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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

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

[@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...

[@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!

[@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?

[@rickrodriguez6675]

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

[@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!

[@LostCanuck192]

To whoever is reading this 3 years later, there's also a power cable chanel on the side of the unit you can snake the cable around so you don't even see it. Only where it comes off the bottom of the unit

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@bflesher1974]

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

[@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.

[@Strongerthandirt8695]

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

[@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?

[@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!!!

[@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

[@Aquamarine.Aubrey]

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!

[@GrowMoreVeggies]

Wohoo. I finally get to support you with an affiliate link. Self priming, customizable, flow control and works in shallow tanks (that's all I like to run), winner winner planaria dinner. For large livebearers like sail fin mollies, do you think this Tidal35 agitates the surface enough for a 33 breeder tank? 48x12x12 (roughly).

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

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

[@infantryveteran2636]

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

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@DAdam-fo1md]

Thank you for all information!

[@EpicConspiracy]

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

[@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.

[@markhunter2244]

Nice review, really like the adjustability of this filter 🤓

[@carolwingert64]

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

[@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!

[@OZtheShark]

Great video! This was very informative and helpful!

[@aheimsvensson1573]

ough it´s very intrusive inside the tank, thas is a huge problem for me so i will stick to my eheim liberty! Thanks for helping me make my mind up 👍

[@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!

[@jlathem56]

Great follow up review!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you J!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@maskettaman1488]

Has anyone had issues with the submerged pump bothering tank inhabitants? Worried about this for my axolotl

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I've never noticed a difference.

[@maskettaman1488]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics You're awesome, thanks! General consensus from what I'm reading is that it shouldn't be an issue which is a huge relief

[@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.

[@Strongerthandirt8695]

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

[@ChocoBonjour]

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

[@Lampropeltis]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fabianharpaul5138]

Thank you my brother

[@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!

[@growinginportland]

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

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@zeonabdul2001]

No adjustable intake length and a death trap for shrimp.

[@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).

[@Skavatar789]

I have three Tidal 110's. great filters. but why would they not have an intake tube on the Tidal 35 when they claim its for "up 35g tank" on their website.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I really wish they did!

[@joshwash9977]

Coolest aquarium merch on KZbin

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@wiseman1688]

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

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can, but you still have the skimmer though.

[@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!

[@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

[@andystokes8702]

I have kept fish for over 40 years and I have never used a HOB filter. Not only have I never used one, I have never seen one in the flesh, only on KZbin etc. I am from UK and I am not aware of anybody who uses them yet they seem to be almost universal in North America and Canada. I now live in Greece and again I have not ever seen one here either. I would love to give one a try but I can't even import one because they are all 110 volts and we are running on 220-240. Canister filters, internal canisters and air driven sponge filters are the norm both here in Greece and also in UK. I wonder what is normal in other parts of the world?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is such an interesting perspective! I wonder too.

[@daringdeb]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

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

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@ozzyheather9242]

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

[@JC-rh5zi]

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

[@zodiaque9705]

How do you clean the rocks and sponge? Just use the tank water to scrub them? I'm really not sure what I should be doing with this thing monthly to keep it "clean"?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don't usually clean decorations, but clean all filter media in tap water.

[@zodiaque9705]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Ahh, sorry I meant the bag of rocks and sponge in the filter itself. :D

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 🐟🐠🐡🐚🐌

[@f4ujmb]

A great filter line

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I definitely appreciate how quiet they are.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Kodygreen10k]

Thinking about ponying up and buying tidal’s instead of my marineland 350’s. They are 3x as much but the replacement impellers are reasonably priced. The marinelands impellers are as much as the filter.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Take a look at the pro series by marineland as well. They have many of the same features.

[@Kodygreen10k]

Prime Time Aquatics I have seen them, hard to decide to buy either the Penguin pro series or the Tidal. When the 350 is $23 on Amazon... Compare the pro vs the tidal which are you buying for a 75?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It really is a toss up for me.

[@Kodygreen10k]

Prime Time Aquatics I’m leaning pro series I just re-watched your video on it! Your about due for an update video, head to head comparison video?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@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.

[@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!

[@aquariumtreasures1054]

Nice review🐟😊👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@magikalgem31]

I didnt see an intake sponge, fishes fins won't get caught?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nope - can't say I've ever had that happen.

[@WHlSKYx]

3 years later is this still worth the price with all the updates? Looking for a skimming hang on the back instead of a canister for my 20 long.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For a 20 long - yes!

[@robertcarlos7273]

Does it good for 25 gallon curve type aquarium? I own a 25 gallon and a 10 gallon aquarium... please reply...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

As long as the back is flat I think it would work. The only thing to consider is if your tank is taller than maybe 12-13" you may want to look at the Marineland PRO 175?

[@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.

[@hillno]

is this thing an eye sore on rimless tanks mostly surrounded by white?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think all HOB filters will be an eyesore with a rimless tank.

[@OrlandoFigueiredo]

Do you think this is a good filter for a 10 gallons tank with only a betta fish? My concern is if the flow is not too much for a betta.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It can work because the flow can be turned down quite a bit. Take a look at the Marineland pro 125 as well.

[@blackflag7152]

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