gf225

I'm trying to decide between the ADA style Lily pipe or a spray bar for my filter output.

I was of the understanding that a spray bar will give more overall circulation and minimise possible deadspots. Obviously there's many variables i.e. hole diameter, length of bar, positioning, direction of flow etc. but could you say one is better overall than the other in terms of function?

I realise the lily pipe is more aesthetically appealing but does it provide sufficient overall water movement?

What are your thoughts, experiences, opinions on these two methods?

alexperez

As far a flow is concerned, I like the lily pipes better. IMO it gives me better flow than a spraybar. You should also have the inlet on the same side as the oultlet to create a nice circulation in the tank.

Some things I don't like about the lily pipes.
It gets more algae on it.
Its harder to keep clean.
The inlet is a magnet for snails.

Regards,
Alex

Overfloater

Alex:

What type of lily pipe do you have?

alexperez

I got 2 sets from IUnkwon or something like that, from this forum or The Planted Tank forum. They are not ADA pipes, But for less than half the price I'm happy. I did break one of the inlets pipes trying to gently force it on my 75G tank. The rim was to big for the pipe. I did have to cut a small slit on the plastic rim to fit the the other inlet. I really like the outlet pipe it creates a wondefull flow without being over powering. but the inlet pipe I don't much care for, other than looks IMO it's not so good. But they do look good toghether.
I wonder if there is a glass blower in Tampa or Orlando that will be willing to make the pipes for a reasonable price. I would love to have them on all my tanks of different sizes.

Overfloater

Interesting. I remember that thread about the pipes. I should have grabbed one even though I am pretty happy with my spraybar. It's nice to have some more toys.

turtlehead

I used the Eheim spray bar and after a week changed to the P-2 Liyly pipe. There is a difference, the Eheim sprayed my floating hc wildly around the tank and the patches became loose and I lost most of it. But with the lily pipe my hc stayed in a patch and remained that way.

bharada

Bob, If you're interested I'll sell you my set.

jerseyjay

Bill,

Which Eheim model ? I would be interested.

bharada

Jay,
I was refering to the glass lilly and intake pipe set I got from Greg (Iunknown) during his first production run. But they fit on the Eheim 16/22mm tubing if that helps.

jerseyjay

Bill,

Do you have pictures ? Email me off line - jayluto at hotmail dot com