What will you learn?<\/p>\n
- \n
- What is a lily pipe?<\/a><\/li>\n
- The pros and cons of lily pipes<\/a><\/li>\n
- What types of lily pipes are there?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lily pipe or spray bar?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Where to place your lily pipe in your aquarium?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
What is a lily pipe?<\/h2>\n
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\u2014hence the name\u2014but today, there are many models while the name \u201clily pipe\u201d remains.<\/p>\n
A picture speaks louder than words, so here\u2019s an example of an aquarium with a lily pipe.<\/p>\n
Pretty stunning, right?<\/p>\n
![\"lily](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/lily-pipe-aquarium.jpg\")
Lily pipe aquarium. Source: ADA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/a><\/p>\n
The pros and cons of a lily pipe<\/h2>\n
So… why choose a lily pipe over the standard filter inlet and outlet that came with your filter for free? Below, I\u2019ve listed some pros and cons that I think are worth considering.<\/p>\n
Pros<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- It looks incredibly stylish<\/li>\n
- No more distracting green filter tubes in your tank<\/li>\n
- Creates excellent flow throughout your tank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- They\u2019re made of glass, so they\u2019re fragile<\/li>\n
- Often doesn\u2019t fit in a closed aquarium<\/li>\n
- The glass quality can vary significantly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"|\"](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/All-in-One-_EI_-NL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat types of lily pipes are there?<\/h2>\n
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\u2019ve briefly explained the most common lily pipes and their functions below. It\u2019s up to you to pick the best aquarium lily pipe for your tank!<\/p>\n
Standard lily pipe<\/strong>: The standard lily pipe, or the flow lily pipe from PlantedBox<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n
This model provides good movement in the upper and lower layers<\/strong> of your aquarium while also aerating the surface. When enough flow goes through the lily pipe, a mini \u201cvortex\u201d can form between the pipe and the water surface, removing surface scum and improving oxygen levels.<\/p>\n
![\"flow](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/flow-lily-pipe-aquarium-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nViolet pipe<\/strong>: Violet lily pipes<\/a> are designed to significantly increase water flow depth in your aquarium. They angle the water flow more sharply, improving circulation in the lower layers<\/strong> and reducing dead spots.<\/p>\n
Perfect for taller aquariums!<\/p>\n
![\"violet](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/violet-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe “straight pipe” or jet lily pipe<\/a><\/strong>: 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<\/strong>. Some fish species love this!<\/p>\n
If your filter is (too) weak<\/strong>, this lily pipe can still provide strong water movement by \u201ccompressing\u201d the water to create a powerful stream.<\/p>\n
![\"Jet](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Jet-lily-pipe.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
Lily pipe or spray bar?<\/h2>\n
I often get asked: should I choose a lily pipe or a spray bar?<\/p>\n
For those unfamiliar, a spray bar is a plastic tube placed along the back wall of your aquarium. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
This is an excellent way to improve water circulation in your aquarium<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"spray](\"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/spray-bar-aquarium.jpg\")
A spray bar on the back wall. Source: Aquaristikshop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Is a spray bar better than a lily pipe?<\/strong><\/p>\n
No, I wouldn\u2019t say that<\/strong>. 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\u2019re more fragile.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s up to you!<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
How to install a lily pipe in your aquarium?<\/h2>\n
Choosing the right lily pipe is one thing, but proper placement in your tank is just as important. It\u2019s not rocket science, but there are a few basic rules to follow:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Never place different flow sources directly opposite each other, as they\u2019ll cancel each other out (e.g., a flow pump directly opposite your lily pipe outlet).<\/li>\n
- Place the inlet and outlet next to each other. This is a great way to create circular flow in your tank.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Using CO2 in your aquarium<\/a>? Place the CO2 diffuser on the opposite side of the outlet<\/a> to maximize flow and CO2 distribution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The pros and cons of lily pipes<\/a><\/li>\n