Seachem Tidal 35 Hang on Back Aquarium Filter: Long Term Review

Hello Fellow Fish Keepers,
In this video we discuss the pros and cons of the Seachem Tidal 35 Hang on Back filter. With over a year in use on multiple tanks now was a good time to talk about what we have learned about this filter.
If you are interested in buying this filter here is an Amazon affiliate link: amzn.to/3c00hh7
If you want to learn more about other hang on back filters check out this playlist - it's packed full of good information: • Aquarium Filtration Guide
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Thanks for watching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Quick note: The information on Amazon was wrong regarding the flow rates for the Tidal 35 - the max output in 130GPH.

[@danseabreeze1404]

I was having a seizure trying to think that one out, 450GPH! : O LOL! As usual you're ethical and pleasant, love your channel!

[@MiketheHighLord]

Why do you state that it is very important to reduce the water flow on a pump? I thought a more important concern would be getting max flow... Thank you.

[@sameergrover40]

@@MiketheHighLord actually i was thinking that too but then i realised, hang on backs are normally used in planted tanks and especially with fishes like beta which dont like flow.. if this was a canister which are common for african and American cichlid.. whole another ball game ..

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@@MiketheHighLord Slow it down during Feeding to reduce wasting Food and clogging the Filter.

[@Justin-yk3ox]

Was about to say something and you beat me to it. Nice review sir!

[@lauriewiedenhoefer7272]

I’m late in commenting on this but just saw the video. I have the Tidal filters in four of my tanks and they work really well. Just wanted to mention that I have a Betta in my 10 Gallon that has the Tidal 35 and even with the flow turned down to the minimum setting, it still seemed too strong for my Betta. So, I recently cut a large intake sponge lengthwise and trimmed it so that I could fit it over the area where the water flows out and that seems to be working well. I now have the flow on max setting and with the sponge diffusing the flow, it’s not blowing my Betta around. Just wanted to mention this in case anyone else has the same issue. Great filter. Thanks Prime Time!

[@rustythecat2163]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I just ordered a 12 gallon 12x12x12 inch frameless cube for use as a Betta tank. I will be using the Tidal 35 filter with the tank. Your practicable idea to add a sponge to the area where the water flows from the tank to reduce the water flow is just what I needed to know. I do not want my Betta buffeted around either. It’s especially good to know you are using the filter on the max setting with the sponge diffusing the flow. With the flow diffusion my plants will be not being blown all over the place either. I very much appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with us. Wishing you well each and every day.

[@lauriewiedenhoefer7272]

@@rustythecat2163 I’m glad you found my comment helpful and wish you and your Betta great success!

[@kathymurphy1588]

Hi - bought one and used it for a month - in my 20 gallon - wasted my money - dislikes outweighted the likes! It is bulky inside the tank and attracts algae - coats the whole thing and is an eyesore - no intake tube therefore no prefilter - the intake slits clog up with plant material everyday and other floating stuff - no way to protect the fry from getting sucked up - I gave it a 2 on Amazon! Replaced it in my 20 with two 50 Aquaclears - back to happy! Cheers

[@carolwingert64]

Glad to hear a good review on these. Thanks for the info. 👍🏼

[@deborahjeanne2141]

Whew! I was worried you were going to have some major negatives! I started out with aquaclear, but after 2 of them died after only 2 months, I switched to Tidal filters. I have one in my 15G - in my 20 tall I have a tidal 55 and my 55g has a tidal 70. Both of those filters have a long tube for the intake valve. I love these filters. My tidal 35 has been running about a year without any problems. I was worried about noise because I’m in the woods 1/2 mile from the main road - you can hear a pin drop it’s so quiet out here. This filter makes absolutely no noise whatsoever. I love this filter. I’ll never use anything else.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate your perspective. I have the 55 as well and like it too!

[@rickrodriguez6675]

Jason thanks for the 1year review. You have me considering it for my nano reef tank.😎👍😉

[@jenbingham0914]

I have the tidal 35 in my 10gal betta/corydora tank in my bedroom and it definitely is the quietest filter I have. Also the flow adjuster on low is the perfect amount on this tank. Planning on putting the 35 on a 29gal community tank on the opposite end as the fully cycled sponge filter. Just to help circulate the water.

