[dano14041]

I was cleaning my auto siphon this weekend and noticed that there are several cracks in the bottom 2" - 3". Has anyone else had problems like this? I have only used it on 3 batches (and it seems to be working OK). Maybe I just need to relax. 

Thanks!
Dano

[Gary Glass]

I've probably gone through four auto siphons, all of which developed cracks after just a few uses.  Eventually they fall apart.  I've tried a variety of different cleaners in hopes of avoiding the cracks, but nothing has worked for me.  I've given up on using them.

[tumarkin]

If you keg and thus have a CO2 tank available, using one of the orange carboy caps and GENTLE  pressure of CO2 is a great way to start a siphon. Care is necessary as the carboy can break from internal pressure, but if you just crack the CO2 valve a hair you should have no problem. Acey easy.

[tschmidlin]

Yes, after too many broken auto-siphons I switched to a stainless racking cane.  I use it with an orange carboy cap like Mark mentions, except I also use a sterile filter and blow into it to get the siphon started.  But using CO2 will help prevent oxidation if you're concerned about it.

[jeffy]

I am working on putting the seal from the plastic cane onto a stainless cane, but so far I haven't found exactly the right fit.  They glue the thing to the bottom of the plastic cane and that makes it difficult to get off intact.  I seem to have enough car parts around that I should be able to make something appropriate.  As soon as I do I'll post a picture.

[dano14041]

I don't have a kegging system, yet. I am looking into them trying to find the best deal I can. LHBS has a "kit" with used 5 gal keg, 5lb CO₂ tank, gauges, hoses, connector and picnic tap for $210. But I haven't convinced myself that is the best buy yet.

[alikocho]

I am working on putting the seal from the plastic cane onto a stainless cane, but so far I haven't found exactly the right fit.  They glue the thing to the bottom of the plastic cane and that makes it difficult to get off intact.  I seem to have enough car parts around that I should be able to make something appropriate.  As soon as I do I'll post a picture.

that sounds like a solution. I have snapped several where they curve.

[roguejim]

Auto siphons are ill-designed.  Way too fragile.

Get one of these.  They are foolproof.
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=29128&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse

[tschmidlin]

Auto siphons are ill-designed.  Way too fragile.

Get one of these.  They are foolproof.
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=29128&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse

Based on this, "NOTE: Not for use with salt water aquariums or copper eroding chemicals", I wouldn't use it to siphon beer, only wort.  But the pic shows one with a plastic-looking fitting at the end, that might be fine if you can sanitize it.

I've had beers that were exposed to copper briefly (less than 1 minute), it was a very noticeable off flavor.

[pweis909]

I also broke about 3 auto-siphons befor swtiching to a SS racking cane, which will probably last forever.  As I use bucket fermenters most of the time, the carboy cap/sterile siphon starter approach is out. I just needed to practice starting a siphon a couple times, and I've never looked back.

[morticaixavier]

I just fill the tube I am syphoning with sanitizer solution and let that run out into a separate bucket. it starts the syphon no problem. it works great

[ryan6458]

Weird. I'm on my second auto siphon in about six years!  And believe me, I brew an ass-load of beer. Are you cleaning it with super hot water or something? I always leave the hose attached so I don't break the cane. Then I just cut it off when it's time for new tubing.

[pyrite]

I'm done with plastic auto siphons.  I've been through 4 auto siphons in the last 3 years.  Nope, not gonna buy another one.  I don't use hot water, so what ever my technique is for cleaning them is probably what's making them break them (and I'm not about to change that).  I now use a stainless steel racking crane, because I know that's not going to crack.

[ryan6458]

Maybe I've just been lucky. I'm pretty hard on my brewing equipment. LOL. Now the EASY siphon is a P.O.S.

[alikocho]

The tubes cracked when removing the tubing. I'm not convinced that leaving the tubing attached is sure to keeps bacteria from developing.