Using this Aqueon siphon vacuum is a breeze. First, put the intake tube in the aquarium and the end of the hose in a bucket. Move the intake tube up and down a few times to prime the siphon and start the water flow. Make sure the tube is deep enough in the water to keep the flow going. As you clean, the debris will be pulled out with the water. When you're done, turn off the water flow and remove the tube from the aquarium. For maintenance, rinse the hose and intake tube with clean water after each use to prevent debris buildup. Store it in a dry place. Remember, this Mini size is for 1 - 5 gallon aquariums, so don't use it for larger setups to avoid inefficiency.