[@infantryveteran2636]

More great info from Jason! Always a great topic!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@kushu9797]

Thank you for this wonderful review, I just got a 35 gallon and needed something quite and durable.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I'm loving the Tidal 35 too. 😃 a great long term review. ❗️👍

[@markhunter2244]

Nice review, really like the adjustability of this filter 🤓

[@OZtheShark]

Great video! This was very informative and helpful!

[@audrisampson]

I bought a 110 after seeing your original review. Love that thing. Best filter I ever had. Just really stress free to work with and I was able to fit an absurb amount of media in it.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool!

[@billwnyj]

Thanks for the great reviews. I watched your 1 year review, as well. I used to own the Aquaclear 70 and after almost two years, the filter became very noisy. Also, when there was a power outage, the Aquaclear would not automatically restart. Even if the power was out for a second or two, there was no restart. I switched to the Tidals (55 & 75) and I love it. It always restarts on its own when there’s a power outage. I’ve only had them for 6 months, but I do think they’re great filters. Super quiet too!!! Thanks again for the long term reviews.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@connie6705]

Thank you for making such a thorough review on this power filter! I’ve been looking at them off and on for awhile and now I can make a well informed decision. You covered everything you possibly could have. I have a 29 gallon heavily planted community and I think the 55 tidal will be perfect! Thank you for such a great channel!

[@bflesher1974]

Thank you! Answered all my questions. I think this will be a great filter for my 20-gallon-long axolotl tank.:)

[@chillausmc]

I have Tidal 35 and 55 and they are the bees-knees. Love the basket, love the variable flow, and the skimmer is a must!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad they are working for you!

[@jeffsizer9359]

For the intake you could find and attach a longer tube.I had a tetra whisper that I inherited on a tank for a short while and I put the intake tube from a Fluval 304 on it. It reached all the way to the bottom on a 20g hexagon tank.

[@nicolemartin7319]

This is great info! I have an Aquaclear that I am looking to replace due to noise issues. I love all the space for media, but, I have already replaced the impeller once on it. I am going to try to find one of these tomorrow. It's going on a 20 long, so thank you for mentioning ideal tank sizes for this model.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That will be a good fit!

[@jlathem56]

Great follow up review!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you J!

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Another great and informative video! This makes want a larger tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@no-knickers-emma1112]

Thanks for this. Us Brits don't like hob filters but I'm willing to try. This filter comes with a 5 year warranty which says it all on build quality. New subcriber.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@darrylmoore5847]

I haven’t used hang on back filters for years because of the noise, it’s great to know that they are an option again for me.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The internal motor is becoming more popular, which is cool!

[@Charles-bb4bp]

I use Tidal 35 in a 29 gal planted tank and it works great. Purchased it a month ago via viewing your older review. I was concerned that guppy fry would be sucked up but no problem. I do include a sponge filter in same tank. Thanks for the review.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@DankDaHerbalist]

I have a hob filter i bought used maybe 6 yrs ago and its still runs great has two plastic cases u can fill with carbon. All time favorite filter.

[@aquariumtreasures1054]

Nice review🐟😊👍

[@EvilHermit674]

The intake issue is fixed though, if you want to filter a 30 gallon just get the bigger filter in the tidal series. It has a tube that extends further down for adequate filtration.

[@growinginportland]

Excellent video. One day when my budget supports this purchase I will proceed. Thanks for posting.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@EpicConspiracy]

These filters are amazing. I always say they are a canister filter that is a hang of the back.

[@MarcoIsidori]

Hi Jason, interesting this Seachem backpack filter, I like the removable basket containment system of the filtering materials and the regulation of the water flow rate. The easy pump cleaning system is also excellent. I use internal biological filters or external bin or sump filters, but I find these filters very good for my smaller tanks. I joined your channel! Best regards from Italy. Marco

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@MarcoIsidori]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you my friend! Have a nice week end. You're Welcome to my channel!

