Pimp My Filter #90 - Eheim Liberty 75 Hang On Back Filter

[@pondguru]

Is this the ugliest filter you've ever seen? It is for me. Here is a much better filter: Do not buy this filter - here's a much better one: APS HOB-500 (Amazon): geni.us/Q4AI37t APS HOB-500 (Ebay): ebay.to/2DZfrnz Added to that, the amount of filtration offered by the 'Liberty 75' is below minimal considering the large 'boxy' design and the cartridges cost a fortune - check this out for a shock: geni.us/KJw2X Luckily this filter doesn't seem to be widely available in the UK so any other HOB filter option is better. To name this filter 'Liberty' then tie users into regularly buying expensive cartridges is an inversion of reality but it is another indication of how far Eheim have fallen as a company. Many years ago they were the top company in the industry but now seem to prioritize profit over reputation, making filters from increasingly cheaper materials. To be fair this HOB filter is made with decent materials but it has a face not even it's mother could love. Please post your reports of using this filter long-term in the comment section - that is what it is for. Thanks in advance. As long as you avoid using damaging water conditioners which starve the bacteria in the system by messing with the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (e.g. Prime) there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to achieve a full cycle (0-5ppm nitrate) when your filter is properly sized and set up well with suitable filter media. That's what this series of videos is all about so if you've found this video useful please share it on Facebook, whatever Twitter is now or any other 'social' media sites. If you'd rather watch these videos with no ads then check out my Odysee channel here: odysee.com/$/invite/@PondGuru:0 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/ FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru (Richard)

[@wade4gas]

I got this in my aquarium in MINECRAFT. 😂

[@pondguru]

lol

[@BrianB2222]

Good to see Nintendo getting into the filter game. Probably gotta blow on the intake every time you try to run it lol

[@pondguru]

I dare say that the Nintendo NES will have more of a lasting legacy than this abomination of a filter, lol

[@DanielHoogland]

New filter videos! I am excited!

[@pondguru]

Don't get too excited - you'll be truly deflated by this one, lol

[@Eye-1-70]

I was so excited I went to bed early

[@Mark-ir9gl]

Nice one Richard. Can't believe how much they are charging 😮

[@pondguru]

I know, it is ridiculous and the cost of their new filters is equally ridiculous, especially in a time when people are strapped for cash and really focusing on how much they spend on any new aquarium or upgrade.

[@Mark-ir9gl]

@pondguru That filter just reminded of K-9 from Doctor Who 🤣🤣👍Hope you are all well 👍

[@pondguru]

@@Mark-ir9gl I've got some bruises and a broken thumb joint which is healing well (crashed my bike a few times) but other than that I'm good and I hope you're the same. Yes, if the Eheim filter had a springy tail and could shoot a laser from that red dial on the front it would literally be K-9.

[@MARKluvsAZcards]

Love the honesty ❤😂

[@GODwithus73]

You are so right, it looks like an 1980’s Soviet Union Lada 😂😂😂

[@pondguru]

To be fair it looks like anything from the Soviet era and that is a period of time best forgotten, lol

[@robertnemeth6248]

At least the Soviets were know for reliability and robustness. How ever this company are now making stuff so cheap this is likely to be rubbish. Thank God I have a 407.

[@BaggyShorts-h4c]

Quick somebody call Guiness book of World Records !!! Eheim has now broken the present world record on most unaesthetic AND dysfunctional HOB to date!! Great job Eheim !!! Love the red dot contrast 😂

[@pondguru]

The red dot is indicative of the 'cherry on top' for this magnificent design, lol

[@olivierpelland1027]

It's pure art common on! The wavy back panel makes you understand it's supposed to be used with water. The gray makes you realize that without it, your tank would be sad and unhealthy. True art that normal fishkeeper can't see.. Makes you wonder if Eheim knows what the competition is making.

[@pondguru]

It does look somewhat like a modern art installation. And that isn't a good look.

