Description:
A surface skimmer inlet does everything a standard lily pipe inlet does, drawing water from the tank into your canister filter with a clean, minimal glass aesthetic, but with one important addition. Rather than drawing water from mid-water or near the substrate, a surface skimmer draws water from the very surface of the tank, continuously removing the oils, dust, protein film, and fine debris that accumulate there over time.
That surface film is more than just an aesthetic problem. It can interfere with gas exchange between the water and the air above it, making oxygen and CO2 exchange less efficient. Removing the film helps maintain a clean, open water surface, although heavily agitated surfaces can also increase gas exchange and may cause CO2 to off-gas more quickly in CO2-injected aquariums. The adjustable skimmer design allows the intake to be positioned to suit your setup.
The adjustable bottom plug lets you control water flow and prevents shrimp and small fish from being drawn up into the inlet, which is a practical safety feature for shrimp tanks and breeding setups.
Made from high-quality glass with high resistance to temperature changes. Available in 12mm (300mm height) and 16mm (320mm height). Check that your tank depth exceeds the pipe length before purchasing. Each size pairs with the corresponding Speaker or Hemispherical Outlet to complete your glass lily pipe setup. Check that your tank depth exceeds the pipe length before purchasing.
Also available as a standard inlet if surface skimming is not a priority for your setup.
Each piece is sold separately. This product is the 16mm Surface Skimmer Only.
Please check your filter's internal hose diameter before purchasing to ensure the correct fit.
Suitable with canister filters for freshwater planted aquariums, aquascaping setups, and shrimp tanks.
Product Features:
- Made from durable, transparent glass that is resistant to breakage and ensures long-lasting use.
- Designed to provide optimal water flow and filtration, maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium.
- Surface Skimmer effectively removes oil film from the water surface, ensuring a clear and clean aquarium.
- Features an adjustable bottom plug to control water flow and prevent the suction of fish and shrimp.
- High resistance to temperature changes, making it suitable for various aquarium environments.
Product Specifications:
- Material: High-Quality Glass
- Inlet Sizes: 16mm
- Colour: Transparent
Dimensions:
- Surface Skimmer Inlet 16mm: 320mm/12.59in height
Items Included:
- 1 x Glass Surface Skimmer Inlet Pipe 16mm
Please Note:
Rinse all glass components with water before installation to remove any dust or debris.
Handle with care to avoid breakage.
Regularly clean the glass pipes to maintain optimal water flow and appearance.
Ensure proper installation to prevent the suction of small fish or shrimp.
Glass Lily Pipe - Surface Skimmer Inlet - 16mm
Glass Lily Pipe - Surface Skimmer Inlet - 16mm
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Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
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How the Surface Skimmer Inlet Compares
🌊 Surface Skimmer Inlet
- ✨Removes Surface Film: Draws water from the surface to help remove oils, protein film, dust and fine debris that can accumulate on top of the aquarium.
- 💨Supports Gas Exchange: Keeping the water surface clear can help maintain efficient gas exchange between the aquarium water and surrounding air.
- 🦐Adjustable Bottom Plug: Allows you to control water flow while helping prevent smaller fish and shrimp from being drawn into the inlet.
- 🎯Purpose-Built Surface Intake: Combines canister filter water intake with surface skimming in a single glass lily pipe component.
- ✨Clean Glass Design: Provides surface skimming while maintaining the minimalist appearance of a glass lily pipe setup.
🔽 Standard Lily Pipe Inlet
- 💧Standard Water Intake: Draws aquarium water into the canister filter without specifically targeting the water surface.
- 🌊General Circulation: Provides a straightforward intake point for normal canister filter operation.
- 🪴Simple Aquascaping Setup: A practical choice when surface film is not a particular concern or when you prefer a traditional lily pipe arrangement.
- 🔧Simple Intake Design: Uses a conventional inlet without the additional surface-skimming mechanism.
- ✨Clean Glass Appearance: Maintains the minimalist glass lily pipe aesthetic while providing standard canister filter intake.
Surface skimmers are standard equipment in serious planted tank setups for good reason. The combination of aesthetic improvement and genuine water quality benefit makes them one of the more impactful upgrades you can make to a planted tank. The glass construction keeps the visual impact minimal, and the adjustable plug is a thoughtful detail that makes it safe for shrimp and small fish.
Clean glass lily pipes regularly to prevent algae and calcium build-up, which reduces flow and detracts from the aesthetic. A dedicated lily pipe cleaning brush (a long, flexible brush sized to fit the pipe diameter) makes this straightforward. Soak in a diluted white vinegar solution to dissolve stubborn calcium deposits, then rinse thoroughly before returning to the tank. Handle with care during cleaning as glass pipes can crack if knocked against hard surfaces. Always disconnect from the filter before removing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a glass surface skimmer do?
A surface skimmer draws water from the aquarium surface and helps remove oils, dust, protein film and fine debris that can accumulate on the water's surface.
What is the difference between a surface skimmer and a standard glass inlet?
A standard inlet draws water into the canister filter without specifically targeting the surface. A surface skimmer is designed to draw water from the surface while helping remove surface film and debris.
Which size should I choose?
Choose the 12mm or 16mm version to match the internal diameter of your canister filter hose. Check your filter's hose size before purchasing to ensure the correct fit.
Can the surface skimmer help remove oily surface film?
Yes. By drawing water from the surface, the skimmer can help remove oils, dust, protein film and other fine debris that collect on the water surface.
Can I use the surface skimmer in a shrimp tank?
Yes. The adjustable bottom plug allows you to control the intake and helps reduce the risk of shrimp and small fish being drawn into the inlet when correctly adjusted for your setup.
Can I adjust the water flow through the skimmer?
Yes. The adjustable bottom plug allows you to control the intake and adjust the flow to suit your aquarium and livestock.
Will surface skimming affect CO2 in a planted aquarium?
Surface movement can increase gas exchange, which may cause CO2 to leave the water more quickly in a CO2-injected aquarium. Consider your desired level of surface agitation when adjusting the skimmer.
Can I pair it with a glass lily pipe outlet?
Yes. The surface skimmer can be paired with the corresponding speaker or hemispherical outlet in the same tubing size to create a matching glass lily pipe setup.
Is the glass resistant to temperature changes?
Yes. The surface skimmer is made from high-quality glass designed to withstand temperature changes associated with normal aquarium use. Handle glass equipment carefully during installation and cleaning.
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