[@addictedtofishchick6279]

I LOVE this filter worth the money! It's a little overkill but I have a 75 on my 55g but like you said you can control the intake. Also, love the heater clip no more replacing suction cups. Also, I love the fact the intake tube is adjustable! If you like the 35 you'll love the other models with the intake tube.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@fd4340]

If you have overkill, I must be way over. On my 60 gallon I have a tidal 110 and marineland 350 and tank is not overstocked

[@ejfishes7610]

Good review Jason. I bought a Tidal 110 about a year ago & really do like it. I have my own media & the shape of the basket was my one issue. Other than that great filter.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I do like the looks of this filter and may consider it when I have to replace one! I do like the adjustability on it! Someday I'm just going to have to test one out and see! Thanks Jason I hope you have a great day! 🙏🌿🐟🌱💚

[@kathymurphy1588]

But don't get the 35 Mary - go for the 55 it has a normal intake tube - I have the 55 and I didn't like the surface area inside the tank getting algea cover on it too - i am back to a besutifully simple and effective AquaClear - I love the system and the waterfall sound!!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@kathymurphy1588 thank you Kathy I really appreciate that! I sure hope you've had a great day my friend 🤗💚

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We have had really good luck with them - these and the Marineland Pro series are the best out there.

[@kathymurphy1588]

Mary if you give me an address I will send you my 35 for you to play around with!

[@johndavis9062]

He is right about the shallow intake. I have it on a 29 gallon tank and it is terrible! Water clarity is cloudy. The media that comes with it is also cheap. I have recently replaced it with some Biohome Ultimate, hoping that improves the water clarity. Time will tell...

[@Icehso140]

Great filters. Any company that would spend that much time and attention to details and features I doubt they would comprimise on the impellor assembly and waterproofing the electrical components. But all aquariums are required to be on GFCI recepticles or CBs by today's code. Super simple, quiet, easily maintained filter, as well as its bigger brothers.

[@aub_k2819]

I have the bigger version of this on my 40 breeder with fancy goldfish. Love it 💯 I don't use flat filter floss (like you had) but the kind you get at a craft store. You pull off a hunk and shove it in the filter. I rinse it weekly. I also have a bag of ceramic bio media on top too

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool!

[@NumbahEleven]

I had a marineland penguin before my seachem tidal and I hated it because I couldn’t adjust the flow ( I have a betta) The seachem flow adjustment is super useful. I do agree that the intake needs to be adjustable though. Also, it hasn’t happened, but the slots for the intake are a little large and looks like that could suck up some small fish like my chili rasboras. Overall a great product from seachem I recommend it for anyone who is thinking about buying one. They’re expensive but it really is a quality product.

[@davidadkins8805]

To block up the skimmer cut a flat price of sponge and put it place the water flow will hold in place. No fry sucking!!!

[@f4ujmb]

A great filter line

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I definitely appreciate how quiet they are.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

I've been running that for a while on my tank. I use the coarse, 20ppi medium, floss, and the seachem biomedia in the basket. So far so good.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@edwardsdeacon]

🤔 On all of aquariums I have either one of the SeaChem Tidal filters or one of the new Marineland Penguin 375 . I appreciate the quietness and durability of these filters. I use the Seachem Tidal 35 filters on my two ten gallon quarantine tanks. I use them primarily as mechanical filtration by having a few ceramic rings on the bottom followed by a coarse foam pad and then a fine foam pad. On my larger tanks I use the Seachem Tidal 110 filters set up the same way but I use a couple of handfuls of K1 bio media to act as a flow defusing and muck settlement, then the coarse and medium foam from Aquaneat I purchased from amazon. Something to note: the intakes on the SeaChem 110 filters will except a intake strainer from the Aqua-Tech 30-60 filters which are the Walmart filters made by Marineland 👍🏽 soooo that’s a cool hack! I do t like intakes on the SeaChem 35 filters as stated in the video they should be able to extend more. I also don’t like the curved shape of the baskets but they are what they are and overall they are a bit pricy but well worth the money. Thank you Primetime Aquatics for your videos 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

It's such a shame about the intake being so insanely short! Seems crazy that this awesome filter has so many great features and functions, but seemingly has just this one shortcoming. Might have to try and McGyver this intake so it will actually do something in my tank!

[@electricgamez5415]

I have recently found your channel and am hooked. I recently set up a 20 long and got this filter based on your reviews. I was hoping the basket had a little more room. Unfortunately I ditched the previous filter without giving this time to get seasoned and am going through the daily water changes to deal with the ammonia spike. I guess I should have watched more of your videos before ditching the old filter before installing the new one 🤦🏻‍♂️. I did watch your ammonia videos so I’m following those.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Fritzyme 7 can help too! Glad you are here!