[@davidflynn996]

Richard I'm surprised you do not know that this is not a modern filter but one of the first hob in the hobby​@pondguru

[@andrewdefty6044]

Thought you were pimping a 1985 Nintendo NES not a filter... This one has made me shake my head AND laugh in equal measure...

[@pondguru]

YES - that's exactly what it reminds me of too. I was racking my brain trying to think what it reminded me of and it is exactly that. The Nintendo NES - proper blast from the past.

[@andrewdefty6044]

@@pondguru If Nintendo did filters, this would come with a Duck Hunt Background for your tank... But damn were showing our age here now! Hahaha!

[@pondguru]

@@andrewdefty6044 Yup, I'm old as dirt and have been gaming since the Pong days.

[@uhudtepesiniterkedenokcu5701]

I wish I had the chance to watch the video earlier. I bought it from the same filter a few months ago and installed an aquarium in my bedroom only one filter definitely does not clean the aquarium. You can never get full clear water, moreover, although I periodically clean my aquarium in detail, the sound of the filter increased several times after 5-6 weeks of taking it separately and it is impossible to sleep comfortably in the room now

[@pondguru]

Damn - thanks for the report. Yes, it is definitely not a good filter and given how ineffective and ugly it is I'm really surprised that they are still for sale.

[@davidflynn996]

Liberty filters are at least 20 years old. I found them to be very efficient in their day. I replaced the cartridges with foam

[@pondguru]

Nice one and I'm shocked (not shocked) that Eheim never updated the design from this visual abomination since it is like brutalist architecture from the Soviet era. Ultimately it does the same job as any other HOB filter so as long as looks aren't a consideration and you can pick one up very cheaply it's no better or worse than other choices out there.

[@Itsjustme-Justme]

Eheim Liberty filters are extremely quiet. Relative to their low wattage they pump a surprisingly large amount of water. The plastic used isn't bad either. I think the fact that it's more elastic than other filter housings is a factor in getting the filter so quiet and it certainly will not break too easily. But sadly that's everything that's good about them. I used one to power a backwall HMF for some time. Comparing it to 1950s Czechoslovakia is highly unfair. That was the time when Sovjet braindeath had not kicked in there yet. The 1950s were pretty much like the 1930s there. Somewhat outdated but designed for beauty.

[@pondguru]

Yes, maybe I should have said late 50's into the 60's. It takes time for communism to infect and take over as is being demonstrated in the Western world since 2020. When it is a world wide plan it will be difficult to escape and navigate the next few decades.

[@Itsjustme-Justme]

@@pondguru Czechoslovakia initially ramped up production of many prewar products and German wartime products again in 1945, in an attempt to quickly rebuild what was lost during the war. That progress was stopped by Moscow, starting with the prohibition of making and operating copies of German military equipment in the early 50s and with standardisation of anything else to Sovjet style from the late 1950s onwards. A horrible fate for a people of free thinkers and excellent engineers. The problem we have today is more fascism than communism. Putin is a fascist, not a communist. Russia only needed a few years after 1990 to reorganise its secret services. From that time on they converted from the old, cold war to a new, hybrid war. They have been payingcorrupt, western traitors both from the extreme left and extreme right and they have been spreading fake news from the mid 1990s onwards. They aim for collapsing democracy and taking over Europe. There would not be Brexit, MAGA, German AFD and BSW, Orban, Fico or Austrian FPÖ without Russian money, Russian strategic advice and Russian fake news.

[@MrDanAng1]

I love Eheim filters... when they are over 10 years old. It seem they spent the last decade consciously trying to make new versions of their older filters significantly worse. And when they start from scratch, they can obviously produce real crap! Thankfully, Eheim have an awesome collection of spare parts, so I can use my old filters seemingly indefinetily!

[@pondguru]

Yes, that is Eheim's real strength as they do have some great older filters (not this one) and have a very comprehensive and available list of spare parts which is very important. The older filters are built to last a lifetime too so regardless of how atrocious the modern filters are Eheim will be around for a while. Unfortunately they must see that the new filter market is passing them by with so many other companies making great filters and that will only end one way.

