Seachem Tidal Hang On Back Filter | Unboxing, Setup, Cleaning, & Review

Today's video is the unboxing, setup and review of the Seachem Tidal Hang on Back filter. In the video, I explain how to properly setup this filter and a few tips and suggestions that have worked in my experience.
If you're interested in any of the products use in the tank and video, feel free to check out the links below.
- Seachem Tidal 110: amzn.to/3yRUHdq
- Seachem Tidal 75: amzn.to/3VFmzLn
- Seachem Tidal 55: amzn.to/3SgnBuu
- Seachem Tidal 35: amzn.to/3kYmg0Y
Thanks again for watching, and we'll see you next week!

[@CichlidBros]

If you're interested in buying one of these filters, below are a few affiliate links! Best of luck! - Seachem Tidal 110: amzn.to/3yRUHdq - Seachem Tidal 75: amzn.to/3VFmzLn - Seachem Tidal 55: amzn.to/3SgnBuu - Seachem Tidal 35: amzn.to/3kYmg0Y

[@tjautocross]

Great overview of these filters. I have a 55 on one of my tanks and have nothing but good things to say. Thanks Troy!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@FishRfun]

I used 2 seachem tidal 110s on my 55g before i had to quit the hobby due to health issues. They really are fantastic filter.

[@SaveYourselfGents]

Currently using two 110's on a 125 gallon African cichlid tank. At first i was doing one. The second one has made the difference. Awesome filter with a good power ratio for the small amount of noise it creates. Large media basket. Definitely recommend.

[@catnamedrambo8461]

Awesome video! It's my go to hang on back as well. Great information as usual!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@99Canecas]

Nice job troy. I have 110 in service running about 15 months now and no issues at all . Just dont cram too much sponges,media, floss or you will get some bypass . I also agree with you the blue tabs get on my ocd as well . 😊

[@Mdc7748]

Thank you, this was a very helpful/ informative video. I purchased a used tank and it came with two of these filters and as a marineland user it was nice to see how to use the seachems.

[@CichlidBros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@unrelativistic]

Definitely size up. I had a Tidal 55 on a 40 breeder and felt it was barely adequate. Also, if you keep shrimp or fry, super-glue some foam to the skimmer and use an intake sponge on it. Don't forget the bottom of the pump housing--put foam there too! I added some shrimp that disappeared and I found them in the filter due to this. I went up to the 110 because it gives me a massive amount of space for bio media. I kept the 55 on the same tank as a polishing filter running purigen + polyfil. The combo is awesome.

[@makiarn777]

Thanks so much for this video. I frequently have power outages at my residence. I’ve lost two of my aquaclear 110’s. Just recently I did and have not replaced it yet, so this video is right on time. It’s just what I need and it’s cheaper than the aqua clear. I’m also gonna try some chemi pure blue. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@CichlidBros]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck with new filter and chemi pure. I think you’ll like!

[@cichlid_kings]

Nice I've recently added a Tidal 75 to two tanks to run with canister as polishing and extra GPH. I drop in a bit of poly fil under the matrix , change every two weeks and works great for me 😎 🤙

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome!

[@hansjas]

Great info , look forward to more of this type .

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! 🤙🏼

[@jonclark8155]

I have the tidal 75 on my saltwater tank. One of the best filters I have.

[@russellsteed1309]

So they work pretty good on saltwater tank I have a 150 gallon I was thinking about adding two 110

[@jonclark8155]

@@russellsteed1309 I’d put two of the 110’s to give you all the flow and can be adjusted as needed

[@russellsteed1309]

@@jonclark8155thanks 😊

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

very nice filter amazing it has given me a very good performance

[@CichlidBros]

Good to hear!

[@dalekopp3309]

I loved the skimmer on the total, although there should be either a pre filter or away to shut it off if fry is in the tank. However, I will never use the tidal again because I could not get to the impeller to clean it after it has run for awhile.

[@MorganBrown]

This was a wonderful review. You explained how to install, soup to nuts! I’m hoping to replace the simple power filter (using the expensive carbon cartridge filters) on the back of my over populated cichlid tank

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Glad it’s helpful!

[@fredsgonefishing8802]

Great video Bud picked one up today at BIG Al's Sooooooo quiet!! My new favorite filter!!! 👍

[@CichlidBros]

Good choice!