[@electricgamez5415]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks! I think the problem is that u used a small amount of topsoil in one corner maybe a cup. The sand cap has been uncovered maybe from Cory cats or just the flow. I think the decaying wood particles are the source of the ammonia

[@electricgamez5415]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics another question- after doing a 50% water change 3 days in a row and seeing no drop in ammonia- between .25-.50 ppm consistently. I tested my tap water and it is at 1.0-2.0 ppm!! This is from the city website “Utility Systems Department utilizes chloramines, a blend of ammonia and free chlorine as a disinfectant to prevent the creation of trihalomethanes”. Any suggestions on what I can do?

[@Icehso140]

Update: My Tidal 35 failed to restart after power went out...but it was a while since I had serviced it since the tank was doing really well and the impeller just needed to be rinsed. It comes apart easily with patience. Center shaft of the impeller is separate from the magnet part so centering the impeller is spot on every time.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Still love my API Superclean HOB. It has been a work horse. Unfortunately, they were discontinued.

[@joshwash9977]

Coolest aquarium merch on KZbin

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@annkirby9873]

Okay call me an idiot amateur fish mom , I have this wonderful betta named Mr. Fiesty. Love him , he is in a 10 gallon Top Fin from pet smart. The filter it came with was quite nice and did it’s job for a year then died. Bought same filter it’s loud, got mad bought this Tidal 35 because you highly recommend it. Well I love it, except first 2 days it made water hazy, I rinsed everything out before using it including sponge and the little sack of rocks just like it said. I thought the grey rocks turned water that grey maybe. Then saw your video ,order the roll of filter floss you said then I had lots of fiber parts from it all in the water. Took that floss out stuck an AC foam #30 in it on top of the blue filter.. bought a cut to fit carbon infused filter pad hoping it would clear up what ever I did to it but have not used it yet. With me it’s need to be KISS , keep it simple stupid. Can you tell what filter pads to use in this T35 to keep his water crystal clear like stayed before I bought this filter please? I don’t mind buying filter sponges and changing them out with new ones. Please tell me what order they need to be in starting with that blue filter on bottom. Again , buying already to go things is better for me. Thank you for your help .... ann

[@rallywagon261]

One "plus" that I am skeptical of is the motor is the water. While its great that it makes the filter silent for us, that doesn't make the motor silent. The water is now dampening the sound, meaning your fish are listening/feeling that motor vibrate away. It may or may not cause the fish stress, butnits definitely another pollutant in the overall scheme of things. I already feel bad my fish have to hear my air pump isloated under the tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Other's have wondered that as well, but I haven't noticed a difference.

[@deborahjeanne2141]

@Rally Wagon@Prime Time Aquatics: ya know, when I first got the Tidal 35, I too, was worried about any noise or vibration that might bother the fish - and I have them in my betta tank. I keep the flow low - but guess what? BOTH of my guys hang out under the filter where the motor is! They’re calm, they aren’t freaking out, and they hang there for a long time. I have the Fluval LED lights on that tank (2 of them in a 15G with a divider) that has a timer and the lights change as you set them, so for a few hours the lights are somewhat bright to help the plants - it’s like a jungle and there are plenty of places in the plants where it’s dark and they can get away from the brightness - and they do - so I don’t think that’s why they hang out under the filter. But it’s definitely a choice, and there’s definitely an attraction, so my experience is that the motor in the water isn’t an issue - at least for my fish......

[@jenbingham0914]

@@deborahjeanne2141 I absolutely agree! In my betta tank, my guy loves to hang out by the filter and behind the output. Him and the Corydoras love swimming through the flow also. Who knows, maybe the vibration/noise could be calming lol. I definitely have not noticed a difference in their behavior at all, and I upgraded from a sponge filter, so if it really bothered them I feel like I would have noticed by now. It's been well over a month!

[@deborahjeanne2141]

@@jenbingham0914 - that’s funny, because I had the tidal on one side and a sponge filter on the other. The sponge filter side just wasn’t as clean as the tidal side, so I upgraded that side with a tidal 35! Some might think it’s overkill, but I don’t care. The water in that tank is crystal clear. I recently set up a 55 G and I have a tidal 55 in that tank too. I think tidal filters overall do a great job. My 35s have been running about 11/2 years, which is 15 months longer than my Aqueon filters lasted.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I have two 55's for a few years now and they are, by far, the best on the market. I bought a 75 a few months ago and its noisy. I'm going to change it out with two 55's instead.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate your feedback!

[@papabear2396]

These Tidal out shines the classic A.C Hobs I'll still rock the AC110 but if I go with any Hobs I go Tidal hands down.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you like them!