[@HobbyistFishkeeper]

It looks like a 1980s food processor 😂

[@pondguru]

lol

[@vikkitee4686]

Would like you to do a DIY filter from a bin, pump and media. Am looking at how to do this since realising that a filter is just these 3 items for my pond but I don't know what pump to use or how to attach the pipes

[@pondguru]

I made one a few years ago where I made one from a small wheelie bin and that can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIi8Y2dogd19apY The idea has been copied by other channels after that so there's a few videos out there which will likely be better than mine now.

[@vikkitee4686]

@@pondguru that's amazing, thank you 😁👍

[@andrew14jie]

looks like it was made out of Lego!!! , Ehiem used to be so good now they are just an expensive joke . great video

[@pondguru]

I can't argue with any of that, lol

[@bern585]

Reminds me of something you'd see in a laundromat 😂 great video nonetheless

[@pondguru]

Yes, a laundromat in 1950's Soviet union, lol

[@barbarawiddowson635]

So you like it then Richard?(lol) Does seem a tad pricey but if your an Eheim fan and have money to spare I suppose it would be worth it? Thank you for the review Richard.

[@pondguru]

It's definitely the worst looking filter I've seen. Ever. However, when upgraded it will have function, just not form.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Has a early 1982 KENNER toy company vibe , something that had nothing to do with the greatest space opera of all time and everything else had already been turned into the wonderful collection of toys from the movie but the demand for more was like nothing they could of imagined so who better to add to the incredible creations and the creature's that would certainly be flying off the shelves for the hysterical children that would have as much fun with a unimaginative injected piece of drab space gray that was happily signed off by the studios who could care less about the uninspired and pathetic appearance, as long as it was going to get that Shipment back in time for Christmas so all the good German kids were going to get....,.to be continued a long time from now 🚀

[@pondguru]

That like a full script for the world's worst movie - it could even be worse than this filter, lol

[@jasoncarty2175]

😂😂😂😂I'm sure Richard loves ehiem😂😂😂

[@pondguru]

They must love me too, lol

[@Ethan-gv2zy]

I forgot all about these! I was under the impression they were no longer available because I stopped seeing them over 12 years ago here in the US. I've owned several different sizes of these, years ago. They are ugly as sin and absolutely pants on head stupid, in regards to design. But, if you remove all the stuff Eheim includes and basically just turn them into one big chamber for a specific media, they work ok'ish. You should do a video on the Eheim ECCO canister filters! Awful things.

[@pondguru]

I may have done one of those filters years ago - I think it was on the Ecco pro 300? Eheim seem to have hit gold with their early canister filters then never built on that innovation, design or function.

[@GODwithus73]

If I had one of those the way I would improve it will be is to wait until Thursday when the recycle people come and put it on the recycle bin.

[@pondguru]

That is definitely an option, lol

[@reeceevans7084]

What a shame considering they created some of the most elite level external filters and then they create a HOB like this. Shocking

[@pondguru]

They used to make such good filters but after the Pro 3 series of canisters the business model seemed to change. I've looked up the company history (it is on their website) and the downturn seemed to occur around the time when the founder of the company died aged 93 (2013). That seems to roughly the time when quantity over quality and profit over customer satisfaction became the business model. I could be wrong but it seems like a younger generation just doesn't (generally) have the same values, attention to detail and care for the customer base compared to those who came before them.

[@reeceevans7084]

@pondguru The pro 3 series was the best, I still have a pro 3 1200XL stored away. They nailed it with those filters. Seems a bit of a coincidence that the quality declined after the founder passed away. Wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, I haven't seen anything decent in the way of filters by eheim for a while.

[@pondguru]

@@reeceevans7084 Yes the decline was definitely after the pro 3.

[@99Canecas]

Well when you review every filter known to man…. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@pondguru]

I'm getting there....

[@MrHoopski]

i think this desreves a WTAF !! and that price lol

[@pondguru]

WTAF is one of my favorite podcasts and it definitely deserved that title as the most WTAF filter so far.

