If it is the Phototherm it is very easy. Fill it almost to the top with water allowing some volume for the beakers or tubes you will put in it. Then turn the unit on. Use a thermometer to verify the desired temperature. Depending on how loose the temp knob is, I sometimes tape it in place so that it is not accidentally nudged. These are great tempering devices.
If it is the Phototherm it is very easy. Fill it almost to the top with water allowing some volume for the beakers or tubes you will put in it. Then turn the unit on. Use a thermometer to verify the desired temperature. Depending on how loose the temp knob is, I sometimes tape it in place so that it is not accidentally nudged. These are great tempering devices.
Sometimes people put a small latex hose on the "exhaust" from the pump, perhaps so the can pump out small amounts of tempered water as the need arises. Others might use a short segment of hose to move the exhaust farther away from the intake to improve circulation. But it works fine without any hose.