[@themisto57]

Great video. I'm curious if the impeller being in the tank is louder for the fish? It would be fun to do an experiment on the decibel levels inside the tank alongside these product reviews. I dont even know if decibels can be measured underwater but I'd like to find out. Thanks

[@ventolen]

My, impeller just started making a terrible noise tonight after maintenance. I cleaned everything.. found some water hardness to scrape away.. but the back of the impeller is oval, not round. It's not spinning around the center pin as nice... It's chattering around in there.. I've had mine for about a year. Time for a new impeller.

[@franszymanek8695]

themisto57....I was wondering the exact same thing! Is it bothersome to the fish?

[@Lilly-fl7qz]

I use Purigen in my Tidal 35 along with filter floss pieces like you showed, but I lay them flat underneath the Purigen. If I were to position the filter floss pieces like you showed in this video, would I lay the Purigen flat underneath the filter floss pieces? (Vs. the other way around as they recommend).

[@dwayneparsons543]

I love the larger SeaChem Tidal's I now have on all of my larger tanks but was concerned with the 35 because I didn't see a way to use a prefilter on the intake and was worried about frie and shrimplets getting sucked up. I have a couple of tanks that the 35 would work on as I am not happy with the Aqueon Quiet Flow's that I have on those, BUT there is no chance to suck up the little ones..

[@deborahjeanne2141]

@Dwayne Parsons - I have tidals on all my tanks now and pre-filters on the larger ones, but my 20g guppy tank has a 35 and I haven’t had any guppy fry or shrimp sucked up into it that I am aware of. My fry all thrive in that tank until they’re big enough for me to sex them and then I move the females to the 55g so I’m not overloaded with babies. I tried a tidal 55 in the 20g for the very reason you state, but the flow was way too strong for that size tank and the intake tube with a pre-filter didn’t fit, but I’m not losing any fish with the 35, even without a pre-filter.

[@rickymorris4761]

I have 3 the 110 and 2 55s planning on replacing all my hob filters with them.

[@ensendio809]

Are tidal 110 better than the aquaclear 110?

[@rachelalzona2979]

Hello. Thanks for the informative video. I have a tidal 35 for 6 months and was wondering what right media to use as i am experiencing frequent cloudiness in my tank? I use the tidal provided sponge, the juwel carbon sponge, filter floss, matrix and another floss. Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Filter floss usually helps the most!

[@bobstranzenbach4700]

Jason, Thanks for the good video, thinking of getting an aquarium after many years away. This filter looks awesome with the skimmer and all but I’m reading comments that with the skimmer, very little is drawn up from the lower intake on the Tidals?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

There's still a good amount of water drawn up through the intake, but the skimmer does reduce that to an extent. The Tidal 35 doesn't have an intake tube so everything is more or less sucked up from the same spot. The 35 is really only good for shorter tanks - 20 longs as an example.

[@truthfactreality6814]

I have 2 35’s and and 55. Wouldn’t use any other hang on back filters. These are the best

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you like them!

[@muhammadfazli3875]

Ilike filter guys

[@TheARGblue]

I love my Tidal 35 & 75 both are in my bedroom and I barely hear them. I hear the bubbles from my sponge filters more. Could you do a review on their filter media for the Tidals?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear. I have something here that talks about the media that we use in general: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2GrgYmdbN6qfKM

[@afonso1816]

Hey, just wanted to say that i love your videos and your family, and ask you to recommend me a really small silent filter. Most small hang on the backs are really loud, and i wanted a silent one...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For something small I like the Aquatop Forza 5-15. We have that on a few tanks and they have always been quiet.

[@suedonnelly438]

I have the Tidal 55 and 75 filters and love them. The only thing holding me up about replacing a couple of my other AC filters with the Tidal 35 is the intake. I use prefilters on all of my tanks and am not sure how or if a prefilter can be added to this Tidal 35 as I have some smaller fish and shrimp. Wondering if you or any others might know how that might be done. Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I know people are gluing sponge over the intake, but that can make it hard to clean the sponge itself.