[@pauldunlop1660]

Rather have a properly Biohome retrofitted Allpondsolutions HOB-500 or two depending on tank size.

[@pondguru]

100% - that is definitely the best HOB filter I've featured so far in this series of videos. Considering the low cost it and how well it is designed is very good.

[@slinkyscapes8530]

And I thought German design was the best 🤣🤣 Is this a new filter or an old discontinued unit as I’ve never seen this before

[@pondguru]

It is still available in Europe (and maybe the US) .... but it should definitely be discontinued, lol

[@stoneysscapes7544]

​@@pondguruthere's actually some for sale at Aqualand in Mpls and the $ is going to make it very dusty before the fanboy gets his hands on it

[@pondguru]

@@stoneysscapes7544 I like that you've reduced the Eheim fanboys into a single person since unfortunately that is where it's at. Eheim have shot themselves in the foot so many times it makes me wonder who the hell is running the company and making ridiculous decisions which harm the company. They're destroying themselves faster than Disney, lol

[@Antoineduval159]

Love how you tell it as is mate..... it is just plain ugly, yuk

[@pondguru]

100% - it is hideous.

[@MDBD2405]

For me Seachem tidal is still the best HOB filter you can buy.

[@pondguru]

It is definitely up there for sure and can be upgraded so easily. All too often now the HOB filters rely on skinny cartridges which will cost a fortune to change for the operating life of the filter.

[@MDBD2405]

@@pondguru yes it’s really annoying that these companies do this with HOB filters , plus a big brand company like eheim should be capable of making an excellent filter, I still like some of their products but I tend to stay away from their filters these days. I think Fluval is hard to beat with the range of filters specially their price point compared to other companies.

[@pondguru]

@@MDBD2405 Yes, Fluval seem to have found a great balance of quality and price.

[@bigrededdy]

20 quid for that sponge cartridge!!!

[@pondguru]

I'll take 10 at that price - bargain! lol

[@bigrededdy]

@@pondguru that is mental!! there are way better entire filters out there for that price!!

[@pondguru]

@@bigrededdy For sure and the same is unfortunately true with the canister filters. The pro 4 and pro 5 Eheim canisters are twice the price they should be yet still don't function as well as the Oase Biomaster filters. Do we really need a bypass function (for lazy fish keepers) and Wi-Fi when there is an easy clean pre-filter as an alternative option?

[@bigrededdy]

@@pondguru i’ve learned so much from your videos around how to set up my filters and which ones are crap and which are great! thank you!

[@pondguru]

@@bigrededdy No worries - wherever I can help anyone save time and money I will do that. Thanks for watching.

[@happy45man]

Looks like a speed camera

[@pondguru]

100% - it looks exactly like a speed camera and I wonder if people who use this filter in London get the heroes in hoodies chopping the filter off the back of the tank using a cordless grinder?

[@rogeraquarium6872]

It’s like this filter was designed by an Eheim intern who knew absolutely nothing about aquarium filtration. Let’s make it butt ugly gray, box shaped, with a red zit like button in the middle.

[@pondguru]

It is a very unfortunate design, that's for sure - it definitely doesn't scream "Buy Me".

[@robertnemeth6248]

I cannot understand why people still buy their staff. It is like old style made in China - from a company that cares more about making money then providing a good product.

[@pondguru]

Yes, unfortunately that's the business model Eheim has chosen to pursue at a time when a company from the same country (Oase) is making filters which look good, have original features and are well made.

[@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR]

A block of flats in a communist hell hole 😂😂😂😂They are making themselves look ridiculous, what on earth are they thinking producing that. Rich , you should do a " take two " review on this, sat out in your garden.with the wind and rain, like you did with that other eheim filter .I woul2d love to see that I can tell you 😂ps, I guessed £15, thinking that was ridiculous , but I was still way off !!!! they have to be joking.

