th inch tubing, three feet of 3/8th inch tubing, scissors, and a drill or a dremel. [2]
    • You need to have a drill bit that's smaller than 1/4th of an inch.
    • The rubber sink stopper needs to be the kind that's concave or hollow on the side that goes into the sink, not solid.
  2. Drill two holes in the sink stopper. The holes should be on either side of the small bump used to pull the sink stopper out of the sink. They should be as close to this bump and as vertically aligned with each other as possible.
  3. Stick the smaller tube through one of the holes. Place the sink stopper on the opening of the bottle you're siphoning into, and run the tube down to the bottom of the bottle.
    • If the tube doesn't fit in the hole, you can drill it a little bit bigger, but be careful. Don't make it any bigger than necessary. You want the tube to fit in very snugly, and airtight.
  4. Now you want to cut the tube you just placed in the bottle through the hole in the stopper. Cut it about two inches from where it comes out of the hole. Don't throw away the excess tubing.
  5. Run the left over tubing that you cut off into the other hole, about one inch in.
  6. Fit the larger tube over the smaller tube, the one that reaches the bottom of the bottle. Fit about 2 inches of the larger tube over the smaller one so it won't slip off.
  7. To siphon, place the sink stopper over the rim of the bottle with the brew in it. Place the other end of the long tube into the container you're siphoning into. Blow into the excess tube. This will start the siphoning. [3]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making a Straw Siphon

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  1. To make a simple straw siphon, as a kids science experiment, or demonstration of the physics involved in siphoning, you need two bendy straws, scissors, and tape.
  2. Cut one of the bendy straws right before the bendy part, so that the straw is no longer a bendy straw. Cut it at an angle so that it comes to a point.
  3. Stick the sharp end of the straw you just cut into the end of the other straw. It should go into the end that's closest to the bend. Fit it in far enough so that it doesn't slip out.
  4. Tape around where the two straws are connected. Use plenty of tape, as you want the seal to be air tight.
  5. Place either end of the newly created double-length bendy straw into the container with liquid in it. Make sure it's in far enough that the bend is submerged in the liquid.
  6. Put your finger over the top of the straw. Begin lifting the straw out of the container. You'll see the liquid come up into the straw as you lift it. While keeping your finger over the end of the straw, place that end into the container you're siphoning into. Once it's in there, remove your finger. The liquid will now siphon from one container to the other. [4]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make a manual siphon for a fish tank?
    Brian Blake
    Aquarium Expert
    Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University.
    Brian Blake
    Aquarium Expert
    Expert Answer
    To create a siphon for a fish tank without the risk of accidentally getting aquarium water in your mouth, start by holding the siphon hose with your left hand and pinching it about halfway down to block water flow. With your right hand, immerse the siphon head in the tank and fill it with water. Maintain the pinch in the hose and wait for the water to drain down into it. Rotate the siphon head 180 degrees underwater, pointing it downward. Release the pinch on the hose, allowing gravity to pull water through the siphon hose and initiate the siphon. Although it may require some practice initially, once you master the technique, it becomes a reliable method, eliminating the need for a manual pump to start the siphon.
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  • Question
    How do you start the flow of water for one with an on-off valve on it without sucking on the end of it?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Use a turkey blaster or a syringe on the end. Anything that can pull a slight vacuum on the end should start the flow of water. Make sure that there is a tight air seal around the end or you will not be able to pull a vacuum.
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  • Question
    What are the materials?
    Mr c
    Top Answerer
    A siphon typically consists of flexible tubing made of materials like plastic, rubber, or silicone, along with connectors and end pieces to facilitate the flow of liquid. Additional accessories may include clamps, suction cups, or flow-control valves, depending on the application. These materials are chosen for their durability, flexibility, and compatibility with the liquids being transferred.
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      Warnings

      • Do not use the same siphon for gasoline and other purposes. There is no way to remove petroleum odor and taste.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about aquarium care, check out our in-depth interview with Brian Blake .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y32In3GZxmQ
      2. ↑ http://homebrewacademy.com/siphon-beer/
      3. ↑ http://www.stormthecastle.com/mead/make-an-auto-siphon.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lba319lymXU
      5. Videos provided by DIY AQUAPROS

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