[@jacksonvillejoe679]

Thanks for this review. I have 2 of these now, both on 10 gallon tanks. I rely on product reviews before buying anything for my aquariums, and your help is sincerely appreciated. However, and I share your point of view. - every time I look at these filters in my tanks I ask 'Where's the intake pipe?' I've been second guessing my purchase of these filters every day because of it. Literally every single time I look at them, remorse. I have a 29 and another 10 with other HOB filters that have intake pipes with sponges on them to not only protect the filter but also tells me when major maintenance is due. The biggest plus is that the pump is internal - when you live in the Land of Lightning, it is reassuring the filters will restart without intervention. Is a Tidal 55 to much for a 10 gallon? Thanks again.

[@franszymanek8695]

Yes, the Tidal 55 would be way overkill for aa 10 gallon.

[@oatmilll]

Dude u look super cool.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Why thank you. :-)

[@oatmilll]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics sir don't take tension i m a boy 😅

[@TheSwiftCreek2]

Impeller in the water is key! Marineland has since put out a HOB filter with this characteristic. Not sure if Seachem was first ever to do this. They're still one of just a few to do it though. The fact that this one HOB filter line (out of hundreds) has good variable flow (must have) and an impeller in the water (must have) says it all. I currently have the Tidal 35 on my 29g which has a thick substrate and is planted. Since it has a thick substrate the tank isn't as deep. Also, since it's planted (and most importantly, deep substrate) I don't care about pulling all the fish poop out of the tank. It will be broken down adequately and never pile up. Less water changes. I do get less room for my fish to swim around. Trade-offs.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think Aqueon might have been one of the first major brands. It's a great feature!

[@krisz778]

Welp i had this filter since 2020 and it has been strong and true to me until last week. The pump started acting up and no longer spun the magnet properly. Seachem does have good customer support so they sent me a new pump and to my disappointment, it had the exact same flaw as the one that malfunctioned. I really thought this was gonna be the filter that changed the game for me but after 2 failed pumps from seachem I think I need to look for a new brand of filters

[@JC-rh5zi]

Have a tidal 110 on my 75 and a tidal 35 on my 30 and I absolutely love these filters

[@zeonabdul2001]

No adjustable intake length and a death trap for shrimp.

[@denisethompson3]

I have a 20 long I’m currently setting up. I have this filter on three of my tanks already and I love it! The only thing I worry about is the fry. Im not sure how this would do in my shrimp tank. Is there a way you know of that I could somehow adjust the intake to not suck up fry/baby shrimp? I have seen my guppy fry not get sucked up but I’m sure some of them did.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I probably wouldn't put it in a shrimp tank for the reasons you said. The intake is really hard to block.

[@gladboy7722]

Awesome...👍👍👍🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹...

[@ozzyheather9242]

How wide is the filter? I have a 16cm gap in my tank lid in which to place it.

[@jaggillarintefisk]

I'm thinking about having this filter for a 6 gallon betta tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would go with the Aquatop Forza 5-15. The seachem would be really large for a 6 gallon.

[@moralgriever]

This looks like a good filter but I have cherry shrimp in my tank and I have issues with them findsing ways to get inside the current filter I have, and this one seems hard to make it shrimp-proof

[@Heatherder]

The only thing i dislike is that its a hard intake to cover with mesh if you want to use it in a breeder or whatever. Mine sucked up some elodea and got jammed but thats only happened once so far

[@lyrahanson9475]

Hello! I am going to be getting a 30 gallon aquarium. Do you think recommend getting the tidal55 instead for that extra input tube length? Thank you!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes!

[@TarasTankFriends]

I've been curious about these filters, specifically how low you can turn them down, so thanks for the info on that! From just looking at the picture on the box for these, it looks like the vents where it intakes water near the surface would be difficult to cover with pantyhose to protect delicate fins or nano fish. Do you feel that this could be done with this filter? Thanks! 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The intake definitely would make it a little harder to cover compared to standard intakes.

[@TarasTankFriends]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for letting me know! 😊

[@TheARGblue]

Tara's Tank Friends I have guppy fry and small shrimp and I’ve not had a problem with them getting into the filter through the skimmer yet. On the larger model I have put a filter bag at the intake. This is really a great HOB filter in my opinion.

[@jenbingham0914]

I would imagine you could use the foot of a pair of pantyhose over the whole intake compartment and secure it with a rubber band. Dont know for sure, but it would definitely be worth a shot!

[@koffee3816]

i like them and i have the 75, but i think maybe the skimmer intakes are too long, would supergluing plastic to the bottom half of the skimmer part increase the surface pull?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Probably, but it may also impede the flow and cause a little noise to come from the skimmer portion of the intake?

