There is a simple way to start a siphon without getting water in your mouth. I'm not sure what you guys are doing that you are ending up with a mouthful of tank water so here goes: Hold the end of the hose up above the level of the tank and suck on the end until the water gets close to the end (not too close) but stop before you get a mouthful. Quickly place your thumb over the end to stop the water from draining out, lower the tube down into your bucket and release your thumb. With a bit of practice it's simple, works like a charm.
It has saved my poor back. I can no do all 3 tanks sucked and filled in the time it used to take me to do 1 tank with buckets.
