Tiny Pipes
Minecraft storage and automation often hits a wall when space runs out. Chests multiply, cables tangle, and your base becomes a mess of hoppers and conduits. Tiny Pipes solves this problem by introducing a modular piping system that respects your builds. Instead of sprawling networks, you get a compact, highly configurable solution that can handle items, fluids, Forge Energy, and even redstone signals in a single block space. This is not just a smaller pipe; it is a complete rethink of how you route resources.
What Makes Tiny Pipes Different?
The core innovation is the ability for pipes to share a block space. Full-sized pipes can be clustered together, allowing multiple distinct networks to run side-by-side without interfering. But the real magic lies in the super tiny pipes. These are one-eighth of a block in height, width, and depth, creating an 8x8x8 grid within each block. You can route dozens of independent lines through a single block, enabling incredibly dense automation designs that were previously impossible.
Precise Connection Control
Each pipe segment gives you full control over its connections. Right-click with a wrench to cycle a side between off, on, or pull mode. For a more detailed view, right-click with an empty hand to open a 3D GUI. This interface lets you toggle all six sides individually, ensuring that you connect exactly what you intend to. Furthermore, every pipe can be individually disabled with a redstone signal, giving you precise control over when resources flow.
The Different Pipe Types
Tiny Pipes offers a specialized pipe for every major automation need. Each type has its own behavior and upgrades, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.
Item and Fluid Transfer
The standard Item Pipe moves items between inventories at a base rate of 2 items per second per connection. This is configurable, and you can use speed upgrades to boost full-sized pipes up to 32x, reaching a default of one stack per second. For the super tiny pipes, you can simply attach multiple tiny connectors to a single inventory to multiply your transfer rate. The Fluid Pipe works similarly, transferring 500mB (half a bucket) per second per connection by default. With speed upgrades, this can reach 16 buckets per second. Again, multiple tiny connectors can be used for faster fluid transfer.
Filter Pipes for Control
Both item and fluid transfer have a dedicated filter variant. The Item Filter Pipe and Fluid Filter Pipe act just like their standard counterparts, but right-clicking with an empty hand opens a filter GUI. Here, you can specify items or buckets of fluid to either allow or disallow using a whitelist or blacklist. These filters can be placed anywhere within your pipe network, giving you granular control over your entire storage and fluid setup without needing complex redstone logic.
Energy and Redstone
For power, the Energy Pipe transfers Forge Energy (often called RF) at a base rate of 256 FE/tick per connection, configurable up to 8,192 FE/tick with speed upgrades. The Redstone Pipe is a lossless transfer solution that can carry up to 16 separate redstone signals, corresponding to the 16 dye colors. Right-click a connector with a dye to set its frequency (the dye is not consumed). Outputs will only receive signals from inputs of the same color, allowing for incredibly complex redstone control in a compact space. By default, all inputs and outputs are red and share the same signal.
Supported Versions and Installation
Tiny Pipes is developed for the Forge and NeoForge mod loaders. It is available for several recent versions of Minecraft, so you can integrate it into your existing modpacks. The mod is designed to work seamlessly with other tech mods that use Forge Energy and standard inventory and fluid tank APIs. If you also install the Tiny Redstone mod, the pipes can share block space with its circuits, opening up even more design possibilities.
To get started, you will need to download Tiny Pipes from a reliable source and place the file in your mods folder. The installation process is straightforward, but ensuring you have the correct version for your Minecraft client and loader is essential for stability.
How to Install Tiny Pipes
Installing the mod is a simple process. First, make sure you have the correct version of Forge or NeoForge installed. Then, follow these steps:
- Download the mod file that matches your Minecraft version and loader.
- Navigate to your
.minecraftfolder and open themodsdirectory. - Drag and drop the downloaded
.jarfile into themodsfolder. - Launch Minecraft and check the mod list to confirm it loaded correctly.
For players who prefer a more streamlined approach, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Tiny Pipes for Minecraft. This launcher manages version compatibility automatically, so you do not have to worry about mismatched files. Its integrated add-on catalog lets you browse and install mods directly, making the entire process much faster and less error-prone.
Optimizing Your Builds
Once installed, the real fun begins. Start by planning a compact automation cell. Use the 8x8x8 grid of the super tiny pipes to route multiple item streams and a fluid line through a single wall. The ability to cluster full-sized pipes is also a huge space saver. You can run an item pipe, a fluid pipe, and an energy pipe all in the same block, creating a clean and efficient utility corridor. The redstone pipes are perfect for controlling these systems, allowing you to shut down individual sections with a simple signal.
Remember that speed upgrades are key for high-throughput builds. A full-sized pipe with 32 speed upgrades can move a stack of items per second, which is often more than enough for most automation. For truly massive operations, using multiple tiny pipe connectors to a single inventory can achieve even higher rates. The filter pipes are invaluable for sorting systems, letting you direct specific items to specific destinations without complex logic.
Conclusion
Tiny Pipes is an essential mod for any Minecraft player who values clean, compact, and efficient automation. It offers a level of control and density that standard piping systems simply cannot match. Whether you are a redstone engineer or a builder looking to hide your tech, this mod provides the tools you need. The combination of full-sized and super tiny pipes, along with dedicated filter and redstone variants, makes it a versatile addition to any modpack. So, if you are tired of spaghetti piping, it is time to download Tiny Pipes and start building smarter.