[@decharle4088]

What size tidal filter do you recommend for a 36 gallon high tank? Do I need the tidal 55?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would go with the Tidal 55 for sure.

[@Dave-if5qj]

Aquaclear has met.a rival To challenge it's decades Long position as top Dog

[@user-rb4wv8ji1o]

I have the Tidal 35 and my biggest complaint is its short intake. I have to do some DIY to extend it.

[@descent5640]

Hey so I just purchased a 29 gallon tank and I was contemplating getting this filter. You said on the video it wouldn’t be adequate to filter a 29 gallon so just wondering what the next best filter on the market would be besides this one ? Also could I just get the 55 filter and turn the water flow down could that work ? Thanks for the help !

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You could certainly get the Seachem Tidal 55 and turn the flow down a little. You could also look at the Marineland PRO 175 or 275?

[@robinbeasley4591]

I have a 29 gallon which you said you would NOT recommend the Tidal filter for my tank. Which one would you recommend for the 29? I need to replace my current filter quickly as its motor is inside the box and as you said, power goes out, possible real-life issues. So, could you please recommend a filter for a 29? P.S. I was just about to hit the buy key on this particular filter when I watched your review and you say it is no good for a 29, so I am very glad I saw your video but now I need to know which filter to buy. Thank you and I look forward to your response.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Either the Marineland PRO or Aqueon Quiet Flow.

[@gandjathome]

I'm setting up a 30G long (36") aquarium. What filter and size would you recommend? I'm toying with the Aquarium Coop sponge filters (what size?) and the Seachem Tidal. (what size?). Could I use both? I like that I could operate the sponge filter on a battery if my electricity goes out. Thanks so much for any help.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You could probably go with one of these filters and a sponge filter on the other side about the size of a Hydro III?

[@strangersgarden]

So I have the tidal 55, and I'm planning to use it on a nano reef, my only question is where do I place my filter floss? On the bottom or all the way on top on all the other media

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on what else is going into the filter. Usually I do sponge at the bottom, floss then biomedia at the top.

[@bevfrigon7142]

What am I doing wrong? I have this filter. Took it all apart to clean it well before using on a different tank. For the life of me I cannot get the blue water controller dial/stick to fit back in properly and as soon as plugged in it just pops up and water flow is ,of course, at maximum. As you can see, I am not good at puzzles.. grrr. Please help. Thanks so much.

[@msvampbill]

Hey I bought one of these I was wondering if you could put sponge around the intake so things can't get sucked up or would it hurt the filter? I know you didn't just make this but maybe you will see it.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Definitely

[@wiseman1688]

Would love to know how to put a pre-filter on this.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can, but you still have the skimmer though.

[@KevinsCaninesAndAquatics]

If you have shrimp or nano fish which size intake sponge would you get from aquarium coop? I have shrimp and just bought the tidal 35 and want to know what intake sponge I should get for it.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The Tidal 35 doesn't have a traditional intake tube. It has intake slits that would have to be covered with flat sponge. In this case you might be better off with a Marineland PRO 100 or 175 if you can return the Tidal. The shrimp are what concerns me a little.

[@tobek284]

This is an amazing HOB, but my only concern is there is no way to easily put a prefilter of some type before the impeller for small creatures like shrimplets and fish fry. They could pass through the slots and immediately hit the impeller.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is true. You would have to cut and glue a piece of sponge to the intake.

[@carlphillipguron6116]

Thanks for those tips! Quick question, I am a newbie. I have a 15 gallon heavy planted with anubias/moss attached on a driftwood and jungle vallisneria at the back ground. Would like to check if a 200liters/hour hang on back filter will do the water flow job to keep the plants healthy. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The tidal 35 would be more than enough. Plus - it has an adjustable flow if it gets to be too much.

[@carlphillipguron6116]

Will invest one then, thank you :)

[@carlphillipguron6116]

Hey, I bought a tidal 35. It's awesome. Quick question on the adjustment knob though. It works, but I just can move it a little. Is it normal?

[@blackflag7152]

But I love sunsun HBL 803 hang on canister filter. 1month use without cleaning but water still clean

[@johnwood738]

A lot to think about going to be setting up a new tank for my super red fry,had pretty much given up on hang on back filters because of power outages (restarting). Could you put an intake sponge,so it won’t suck up grow outs?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question - for this filter an intake sponge would be more difficult because of the surface skimmer. In a breeding tank I would opt for the new Marineland Pro series - they actually sell intake sponges for their filters.

