Dymax Lily Pipe Set with Surface Skimmer, 12/16mm

Stainless Steel Lily Pipe Set with Surface Skimmer for Planted Tank Canister Filters

The Dymax Stainless Steel Lily Pipe Set with Surface Skimmer (12/16mm) adds one component to the standard Dymax lily pipe set: a stainless steel surface skimmer attachment. The outflow lily pipe, inflow pipe, and hose clips are the same surgical-grade stainless construction as the standard set, sized for 12mm ID / 16mm OD canister filter tubing. The surface skimmer attachment connects to the inflow side of the system and continuously draws water from just at the water's surface, pulling debris, uneaten food particles, and surface biofilm into the canister filter's mechanical media before they can accumulate.

In planted tanks running CO2 injection, hobbyists often deliberately minimize surface agitation to prevent CO2 from escaping the water column before plants can absorb it. That approach is sound for CO2 efficiency, but reduced surface movement creates conditions where organic material collects at the waterline and forms a thin surface film. This biofilm impairs gas exchange at the surface, reduces the visual clarity of the waterline, and creates the cloudy or oily appearance that conflicts with the clean aesthetic of a well-maintained planted aquascape. The surface skimmer solves this without requiring any additional surface agitation — it removes the film continuously through the canister's draw, leaving the surface clear and gas exchange unobstructed.

The 12/16mm sizing accommodates smaller and mid-range external canister filters. 

Key Features:

• Surgical-grade stainless steel lily pipe set with an added surface skimmer attachment
• Surface skimmer continuously draws water from the waterline, removing debris and biofilm into the canister filter
• Prevents surface film buildup in planted tanks with reduced surface agitation or closed canopies
• Outflow lily pipe creates circular surface current for aeration and CO2 distribution
• Resistant to rust, scratches, calcium buildup, acidic water, and alkaline water
• Sized for 12mm ID / 16mm OD canister filter tubing
• Includes outflow lily pipe, inflow lily pipe, surface skimmer attachment, and hose clips
• 1-year limited warranty (CoralVue / Dymax)

Ideal For:

• High-tech CO2 planted tanks where surface agitation is intentionally limited for CO2 retention and surface film develops as a result, requiring a passive surface management solution that does not introduce additional turbulence
• Planted aquascapers who want a complete, matched stainless steel solution covering outflow, inflow, and surface skimming in a single purchase rather than sourcing a separate surface skimmer accessory
• Nature Aquarium and Dutch style planted tank builders using smaller canister filters who want a clean, minimal-hardware approach to both water flow and surface maintenance

Pro Tips:

• Position the surface skimmer intake just at the waterline, not below it. The skimmer draws from the surface layer — typically the top 5 to 10 mm of water where film accumulates. If it is positioned too deep, it draws from mid-column water rather than the surface and does not effectively collect debris. Adjust height so the opening sits right at the waterline.
• A surface skimmer is not a substitute for regular maintenance. The skimmer continuously removes surface material into the canister's mechanical media, which means the filter sock or sponge in the canister will collect more debris than a system without a surface skimmer. Check and clean the canister's mechanical media slightly more frequently when the surface skimmer is running continuously.
• Confirm your hose OD before ordering. Measure the outer diameter of your existing canister filter hose — if it measures 16mm, the 12/16mm set is your size. If it measures 22mm, select the 16/22mm set.