Fluval 305 and 13mm Lily Pipe

[RobotDeathSquad]

I have bought a Fluval 305 almost a year ago because I was planning on getting a 55 Gal tank.

I decided I'd rather have a rimless tank and finally settled on a 17 gal. from GLA.

I've have a 13mm set of glass inlet-outflow pipes (17mm is just too big for this tank). So now I have a problem. My Fluval has the vacuum cleaner style hoses which are 5/8" in diameter. My 13mm pipes are essentially 1/2 inch in diameter. How can I taper the hoses down to fit the pipes and can I switch to clear tubing at the same time?

[RobotDeathSquad]

No one has suggestions?

[Lance Uppercut]

Put a stub of 1/2" on each lily pipe and run 5/8" from the Fluval to the pipes w/ zip ties @ the connections? My only concern is restricting the diameter of the intake on the Fluval. Maybe try it, but only run the Fluval @ 50%-60% via the aquastop. OR, better yet, get a 5/8" inline barbed hose valve (2 little fishies makes one) and use that on the return line. That way the aquastop doesn't restrict the intake even more.

[RobotDeathSquad]

Originally Posted by Lance Uppercut

Put a stub of 1/2" on each lily pipe and run 5/8" from the Fluval to the pipes w/ zip ties @ the connections? My only concern is restricting the diameter of the intake on the Fluval. Maybe try it, but only run the Fluval @ 50%-60% via the aquastop. OR, better yet, get a 5/8" inline barbed hose valve (2 little fishies makes one) and use that on the return line. That way the aquastop doesn't restrict the intake even more.

Ah thanks for the tip, that is a good idea. I tracked down the parts you were talking about at Marine Depot and I think they'll work great. Thanks.

[Jeff5614]

Use 1/2" clear vinyl tubing on the lily pipes and attach that to the fluval tubing with 3/4" x 1/2" barbed reducers. You can find them in the schedule 80 PVC and Home Depot, Lowes, etc.