[@johnwood738]

Prime Time Aquatics ok thanks

[@mayelagradilla3068]

How often do you switch out the sponge? Or do you just rinse it frequently?

[@audigex]

Just rinse it in tank water occasionally, you only need to replace the sponge if it starts falling apart. I have sponges I’ve used for over a decade and have no intention of replacing anytime soon. The only part you need to replace regularly is charcoal/activated carbon if you use it

[@reptileguy8458]

As far as quietness goes.....my aquaclear filters are VERY quiet! Aquaclear and Tidal filters are VERY CLOSE as far as quality is concerned. HOWEVER if I had to choose one....I would give the slight edge to Tidal filters. If Tidal filters are #1 then aquaclear filters are a #1b. 1a/1b....

[@thlee3]

what kind of tank is that shallow one behind him?? is that iust 2, 33 long tanks put together?

[@Brunnen_Gee]

That's one of his ZooMed Lowboys I believe. Basically it's a 50 gallon frag tank they released a few years back.

[@adriennecarrasco37]

What do you think of a filter less tank?? Maybe not a beginner thing but as you become more experienced, how successful do you think this can be?.. anyways, nice filter. I actually like it more than my Aquaclear.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The tank in this video was basically filterless for about 6-8 months - just an airstone. The only thing that was an issue was the excessive detritus, which is why I added this filter to the tank.

[@joshcook2787]

So my tidal came with a bag of white rocks I dumped in it. Do you recommend sponges instead? Are the rocks sufficient? I think the rocks are called zeolite btw. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually don't use the rocks - just sponge and filter floss. If I do use the rocks I tend to place them at the top of the filter in a filter bag and rinse the bag off when it gets dirty.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

All Tidals come with a Blue Sponge and a mesh bag of Seachem Matrix. I have a 55 and a 35, I put a 1/2 inch layer of Filter Floss on top of the Sponge and place the Bag of Matrix on top of the Floss. I will clean the floss 2 or 3 times and then replace the old with new. My favorite trick is to turn the Filter down to its Lowest Flow at Feeding Time, and then return it to Normal Flow after a few minutes. This greatly reduces "Fresh Food" from being directly filtered out of the water before the Fish can get it.

[@Kai0nTheMoon]

Since the intake is so shallow on the Tidal 35, would you recommend a Tidal 55 with it's extended intake valve for a 29 gallon?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure!

[@Kai0nTheMoon]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Cool, thanks. I am currently using an Aqua Culture 29-gal that came with it's own filter and while the filter itself isn't very noisy, the trickling sound of the water shooting out is horrendous. All my guests always say it constantly makes them feel like they have to pee too lol. And when I'm watching a movie I typically have to unplug it for an hour or so because it sounds like a a waterfall in my living room.

[@eileenbowers6750]

Hi! I bought an Aqueon quiet flow 10. Question : does the blue filter pad holder have more surface area than say, 5 bio rings placed in front of the media pad without the blue plastic holder. . It is quite large. But the rings are porous. Should I remove the blue filter pad holder, and put five rings in front of th pad , or remove the rings and replace the blue holder?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would probably just leave the blue filter pad holder. It helps with the quiet flow and should be plenty of surface area.

[@eileenbowers6750]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for the advice. You make very informative videos. 🐟🐠🐡🐚🐌

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

I generally double up on filters for redundancy purposes. So, if you they aren't good for a 29g, they're probable no good for a 75g, correct? If they will work for a 75g, even with the shallow intake, will they fit around the plastic framework? I say that because, if I had a nickle for all the HOB filters I've purchased over the years that didn't sit properly on the frame... I'd have a LOT of nickles!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The 35s aren't the best for anything as tall as a 29 or higher. The Tidal 55s and larger don't have that issue because they actually have an intake tube.

[@PDXTundra]

I’ve never had an issue with a Fluval AquaClear re-priming, but then again, I don’t let the water evaporate three inches below the top of the tank like I see a lot of people do. As for noise, my air pump is louder than the AquaClear 50. I can barely hear it.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

My Aquaclears would shut off every time there was a slightest power blip and I always had my tanks properly filled - I had to pull them out unfortunately.

[@jnightmare2386]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics mine would some times restart after power loss never figured out how or why it is random i have only had the aquaclear 110 and think the other is the 20