Lifereef overflow-how do I start siphon?

[meemoo]

Not sure best way to start the siphon on my Life Reef overflow box.

 

[JGard]

suck on it? That's what I'd do

 

[joefitz]

I found an easy trick...if you happen to have two tops from gallon milk jugs laying around anyway.

1) Put the u-tube(s) in your tank upside down so that they fill will water.
2) Cap each end of the utube(s) using the milk jug caps
3) position the utube where it is supposed to be in the overflow, making sure the caps stay in place until the ends are both under the waterline (wasn't a problem for me)
4) remove the caps

 

[Mike A]

When I used an external overflow, I'd insert one end of a length of airline tubing to the highest point of the U tube while it was in place. Then, suck the air out of the U tube, and fire up the return pump.

 

[meemoo]

Thanks guys great suggestions.