Thanks for the reply, looks like I might make me a pump from one of those gravel suction tubes. I just went to Pet-Co and looked at the gravel suction things. they had only 1 5/8” or 2” tubes, also they seem kind of flimsy. How stout does the tube need to be, I can squeeze the tube and get it to flex a little. Will these be O.K. since we are talking about very low vaccum pressures for pumping? I already have a mighty-vac pump I use to bleed the brakes on the car and truck. I have the Silverline Mighty-Vac pump (metal housing with gauge) I got it as a “deluxe” brake bleeding kit from Harbor Freight tools awhile back. I got it on a fantastic sale, think I paid a little under $60 (normally it runs close to $80) for the whole kit which comes in a plastic case and a shit load of various stuff for brake bleeding, vacuum testing, etc. They have a website and/or catalog, I have been reading about guys having trouble locating the Mighty-Vac pumps at auto stores. So might try various websites which sell tools (like Harbor Freight tools). Sears also sells a similar vacuum pump (metal housing with gauge). It’s in the auto repair specialty tools section of the tool dept.