Lily pipe
By Aram Schneider Published Updated
Translated from German with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
The collective term "Lily Pipe" is used in aquascaping to describe glass in- and outflows of the external filter. "Pipe" is the name of the filter tube and "Lily" is the term for the emitter which is modeled in the shape of a Zantedeschia’s ("Calla Lily") blossom. It’s connected to the pressure side of the filter and -thanks to its function- is called "outflow" in technical jargon.
On the suction side, however, a curved filter tube is used, which is equipped with corresponding slots through which the water is drawn into the filter. This glassware is called "inflow".
By using glass, often in combination with clear filter hoses, a sizeable amount of technology turns practically invisible inside the tank. So the spectator can enjoy an unobstructed view on his aquascape.
Nowadays many different models of Lily Pipes are offered, which differ in terms of design and function. There are glass filter pipes in different sizes, suitable for the respective hose diameters. Also extra small glassware, which fits into a nano-aquarium in an optically pleasing manner, is available from our range. However, above all, the resulting type of flow or stream is different depending on the respective design. Here is a brief overview.
Classic Lily Pipes
This original shape of Lily Pipe is perfect for a plant-oriented aquarium. The flow in the tank as well as the movement of the water surface are rather moderate. This prevents driving out too much CO2, which is an essential nutrient for the aquatic plants. The water surface is only gently agitated, so that the gas exchange is still slightly increased. In a freshly set-up aquarium often a small vortex will form at the upper end of the outflow if the filter performance is sufficient. It is often stated, that this vortex is permanent and removes surface scum. But this is not the case. With appropriate bacterial colonization of the surface, the vortex usually disappears after a few days. Nevertheless, a Lily Pipe can be used to reduce surface scum by installing the spout a little higher up the edge of the tank overnight. The surface scum gets reduced by the now-increased surface movement.
Lily Pipe Inflow and Outflow made by Aqua Rebell
Bubble
The type "bubble" designates special Lily Pipes with a round endpiece. The outflow is also directed much more upwards, which results in a much more intense agitation of the water surface. As a result, the water is more enriched with oxygen and surface scum is reduced.
Jet Pipe
If a stronger flow is desired, outflows with a straight opening are recommended. Especially for fish species that like to be in the flow in the upper swimming area, a Jet Pipe is recommended.
Loop or Spin Type
This unusually shaped Outflow has two lateral openings. The sphere-ring outlet drastically decelerates the water jet and disperses the water on both sides. The flow is slowed down considerably. This type of Lily Pipe can be used in smaller tanks that have been equipped with a too-powerful filter. In addition, it is suitable as a filter outlet in aquariums in which foam nest-building fish such as Betta are kept.
Violet or Efflux F2 Type
Renowned glassware manufacturers like Do!aqua and Cal Aqua Labs with their Efflux F2 / F3 and Violet models, offer Lily Pipes, that create a downwards-oriented flow. For this purpose, the lower part of the outlet on the Violet Outflow is elongated to guide the water flow in this direction. The Lily Pipes Efflux F2 and F3 provide the same effect, but are designed a little different. The upper part of the filter outlet opening is longer than the lower one to direct the flow downwards. As a result, there is almost no surface flow, and the water is moved in the lower part of the aquarium. This glassware is recommended for keeping fish that prefer a calm water surface. These include, for example, foam nesting labyrinth fish such as betta or gourami.
Glass Skimmer
The typical surface skimmer is available as classically designed Inflow glassware, too. The inlet bend is made of glass, while the float at the top and the adjustment screw at the bottom are made of acrylic glass. The skimmer provides a crystal clear and clean water surface without surface scum.
Lily Pipe Cut
You have a classic aquarium with a fixed cover? Or fixed pipes with installation holes in the aquarium’s floor? No problem, we have suitable glass Lily Pipes for you as well. The models "Cut" are cut off and shortened accordingly, to make them mountable on pre-existing in- and outflow elbows.
Aqua Rebell Lily Pipe Inflow und Outflow in der "Cut"-Variante
Glass Spray Bar
For the first time, the classic spray bars are available made of glass. These provide a very even flow in the aquarium. The glassware consists of two components, which are connected with a small piece of hose. Especially for cleaning, it is quite practical that they can be disassembled into their individual components. In addition, due to the movable connection, the jet pipe can be slightly varied in its orientation in order to produce a weaker or stronger agitation of the surface as desired.
By the way: the article "Hose diameters and glassware" we describe available Lily Pipes for all various diameters and how to connect them. A guide to cleaning them, can be found here.