[@gethighonlife11]

I was wondering what your thoughts were about the Seachem Tidal HOB filter. I am very satisfied with this filter for the reasons that you have stated. I have a 110 on my 55-gallon tank and a 35 on my 20-gallon tank. I'm sure that the Cichlid Bros would approve of this!

[@scottroberts3881]

Excellent review...

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@johnmaude5065]

I love the tidal range of filters, I currently run 8 of various sizes 👍

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome 👏🏼

[@grokker99]

you dont think its too noisy?

[@BamaHama914]

I have (2) 110’s on a 75g Flowerhorn tank, and a 75 on a 40g breeder shell dwellers tank. I really like the Tidal hob’s for the most part. My only complaint is the skimmer. My flowerhorn is very stubborn and refuses to eat sinking foods. And he will only eat the floating foods when he get good and ready. Therefore, I have to turn the flow on both 110’s down to keep the food from being pulled onto or into the skimmer.

[@anthonydemoon9517]

I've always used Aquaclear but decided to switch out and have two Seachem 110's for my cichlids. These two have made way more noise than my Aquaclears...buzzing/humming and it drives me crazy. But they definitely are way easier for cleaning the filter media. I'm not sure if it's because it's got the dual intakes, but it doesn't seem to have as much suction power from both (you can see detritus or food float right past both intakes sometimes). It eventually gets it but again I think the power is halved by creating the lower and upper intakes. If my Aquaclears were as easy to clean I'd probably switch back, just because they were quieter. Your tanks are amazing.

[@gregorycruz8003]

No one ever mentions how crappy the suction is on the main intake. You can literally watch small particles of anything just float by the main intake.

[@ponygirl1624]

Thank you for the review I have 3 of the Tidals currently running. Love them with one complaint....Seachem needs to add an i take tube to the 35 so it would be more efficient on a taller aquarium such as a 20 H.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching! I agree with this for sure

[@lunes-1]

I just bought today the tidal 110 👍

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice

[@reggie2803]

Great review. I wanted the Tidal, but the blue accent was a deal breaker. I went with the AquaClear 110.

[@benmustafa6228]

I have 2 tidal 110 on my 75 gallon peacock cichlid tank they work great

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice

[@toddskinner8349]

Hi Troy, I have seen people take out the lower dial for the lower inlet. It will, of course, cause the inlet to be all the way open all the time. You won't have the blue dial in the water.

[@jwcollect8724]

I agree auto start is huge however it clogs pretty fast. The basket reduces the amount of media and you still have to remove the whole filter to clean. My Aquaclear holds more media and keeps my tanks cleaner. If you never had an Aquaclear 110, try it, I believe you’ll like it.

[@CichlidBros]

I’ve had many aquaclears over the years, and I’ve always had issues with the noise (mainly the lids) and being annoyed by the lack of an auto start. The filter basket is also clumsy to clean, and you do not need to remove the whole casing on the Tidal for cleaning. Overall, they’re both fine filters, but I prefer the Tidal

[@jwcollect8724]

I found the basket useless and taking it out is messy at best so I removed the whole filter. When I clean it I clean everything including the muck on the bottom. Like you said they’re both good filters, I just like the Aquaclear. Regards

[@AnupamOO]

Aquaclear 70 and 50. Have two both of them as a backup too.

[@denray1224]

I removed the blue dial it is very simple to do it does not affect anything.

[@jimwaldele9084]

awesome videos guys,,, will this filter fit on the ends of a 55 gallon,, or is it maybe to wide for that,,, thanks all

[@heffe40]

I don't know. I might just be unlucky because I've had three of these and I sent them all back. They were so so loud. And I really wanted to like them because of the removable basket and the self priming pump. So for now I'll stick with my canisters and AquaClear

[@LeeTsa]

Thanks for the great video. Quick question on cleaning, I cleaned mine the precise way that you did but the blue cleaning indicator isn't going down. Did you ever run into this?

[@tgbluesman]

I had a 110 and the 1st change I did I stuffed floss and the next morning my floor was flooded.

[@ProVisionColor]

I really wanted to love this filter, but I ended up returning it because it was just so loud. I tried it side-by-side with a Marineland, and the Marineland was almost silent compared to the Seachem. I love the basket idea, but I really don't like the bright blue pieces in the tank. They are pretty noticeable. Anyway, these are hit and miss. Some people get quiet ones, but quite a few people have complained of the same noise that I had.

