Lily pipe aquarium: discover its advantages and drawbacks

Author

Gilles

Published

August 13, 2020

lily pipe aquarium

Can you also find yourself staring in awe at those stunning nature-style aquariums? Their sleek design, clean lines, vibrant colors, and especially—no visible filter pipes or other equipment.

Sigh…

It’s the very reason I got into aquascaping; creating a beautiful and clean-looking tank. One of the must-haves for a sleek aquascape is a “lily pipe”, and that’s exactly what this article is about!

What is a lily pipe?

A lily pipe consists of a glass aquarium filter inlet and outlet and allows you to optimize your aquarium filter in a sleek and elegant way, without the distraction of unsightly plastic filter materials. Originally, they were shaped like a lily—hence the name—but today, there are many models while the name “lily pipe” remains.

A picture speaks louder than words, so here’s an example of an aquarium with a lily pipe.

Pretty stunning, right?

lily pipe aquarium
Lily pipe aquarium. Source: ADA

The pros and cons of a lily pipe

So… why choose a lily pipe over the standard filter inlet and outlet that came with your filter for free? Below, I’ve listed some pros and cons that I think are worth considering.

Pros

  • It looks incredibly stylish
  • No more distracting green filter tubes in your tank
  • Creates excellent flow throughout your tank

Cons

  • They’re made of glass, so they’re fragile
  • Often doesn’t fit in a closed aquarium
  • The glass quality can vary significantly

Lily pipe aquarium: discover its advantages and drawbacks | PlantedBox

What types of lily pipes are there?

If you decide on a lily pipe for your aquarium, the setup and size of your tank will determine which type of lily pipe suits you best. To make it easier, I’ve briefly explained the most common lily pipes and their functions below. It’s up to you to pick the best aquarium lily pipe for your tank!

Standard lily pipe: The standard lily pipe, or the flow lily pipe from PlantedBox, is perfect if you need strong water circulation in a heavily planted tank. The flow starts narrow but widens due to the lily-shaped outlet, ensuring a deep and broad water circulation.

This model provides good movement in the upper and lower layers of your aquarium while also aerating the surface. When enough flow goes through the lily pipe, a mini “vortex” can form between the pipe and the water surface, removing surface scum and improving oxygen levels.

flow lily pipe aquarium

Violet pipe: Violet lily pipes are designed to significantly increase water flow depth in your aquarium. They angle the water flow more sharply, improving circulation in the lower layers and reducing dead spots.

Perfect for taller aquariums!

violet lily pipe aquarium

The “straight pipe” or jet lily pipe: If you have plants or fish that thrive in fast-moving water, the straight pipe is your solution. These jet pipes create a strong flow without disturbing the substrate, focusing on the upper layers. Some fish species love this!

If your filter is (too) weak, this lily pipe can still provide strong water movement by “compressing” the water to create a powerful stream.

Jet lily pipe aquarium

Lily pipe or spray bar?

I often get asked: should I choose a lily pipe or a spray bar?

For those unfamiliar, a spray bar is a plastic tube placed along the back wall of your aquarium. It’s typically directed towards the front, creating a circular water flow: starting at the back, moving to the front, and bouncing off the glass back towards the filter inlet.

This is an excellent way to improve water circulation in your aquarium.

spray bar alternative to lily pipe aquarium
A spray bar on the back wall. Source: Aquaristikshop

Is a spray bar better than a lily pipe?

No, I wouldn’t say that. In my experience, both options are excellent for good water circulation. The difference is that a spray bar creates straight flow across your tank, while a lily pipe creates broader, deeper flow that returns circularly to the filter inlet. Lily pipes also look much better, but they’re more fragile.

It’s up to you!

How to install a lily pipe in your aquarium?

Choosing the right lily pipe is one thing, but proper placement in your tank is just as important. It’s not rocket science, but there are a few basic rules to follow:

  • Never place different flow sources directly opposite each other, as they’ll cancel each other out (e.g., a flow pump directly opposite your lily pipe outlet).
  • Place the inlet and outlet next to each other. This is a great way to create circular flow in your tank.
  • Using CO2 in your aquarium? Place the CO2 diffuser on the opposite side of the outlet to maximize flow and CO2 distribution.

Conclusion

Lily pipes are a real upgrade for your aquarium, especially if you’re into aquascaping. Just make sure to position them correctly in your tank and maintain them regularly. Your plants will thank you, and no one will even notice the filter inlet and outlet are there!

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