Bait tank priming Help

[jefkawst]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate any help in this subject and thank you all in advance. I finally decided to build up a bait tank for my Malibu Extreme. I'm using a Atwood 500 aerator thru hull pump. I'm still in initial testing with it. I'm testing it in the bath tub, but it is having a hard time siphoning water. It's just a straight hose 3/4" ID. Now this is the hose that would go thru my scupper. The method I use to prime it is, I would pour water in the pump through the other end from inside the 5 gallon bucket. Then I would turn on the pump and wait for the siphoning to begin. But it takes a real long time, and I end up pouring down alot of water before it starts. Now with this pump, it is powered by a 12V gel cel 7.2Ah connected to the pump in reverse polarity. When it is connected the right way, it fills the bucket way to fast the exhaust cannot keep up with it. I know I can go with a bigger diameter exhaust hole, but I don't think I need water coming in tank at such a fast pace. That's why I keep it connected in reverse polarity. My question is, is there another method in order to prime the tank much faster. Can I use a primer bulb? Does anyone have any experience using this method. All your help and suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks.

Jeff