Continue to siphon?

[jimmywallaby]

I work at a salt water fish store and I clean the fish tanks. In order to get the water out of the tanks, I use a siphon hose and create the vacuum by sucking on the hose. It's some pretty funky stuff that i have to suck out of the tanks.

My question is, should I be concerned with any health issues and ask for a pump or should I be ok?

Thanks for your time

 

[OCCFan023]

you should not be getting a significant if any water in your mouth when starting the siphon!

 

[kevin4052002]

A good siphon requires a mouthful. Atleast thats what I've learned with cars/gas.

You shouldn't really have anything to worry about. Just suck it up. *thumbsups

 

[Mushroomman]

Well, you should try not to get a mouthful. I also work at a fish store, heres a tip. I used to get water in my mouth but now I take my hand, put it around the tube, place my mouth on the tube my hands create and suck really ahrd, for a sec then let go and point the tube into the bin.

Only time you have something to worry about is when you are siphoning from tanks with corals in them, more specifically, zoanthids (toxic)

 

[RockingCricket]

You only have to chugg on the tube until it reaches the point where gravity takes over.
Keep practicing, and if you do get a mouthful - spit down't swallow!

 

[ecotank]

You guys don't sell pythons?

 

[Lorna]

this is a funny thread.......just suck hard enough to get it over the top...I haven't had a mouthful in a very long time. The other option is starting it with a powerhead

 

[S.Reef]

I too work at a store over time you will become a pro and not even thinmk about it.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

i fill the tube with water fnd pull one end out of the water and point it towards the bucket and gravity works. (usually)