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DIY PVC Simple Self Priming Siphon System

A self-priming siphon system represents a key component for the maintenance and upkeep of an aquarium; it can prevent the tank from overflowing during power interruptions. It also reduces wear on the sump pump. The siphon skims water that contains dust, oil and other matter from the top of the tank and transports it to the sump for filtration. The project does not require special tools; the materials consist of inexpensive PVC pipes and fittings.

Things You'll Need

PVC pipe
Hacksaw
Six elbow joints
Tee joint
PVC primer
PVC cement
PVC cap
Mesh

Instructions

- 1
  Use the hacksaw to cut PVC pipe into the following lengths: two 14-inch, one 10-inch, one 11-inch and four 2.25-inch lengths of pipe. Clean the burrs from around the edges of the pipes. Spread PVC primer around the outside edges --- both ends --- of three of the 2.25-inch long pipes. Allow the primer to dry.
- 2
  Assemble the siphon in a "dry" run before gluing the pieces together. These measurements provide the requirements for a 55 gallon tank. Adjust the pipe lengths as necessary to obtain the proper fit according to your tank size.
- 3
  Apply PVC adhesive around the outside edges of a length of 2.25-inch long pipes one at a time. Connect a 90-degree PVC elbow joint to each end of the pipe. Position the elbows to face the same direction to create a "U-joint." Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for allowing the cement to dry. Complete the process for the two other pipes. Mark the components U-joint one, two and three.
- 4
  Prime the ends of the remaining 2.25-inch long PVC pipe and let dry. Spread a layer of PVC cement on each end. Insert the end of the 2.25-inch long pipe into the end of U-joint three. Attach a PVC tee joint to the other end of the 2.25-inch long pipe. Line up the top of the tee with U-joint three. Position the middle of the tee to the outside of the U-joint.
- 5
  Put primer on one end of the one 14-inch and the 11-inch long PVC pipes; allow the components to dry. Apply the PVC adhesive. Connect a 14-inch pipe to each end of U-joint one. Apply primer to the 11-inch long pipe leading from U-joint one. Glue U-joint two to the 11-inch pipe leading from U-joint one. Prime the edge of the other 14-inch long PVC pipe and apply some adhesive. Connect the pipe to the open end on U-joint two. Connect the end of the pipe to U-joint three; position U-joint three vertical to U-joint two.
- 6
  Put primer on one end of the 14- and 10-inch pipes. Spread cement on the 10-inch pipe and insert it into side of the tee connected to U-joint three. Spread adhesive on the 14-inch pipe and insert it into the open end of the elbow on U-joint three.
- 7
  Position the siphon on the rear panel of the aquarium. U-joint one rests on the bottom surface of the aquarium. Cut the vertical pipe U-joint one to the correct water level. Cover the top of the pipe opening with mesh. Position U-joint two on the top edge of the aquarium's rear panel. U-joint three has the vertical pipe required for venting.
- 8
  Use the drill to put a hole in the top of the PVC cap. Connect the cap to the U-joint three vent pipe. Use additional pipe to connect the drainpipe to the aquarium's sump pump.

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