Powerhead won't suck - After attaching piping

S

SeaDude

[I have an extra Rio 1200 powerhead that I've been using to help transfer water in/out of my sump for water changes. I've attached some flexible hose to the output and it works great. I thought I'd get clever and attach some hose to the input for transfering water from 5 gal jugs. But it seems the powerhead won't generate any suction with the 2-3 ft hose attached to the input. As soon as I attach the hose to the input it shakes and grinds like the impeller has stopped moving.

Seemed like a good idea. Why won't it work?

Any ideas?]
 
[Suction? You mean sucking air? The Rio's can't run dry. I believe you will burn up your powerhead if you run it dry like that.


Does the powerhead still work? If so you can run a remote input tube like you are saying as long as you prime it with water first, all the way to the impeller. I've never tried that, but should work.]
 
[If you wanted to do that, you'll have to suck on the end of the output hose to get the pump primed. As soon as water is in the line, which you could do vertically so as to see the water rather than taste it, pinch the hose tightly to keep the water in there. Point it toward your tank or sump, and flip on the pump. Release the pinched part.

"....splish splash, I was filling a sump...."]
 
[Instead of sucking on the line you could submerge the pump output hose and all until it is full of water (primed) then cover the output end with your thumb until you start the pump. If you wanted to get fancy you could put a shut off valve on the output instead of your thumb. Open valve fill with water. Close valve. Move hose. Start pump. Open valve.]
 
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