Surface Skimmer Inlet

Automatically remove oils and debris from the surface of your aquarium, resulting in an ultra clear aquarium.

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Surface Skimmer Inet 12/16mm 16/22mm

$29.95

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Move away from ugly plastic inlets and outlets and create an elegant look to your aquarium instantly.

This glass skimmer lily pipe also has the added benefit of manually removing oils and debris from the surface of your aquarium, resulting in an ultra clean aquarium from all angles.

Sizing:

- 12/16mm
- 16/22mm
- Height 30cm
- Width 8.5cm

Recommended For

Nature Aquariums, high-tech planted systems, rimless displays, aquascaping layouts, shrimp systems and aquarists seeking cleaner surfaces with improved visual presentation.

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FAQ

What does a lily pipe surface skimmer actually do?

It removes the oily film (biofilm) that forms on the water surface, improving oxygen exchange and making your aquarium look crystal clear.

Do I need a surface skimmer if my tank already has a filter?

Yes — most filters pull water from below the surface. A surface skimmer specifically targets the top layer where film builds up.

Will it make my water clearer instantly?

In most cases, yes. You’ll usually see a visible improvement within minutes to a few hours as the surface film is removed.

Is it safe for shrimp and small fish?

Generally yes, but you should use a guard or sponge pre-filter if you have baby shrimp or very small fish to prevent them being sucked in.

Does it affect CO₂ levels in planted tanks?

Slightly — increased surface agitation can cause minor CO₂ loss, but most setups benefit more from the improved oxygen exchange and cleanliness.

Can I adjust the flow of the surface skimmer?

Yes. Most models allow you to adjust how much water is pulled from the surface vs the main intake.

Will it reduce algae?

Indirectly. By removing organic waste and improving gas exchange, it helps create a cleaner, more stable environment that discourages algae growth.

Does it make noise?

High-quality glass lily pipes are usually silent. Noise only happens if air is being sucked in due to improper water level or flow setup.

How often do I need to clean it?

Typically once every 1–2 weeks. Surface skimmers can collect debris quickly, so regular cleaning keeps performance high.

Can I use it with any canister filter?

Yes — as long as the pipe size matches your filter hose (commonly 12/16mm or 16/22mm).

Will it work on all tank sizes?

Most are designed for nano to medium tanks, but larger tanks may require stronger flow or dual intakes.

Why is my skimmer not pulling surface film properly?

Usually due to low flow, incorrect water level, or the float mechanism being stuck or dirty.

Is glass better than plastic for lily pipes?

Glass looks significantly cleaner and doesn’t yellow over time, making it ideal for aquascaping display tanks.

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Fast and cheap
Perfect for all aquariums
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Over 100,000 happy aquariums

Surface Skimmer Inlet

Designed Around Surface Stability and Water Quality

The surface of an aquarium is not simply the boundary between water and air. It functions as an active exchange zone where oxygen enters the system, carbon dioxide escapes and light passes through into the environment below.

Over time, proteins, oils, biofilm and organic residues can gradually accumulate along this interface and form a visible surface layer. While often considered an aesthetic issue, this buildup may also reduce exchange efficiency and alter the appearance of the aquarium itself.

The Surface Skimmer Inlet was developed to continuously remove surface accumulation while integrating directly into the filtration pathway. By drawing water from the uppermost layer and directing it through filtration, the system helps maintain a cleaner and more active water surface.

The result is improved visual clarity and a cleaner, more stable aquarium environment.

Surface Film Influences More Than Appearance

Surface accumulation develops gradually through feeding, plant oils, bacterial activity and dissolved organic compounds.

As this layer thickens, the water surface can appear dull and reduce the clean reflective appearance commonly associated with display aquariums.

Because gas exchange occurs at the water-air interface, maintaining an unobstructed surface may also support more efficient interaction between the aquarium and the surrounding environment.

Integrating Surface Removal into Existing Flow

Traditional surface cleaning often relies on manual intervention or additional equipment placed inside the aquarium.

The Surface Skimmer Inlet combines filtration intake and surface removal into a single pathway, continuously drawing material from the upper water layer before directing it toward the filtration system.

This creates ongoing maintenance rather than temporary correction.

Designed Around Cleaner Displays

Aquascapes frequently aim to create immersion and minimise distraction.

A clean water surface increases clarity and preserves the visual depth of the aquarium by allowing light and reflections to interact more naturally throughout the layout. Rather than seeing a visible film layer, attention remains focused on plants, hardscape and livestock.