How to Clean Aquarium Lily Pipes, Inflow Pipes, and Outflow Pipes
Glass lily pipes and acrylic filter pipes are prized for their clean aesthetic in aquascaping — but they require regular cleaning to maintain that look and to function efficiently. Biofilm, algae, and calcium deposits build up inside and outside the glass over time. Here's how to clean them properly.
What You'll Need
- Pipe cleaning brushes (flexible, with soft bristle tips — sized to fit your pipe diameter)
- White vinegar (for calcium/mineral deposits)
- Bleach solution (10% water : 1% bleach) — optional, for heavy algae
- Clean bucket of dechlorinated water for rinsing
- Cotton swabs for lily pipe flower bell interiors
- Soft cloth for exterior polishing
How Often to Clean
| Pipe section | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Outflow lily pipe (visible) | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Inflow strainer/pipe | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Filter hose interior | Every 1–2 months |
Cleaning frequency depends on your lighting intensity and nutrient levels — higher both means faster algae growth on glass surfaces.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Remove Pipes from the Tank
Turn off the filter. Carefully unclip or remove lily pipes and intake strainers. Have a towel ready — they will drip.
2. Rinse with Clean Water
Flush each pipe with clean tap water to remove loose debris before using brushes or cleaning solutions.
3. Brush the Interior
Feed the appropriately sized pipe brush through the full length of each pipe. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes. For lily pipe outlets (the curved flower bell), use a cotton swab or small angled brush to reach the curved section.
4. Treat Calcium and Mineral Deposits
White chalky deposits (calcium carbonate from hard water) do not respond to brushing alone:
- Soak the pipe in undiluted white vinegar for 30–60 minutes
- The calcium deposits will dissolve or soften significantly
- Brush again, then rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Soak in dechlorinated water for 5 minutes before returning to tank
5. Treat Heavy Algae Buildup
For persistent green algae inside pipes:
- Soak in a 10:1 water-to-bleach solution for 15–20 minutes
- Rinse very thoroughly — multiple times — with dechlorinated water
- Soak in plain dechlorinated water for 30 minutes before returning to the tank
Important: Never return pipes with any residual bleach odour to the tank. Bleach is lethal to fish and shrimp at very low concentrations.
6. Polish Exterior
Wipe the outside of glass lily pipes with a soft dry cloth or microfibre towel. Avoid abrasive cloths that scratch glass.
Maintenance Tips
- A small flow reduction from your filter is often the first sign of a clogged inlet strainer — clean it immediately
- Pre-filter sponges on inlet strainers significantly reduce debris buildup inside pipes
- Keeping a spare set of lily pipes lets you clean one set thoroughly while the tank runs normally
Browse our aquascaping equipment and cleaning tools including pipe brush sets and lily pipe accessories.