The Simple Siphon in action.

The videos to the right show you how easy it is to operate the simple siphon.

The simple siphon is really very easy to work.  I usually get the best performance when I shake it as vertically as possible and as deep as possible.  Use long, smooth, but quick strokes.  Of course if you have a shallow liquid you have to shorten your strokes.

Make sure when you are shaking it that the copper end stays under water.  If it comes up out of the water while you are shaking it the air seal is broken and you have to start over.  Air is the enemy of the siphon.

The open end of the siphon, or the place you are siphoning TO, must be lower than the level of the liquid you are siphoning FROM.

Once you get a good flow going you can stop shaking and as long as the copper end is submerged the flow will continue until there is no liquid left or you pull it out of the liquid.