Plumbing a Mag 3 for Water change

[ecam]

I have a spare mag3 that i want to use for a water change. My plan is run the mag 3 "inline". Essentially, I will use the my python water changing hose into the inlet side (1/2 MPT to 5/8 barb) and then I will use a hose on the outlet side (1/2 FPT to 3/4 barb). I will use the inlet side to remove the water and pump into my faucet\toilet. Then i will flip the hoses and go from water source to tank.

Here is the problem. When I connect the hose to the inlet the pump doesn't seem to be strong enough to create the siphon and start the flow.

Does anyone have any tips to make this work

 

[bigfoot86]

I actually use a mag3 for water changes too, but I only use it to put the new water in so I never had it set up like you. Basically your saying that your not submerging the pump itself into the water sources but using a hose on each side of the pump? And you can't get suction? Am I understanding that right.

 

[bigfoot86]

If you're not getting syphoning action goin on, then maybe it more of the relation of the water level and where the pump sits. Not sure though, I never tried using it like that.

 

[ecam]

thanks for the info. I was just informed that the problem is that the pump is not self priming and must be "flooded" with water prior to starting