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Surface Skimmer Inlet

Surface Skimmer Inlet

Plugs into any cannister filter and immediately remove oils and debris from the surface of your aquarium. A clearer fish tank or your money back.
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Fast and cheap

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Perfect for all aquariums

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24/7 Live chat and support

Surface Skimmer Inet
Regular price $69.95
Regular price Sale price $69.95
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Details

Simply throw away your filters plastic fittings and plug and play direct into your filters tubing your all new skimmer inlet.

It immediately removes oils and debris from the surface of your aquarium, resulting in an ultra clear tank from all angles.

Fits both pipe sizes

- 12/16mm (inner/outer diameter)
- 16/22mm (inner/outer diameter)

Whole inlet height = 30cm

SHIPPING INFO

Fast and cheap

FAQ

How does a lily pipe surface skimmer actually work?

Think of it like a vacuum cleaner for the top of your aquarium.

When connected to a canister filter, the surface skimmer gently pulls water from both the water surface and deeper in the aquarium at the same time.

The floating skimmer cup removes oily film, dust, plant bits, fish food and other debris from the surface before they can build up. At the same time, the lower intake continues drawing water from inside the aquarium for filtration.

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?

Absolutely. You’ll 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, you can 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

  • 24/7 Live chat and support

  • Over 100,000 happy aquariums

Immediately transform your aquarium from ugly to elegant with the added benefit of removing oils and debris from the surface of your fish tank.