[@pondguru]

Yes, if it had been £15 for the whole filter it wouldn't have been out of place considering what else is available from other manufacturers now.

[@nightlite9009]

I'm not bothered by the style, it's ugly, but filters are usually hidden. I am bothered when a major company thinks it can rip off it's customers. £20 for a bit of sponge?! And that filter is about £30 too?! I've seen better knock off filters for £10 on Temu! Eheim are taking the mick. I watch all your filter videos, but this one should be considered a public service announcement: "Avoid Eheim".

[@pondguru]

To be fair I cut out lots of footage where I was just sitting back and swearing at this filter since it is terrible considering their competitors offerings.

[@Eye-1-70]

It could have been designed by netanyahu because let's face it he f**** up everything he put his hands to as well. Shame on the EHEIM team

[@pondguru]

Hey, man - that guy pays the wages of so many people on KZbin (not me) so you can't diss him - he is the new messiah who will lead the chose people to the promised land of Greater Israel. Unfortunately that will result in the genocide of millions of innocent people.... Yes, Eheim is now shit.

[@iangrice329]

It is definitely very German looking. East German 😅

[@pondguru]

Yes, definitely on the East side of the wall, lol

[@GupPi_3.14]

It's so ugly it's cute lol looks like K9 from 70"s Dr who pmsl

[@pondguru]

It does look a bit like K9.

[@timbo2clark823]

My god eheim seems to be getting worse and worse did a Chinese company take them over

[@pondguru]

Unfortunately I think Eheim were have been taken over by a partnership of Stevie Wonder (lead designer) and Stephen Hawking (construction manager).

[@charlie10tango39]

That's "Biden's build back better" aquarium filter...

[@pondguru]

Pretty much - it is so sad to see where Eheim are now compared to where they were.

[@KK_SHRMP]

A lot of good points, but are you serious?? That giant block of foam? Sorry no. Maybe you forgot you use a hang on filter like that to avoid something to big inside of the aquarium. Overthink your horrible solution

[@pondguru]

And that is why I say that adding the foam has done nothing to improve the appearance - it's an ugly way to improve the any filter. It is function over form but there is so little space to do anything inside the filter (like most HOB filters) that a block of foam on the intake is practical (and ugly).

[@ianferguson4728]

Designed with the modern aquarist in mind. Minimal effort, no understanding of the biological process. Plug it in and go. I would rather have an undergravel filter.

[@pondguru]

I can't argue with any of that. There is no point making anything if it has neither good form of function. This one fails on both criteria.

[@lpoolck17]

Forget the looks. It's probably the most inefficient filter comparable to its size I've ever seen. I hate those cartridge media trays. Terrible in design, terrible in price, and terrible for the environment.

[@pondguru]

You are 100% on the money there. One of my only frustrations in life is modern products being made with planned obsolescence in mind - it wastes materials, produces unnecessary waste and does not benefit the customer at all. The real worldwide environmental problem is physical pollution and inefficient use of resources as a consequence - by buying products with throw-away products / parts we are feeding that beast. Unfortunately that's barely ever mentioned in mainstream media since planned obsolescence is great for big business.

[@lpoolck17]

@@pondguru couldn't agree anymore. Greed over need. A society grows when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit. I will be moving away from purchasing any Eheim products, as if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

[@dennisvanopstal7437]

That thing is ridiculously ugly. I looks like something brandless from aliepress or temu

[@pondguru]

In fairness I've never seen anything this ugly, even on cheap websites - they've really outdone themselves with the design and inefficiency of this one.

[@dennisvanopstal7437]

@@pondguru dont use many hob filters and currently i have only one on the shelve, an aquael one for nano tanks. Its such a good little filter i just cant throw it out eventhough its unused. This one i wouldnt even try just because how it looks I want a filter that ór blends in so it doesnt stand out. Or that it is so stylish you want to show it off. Not this hidious luchbox

[@pondguru]

@@dennisvanopstal7437 Yes, a filter has to have both form and function if it is going to be seen.

[@JAPANattacks]

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