Actual water dragons

Whilst I come from a marine perspective, there are other nasties lurking in freshwater that I’m sure if you knew, you’d wonder why you ever let that hose within 3 feet of you mouth, let alone in it!

That being said, there are other ways to start siphons that don’t involve you putting your mouth anywhere near a dirty hose used specifically to remove dirty/unclean water from an aquarium.

Submerging the hose:

This is one of my go to methods, try submerging your hose and getting all the air out of it, putting your thumb over each end, leaving one in the tank, one over a bucket and then letting go. A super simple and easy way as gravity does all the work for you. These wikihow pictures sum this method up rather well:

Pump starting:

Comprises of a long cyclindrical tube that you submerge and pump up and down until your siphon starts. A good workout if you ask me, but does the trick. Good for cleaning large debris from gravel

Hand pump siphons:

Works on the same principles as the pump action, except all you do is squeeze the blue bit. No arm jerking needed! An easy way to start up a siphon. Good for gravel cleaning, but the blue plastic is liable to split with regular use which prevents a siphon from forming. That being said, these are a pretty cheap option if you’re looking for something hassle free!

Electric pumps:

Alternatively, invest in an electric pump. I’m not going to lie, buying one of these changed my life. No more lifting heavy barrels of water, no more spillages all over the floor. A water change that used to take 30 minutes now only takes 10. I would sell my soul for these barrel pumps.

I hope my bad experiences will encourage some of you to take heed of my warnings and move away from mouth starting! So just remember kiddos…

Meet my new adorable dork.

GOOOL!!!!!

[Source]

Here are my two ten gallons, on the left is my halfmoon king Big Boy:

He’s housed alone except for one tiger nerite snail as he’s very new. His name was a nickname at first but it stuck! Currently treating him for gill/skin flukes and his personality is opening up. And he LOVESS food. Here’s his tank up close:

I can’t do very much with it yet because I’m social distancing! Here’s his neighbor and brother that he never sees, housed with two zebra nerite snails, a mystery snail, and 6 ghost shrimp:

His name is Cowboy! He’s a doubletail with the cutest personality. He’s learned to go to his leaf when I turn his light on to eat! Here’s a close up of him flaring and staring and I’m so proud of him:

Here are his tank mates

I’m working on my mystery snail Guinness’s shell. They’re new, we’ll get it in good shape in no time! Cowboy has a really great temperament and doesn’t try to eat anyone luckily.

Broccoli party (the shrimp and snails love it, and Cowboy tries to lol)

Oh!!! Oh they gonna kiss!!!