I personally just use my mouth. While the vacuum side is inside my tank, I suck on the non vacuum end for a second to get the siphon going. If you use that method just be careful or you could end up with a mouthful of fish water
I know that other people have figured out other ways to get the sucton going so maybe they can chime in. I tried to use a turkey baster to get it started once but I couldn't get it to work. I think they also sell some sort of hand pump thing to start it, but I'm not positive.
Edit: Totally ninjaed! Disregard my post. Haha!
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