Best Lily Pipe Sets for Aquarium Filtration
Finding the best lily pipe set aquarium upgrade can transform both the appearance and performance of your filtration system. At Gensou Aquascaping, located at 5 Everton Park in Singapore, we consider lily pipes an essential component of any serious planted tank setup.
What Are Lily Pipes and Why Use Them
Lily pipes are elegantly curved glass or acrylic inlet and outlet tubes that replace the standard plastic piping supplied with canister filters. The outflow pipe features a flared, lily-shaped opening that disperses water in a wide, gentle pattern across the tank surface. The inflow pipe uses a slotted design that draws water evenly without creating strong suction points. Beyond aesthetics, lily pipes improve water circulation by creating a broad, surface-skimming flow that enhances gas exchange and distributes CO2 more effectively than conventional spray bars or duck-bill nozzles.
Glass Versus Acrylic Lily Pipes
Glass lily pipes are the traditional choice and remain the most popular among aquascapers. They are virtually invisible against the tank backdrop when clean and develop a distinguished look as they age. However, glass is fragile and can crack during cleaning or if knocked. A dropped glass lily pipe is almost always a broken one. Acrylic lily pipes offer greater durability and are increasingly available in clear, high-quality formulations that rival glass in transparency. They cost less, resist impact better, and are a sensible choice for households with children or pets. The trade-off is that acrylic can yellow over time with UV exposure and scratches more easily.
Top Glass Lily Pipe Sets
The ADA Lily Pipe series is the benchmark against which all others are measured. Crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass in Japan, ADA pipes offer flawless curves and excellent water distribution. Prices in Singapore start at around $80 to $120 SGD for a set, depending on the diameter. For hobbyists seeking ADA quality without the premium price, the Cal Aqua Labs Double Helix pipes are an excellent alternative at $50 to $80 SGD per set. They feature a unique internal spiral that further diffuses flow for ultra-gentle distribution.
Budget-conscious hobbyists can find capable glass lily pipes from brands like UP Aqua, Do!Aqua, and various unbranded sets on platforms like Shopee and Lazada for $15 to $35 SGD. While the glass quality and curve precision may not match premium brands, they perform the core function well and represent outstanding value for entry-level aquascapers.
Top Acrylic Lily Pipe Sets
The Jardli range offers some of the best acrylic lily pipes available locally. Their clarity approaches glass, and the thicker construction provides confidence during handling and cleaning. A set typically costs $25 to $45 SGD. The Aquario Neo Flow series bridges the gap between glass and acrylic with a hybrid approach that uses stainless steel fittings and clear tubing for a modern, industrial aesthetic. Priced around $30 to $50 SGD, they are particularly durable and easy to clean.
Choosing the Right Diameter
Lily pipes come in various inner diameters to match your canister filter‘s tubing. Common sizes are 13 millimetres for smaller filters like the Eheim Classic 250 and 17 millimetres for larger models like the Eheim Professional series or Oase BioMaster. Measure your existing tubing’s inner diameter before purchasing. Using an incorrect size results in poor connections, leaks, or restricted flow. Most lily pipe listings clearly state compatibility with specific filter models. If you are unsure, bring a section of your tubing to the shop for comparison.
Installation and Setup Tips
Position the outflow lily pipe so its flared opening sits just at or slightly below the water surface. This creates a gentle surface ripple that promotes gas exchange without excessive splashing. The inflow pipe should be positioned lower in the tank, typically near the substrate level on the opposite side from the outflow, to create a circular current pattern. Use clear silicone tubing between the canister filter and the lily pipes, as it maintains the clean aesthetic. Secure the pipes to the tank rim with the included suction cups or clips, ensuring they are stable and will not shift during water changes.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Lily pipes accumulate algae and biofilm inside their curves, gradually reducing flow and spoiling their appearance. Clean them every two to four weeks using a flexible pipe cleaning brush, available at aquarium shops for around $5 SGD. For stubborn algae, soak the pipes in a diluted bleach solution of one part bleach to ten parts water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and soak in dechlorinated water before reinstalling. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide works well and is safer for glass. Handle glass lily pipes with wet hands to improve grip and always clean them over a towel or soft surface to cushion any accidental drops.
Are Lily Pipes Worth the Investment
For aquascapers who value clean aesthetics, the answer is unequivocally yes. Replacing bulky plastic tubing with transparent lily pipes elevates the visual impact of any planted tank. The improved flow distribution benefits plant growth and gas exchange measurably. Even the most affordable glass sets at $15 to $20 SGD deliver a noticeable upgrade over stock equipment. For hobbyists who prioritise function over form, standard spray bars remain perfectly adequate, but once you experience the elegance of a well-installed lily pipe set, it is difficult to go back. Visit Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park to see our range of lily pipes in action on our display tanks and find the perfect set for your filtration system.
Related Reading
emilynakatani
Still Have Questions About Your Tank?
Drop by Gensou Aquascaping — most walk-in questions get answered in under 10 minutes by someone who has set up hundreds of tanks.
5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
