LILY PIPES

Lily pipes are the inlet and outlet pipes that connect a canister filter to your aquarium, shaped to look clean and control how water moves. The inlet draws water into the filter, and the outlet returns it to the tank in a set flow pattern. They replace the bulky plastic pipes most filters ship with, which is why they are a standard upgrade in planted aquascapes.

Choose glass if you want the most discreet look, since clear glass almost disappears in the tank. Choose stainless steel if you want durability: aquarium-grade stainless steel resists breakage and corrosion, so there is no risk of a cracked pipe during maintenance. DALUA offers both, including the Inlet and Outlet Stainless Steel Lily Pipe Set and a version with a built-in surface skimmer.

Match the lily pipes to your filter hose. The numbers are the hose's inner and outer diameter in millimeters, so 12/16mm fits 12 mm inner diameter hose and 16/22mm fits 16 mm hose. Smaller canister filters usually use 12/16mm hose, while larger ones use 16/22mm. Every DALUA lily pipe is available in both sizes.

A surface skimmer inlet draws water from the very top of the tank into your filter, removing the oily film of proteins and biofilm that builds up on the surface. That film makes the water look dull and can reduce gas exchange. If you see a hazy layer on your water surface, the Surface Skimmer Inlet or the Inlet and Outlet + Skimmer Stainless Steel Lily Pipe Set will clear it continuously.

Choose the Lake Slow-Flow Outlet for nano tanks, shrimp tanks and layouts with delicate plants, where you want a soft, even current. Choose the River High-Flow Outlet for longer tanks and heavily planted layouts, where stronger circulation helps carry nutrients and CO2 to every corner.

Glass inlets are $24.95 to $26.95 for the Glass Inlet Wide Mouth and $34.95 to $37.95 for the Surface Skimmer Inlet. Glass outlets are $26.95 to $28.95 for the Lake Slow-Flow and River High-Flow Outlets. The Inlet and Outlet Stainless Steel Lily Pipe Set is $55 (12/16mm) or $59 (16/22mm), and the version with a surface skimmer is $69 or $74.95.