Lily Pipes?

[Hadouken441]

Im very interested in doing this but I have no idea how to set one up haha! Can someone explain this to me or at least send me a link where I can figure it out.

[XanAvaloni]

Sounds like an Amano (http://www.adgshop.com/Lily_Pipes_s/48.htm) invention, as that's about the only place I find the devices mentioned. If you know anybody who does glassblowing/bending you can probably do a DIY workup on standard scientific glass tubes.

Get a little bottle of propane like is used for soldering and a fan nozzle and practice a bit on cheap tubes and you can probably indeed do it yourself. :)

[Hadouken441]

Well I plan on buying the pipes online I was wondering more of like how to set it up. Like Do i need a pump? I dont understand at all haha! thanks for the answer though.

[XanAvaloni]

Sorry Hadouken, guess I misunderstood your question. These are evidently just standard pump-air-or-water-from-one-place-to-another devices to perform functions usually done by plastic pipes or flexible tubes. As I understand the page I linked to the sole reason for using clear glass is esthetic--it helps creat the "Amano effect" of pure landscape, with nothing artificial or technological or "outside" intruding on the view. I don't think they serve any functional purpose just by being glass.

Looking around the ADA site some more would probably explain it better, that's just the impression I got. Mind you, I am a BIG fan of the Amano style, I am just resigned to putting in years and years of fishkeeping before being able to come anywhere near close to the effects they achieve. :)

[slapnutz]

These take the place of inlet/return pipes on your canister filter.

[Hadouken441]

Im sorry I think im stupid haha can you explain the intake thing a little more for me?

[ghengis]

Hadouken, I will assume you are aware of what a canister filter is and how it works, but to recap, you basically have a pipe that draws water from the tank via syphon. The water flows down to the canister filter, which is filled with media, and is then pumped back up into the tank.

The part where the water goes up and out of the tank is the "inlet", the part where the water re-enters the tank is the outlet. These pieces are usually made of plastic and come with every canister filter...

Lily-pipes are a glass version of the inlet and outlet. They are glass, because glass appears more attractive and less obtrusive inside the tank. But they are more about the operation than the look... Water flowing from a standard canister outlet has a very direct line of flow, like a jet of water. Lily-pipes, by design, soften this linear flow and spread it more evenly through the tank. Also, the bell mouth of the Lily creates a whirlpool effect on the water surface, which helps to eliminate surface film, as well as distributing and mixing any CO2 bubbles that may be diffusing into the tank.

I would honestly have to question your need for such items, since it is apparent that you are still only learning the basics of the hobby. Once you start into planted tanks that are a full on display or focal point in your home, I think the money could be well spent elsewhere. Just my 2c.

[Hadouken441]

Great just what I needed. I knew it was something That I didnt need right away but I mostly wanted to learn what it was exactly. Ill Deff hold off on it till everything is more established. Your the man ghengis.

[ghengis]

Lol, no worries mate!! ;)

I have only just bought my first set of Lily's, but this is because I have bit the bullet and decided to set up a fully devoted display tank (linky... (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221943)) and wanted the best of everything. It's taken a while to feel confident enough to go for such a set-up though...and to have the funds!! :D

Have fun, glad I could help :)

[Ahura-sama]

For a cheaper alternative to ADA get them from Ebay.

[ghengis]

Yeah, there are many alternatives to ADA, for sure. Just beware of REAL cheap items...these will often have imperfections, very low grade glass and the slots for the water inflow section can be very roughly cut, meaning frustrating algae problems.

My "Lily's" are actually "ANS iFlow Pipes". They are a cheaper brand, but still well made, with good glass and a nice finish...

[Hadouken441]

Your tank looks great! Where did you get your pipes? I saw that aqmagic has some are they of good quality? Im planning to make a DIY canister next weekend when im paid just for kicks.

[ghengis]

Cheers :) I got the pipes from the same place as the tank and stand, Aquascape Design in Melbourne...not that that helps you of course, but if you maybe do a search for ANS products, you may find someplace in the 'states that sells them. They cost me $AUD80 for the set. A significant difference to $AUD360-odd for ADA. Not sure on the aqmagic...I'll have a look into them for you...

[mott]

Orlando at GLA sells the Cal Aqua pipes, almost ADA quality.
Link: http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/

He is in Fla, ships very quick + great customer service.

Ghengis, Beautiful setup! you guy's ever go to http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ (http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/)

It's prolly the best site around for planted tanks and equipment IMO, Check it out!

Hadoken(Street fighter?) There is a guy on the swap and shop forums that sells plastic lilly pipes cheap, he makes him himself...

[Hadouken441]

Yup street fighter haha best ken in utah. Look up Utah Ranbat Nico if your ever bored haha! Thanks mott ill check out that site and ill try to find that buy who makes em.

[sieu004]

If you are handy, here is link to DIY lily pipe with acrylic tube.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/99443-diy-lily-pipe-nano-tank.html

Here is link to order your custom make pipe
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/swap-n-shop/70351-custom-made-inflow-outflow-pipes-made.html

[mott]

If you are handy, here is link to DIY lily pipe with acrylic tube.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/99443-diy-lily-pipe-nano-tank.html

Here is link to order your custom make pipe
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/swap-n-shop/70351-custom-made-inflow-outflow-pipes-made.html


There it is! Thanks sieu004!

[ghengis]

Orlando at GLA sells the Cal Aqua pipes, almost ADA quality.
Link: http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/

He is in Fla, ships very quick + great customer service.

Ghengis, Beautiful setup! you guy's ever go to http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ (http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/)

It's prolly the best site around for planted tanks and equipment IMO, Check it out!

That Cal-Aqua gear is awesome. Very popular amongst planted enthusiasts, and for very good reason.

Cheers, mott. I am on APC, as well as AquariumLife (Aussie Planted forum)...too many forums...must resist joining another one...must resist!! :D

[mott]

I like APC as well, all though it seems really slow lately, TPT is always bustling with people...

[Hadouken441]

APC is very slow I never get anything answered there. That DIY lily looks a little out of my league haha! And that form isnt working for me?