How to Siphon Water Out of a Fish Tank

Siphoning water out of a fish tank is something any fish owner can do and do easily, provided that the tank is placed above floor level. Fortunately most tanks are placed closer to eye level than floor level, which makes siphoning out the water a snap. Even tanks that are sitting on the floor can be at least partially drained with a simple siphon.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch diameter rubber hose
  • Bucket(s)
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a 3-foot length of pliable 1/4-inch rubber hose or tubing.

    • 2

      Set a bucket on the floor at the lowest point possible in relation to the fish tank while keeping it within reach of the rubber tube that will be siphoning out the water. Place paper towels on the floor under and around the bucket to keep any spills in check. If you will be siphoning out more water than one bucket will hold, have a second bucket sitting on paper towels right next to the first bucket.

    • 3

      Submerge the 1/4-inch rubber tube in the fish tank and manipulate it so that all of the air in the tube is replaced with water.

    • 4

      Hold your thumb over one end of the tube. Pull the end of the tube that you are holding your thumb over out of the water and place this end in the bucket. Make sure the other end of the tube remains close to the bottom of the tank. Remove your thumb. Water should begin to flow immediately.

    • 5

      Keep the end of the tube that remains in the tank constantly below the level of the water in the tank. You can even use the submerged end of the tube as a small vacuum as the water is siphoned out.

    • 6

      When the first bucket is full, place your thumb over the end of the tube and move the tube into the second bucket. Remove your thumb and allow gravity to do its thing and restart the flow of water. Dump the first bucket down the toilet or outside and then replace it on the floor and continue alternating buckets until the tank is empty.