[@nthompson937]

I have 2 love them on my 75gallon and 1 on my 40gallon

[@brianp6180]

I love this filter! The 1 issue I have is I do not want the skimmer. They should design a way to shut it off if you do not want to use it. Other than that it’s awesome.

[@CichlidBros]

Great callout!

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

The "Skimmer" intake is the Primary Intake. The lower housing has the Secondary, the Tube is the Third.

[@cichlids253]

Looks nice but I’m a loyal aquaclear/fluval fan their 110 is just a workhorse and if you don’t use sand they are super quiet

[@turdferguson8412]

I’ve got a tidal 35 and had no idea the media basket locked into the underside of the lid! I’ll be using that feature next time. These are definitely well thought out filters and I like them way more than aquaclears.

[@OmniversalInsect]

Is there a way to make it skim the surface better? Pretty sure it's advertised to do that as well but mine doesn't do much to the surface

[@reneesnugent3358]

Is this too much flow for angelfish? Very nice presentation! I am considering purchasing a 75-gallon, I watch a lot of your videos. ❤

[@tulioalopez]

Thank you , I just order the 110.

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome!

[@tulioalopez]

@@CichlidBros Good morning, I have a 75 gallon mix with yellow lab and red zebra or OB zebra but young and about 3 inches or less plus I have 40 gallon with one 6 in red zebra by himself. If I put them together will he bully the younger ones? I can send you photos. Your advice will be helpful.

[@TheFittedRockStar]

Question would it be wise to use three 110's on a 125gal?

[@alexmast64]

How much height clearance is needed for those of us with aquarium canopies? And is that blue cleaning sensor rod removable to make the lid easier to remove without a lot of height clearance?

[@jwcollect8724]

Hi Troy, I prefer the Aquaclear 110 to the seachem. The only positive for me with the tidal is the self start.

[@onlywei]

That’s a VERY big positive.

[@GenRN]

I live in Texas. Our power goes out all the time. That makes the Aquaclear a no-go.

[@danielwcheng6381]

I have 2 55s and yes they are great....but the intake pump block is a bit wide and can be a problem with acrylic tanks that have a cutout, I had to return a 75 cus it didn't fit my tank. One other con the that it can be difficult to remove the pump housing if you need to clean the impeller. Still it's my goto HOB and I've had a number of them.

[@miked6335]

Yeah, removing the pump housing can be a real pain. The printed directions on how to are worthless.

[@alaskajdw]

Great filters. I swear by them. I painted the blue parts

[@CichlidBros]

Smart!

[@makiarn777]

I was thinking too…why not paint those blue parts lol!

[@AndrewSparkfish]

Excellent demo...how loud is the return 'splash'... I suppose it depends on tank water level?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! And yep. It’s very quiet if you’re tank is full, but will splash if the water level dips some

[@1domcouk]

Great video. Greetings from the UK.I am setting up a 48 gallon. 120cm tank. Where would you position the tidal 110 in the tank? Some people say in the middle and others at the end. I also have a powerhead. Many thanks for any advice you have.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I’d put it in back left corner and power head on the opposite end, pushing debris towards filter

[@poolboywillis1225]

Ok it was great until 3 days ago during a water change it failed to come back on any ideas??

[@diversify210]

I use a few of the 110's on my tanks, but I just really don't like them. The only reason they are still being used is because Im to freaking lazy to swap them out and try other filters, plus Im a big advocate of canister filters and the Tidals only serve as auxiliary filtration to the canister filters on my tanks. I don't typically use chemical filtration in my tanks, but from time to time I find a need to. Like if I put a big piece of driftwood in the tank and I need to use Purigen to remove the tannins, or If I had a need to medicate an entire tank and want to add afterwards to make sure all that medication is removed. The HOB makes it easy for me to throw in a packet of purigen or carbon and remove it later with out having to detach and open up the canister filter. When not using chemical filtration the Tidals are just setup as flossing filters. It serves me well. These tidal HOB's a made very well. I don't like them for a few reasons. One the biggest reasons is the angle of the outlet ramp releases water back into the tank at a bad angle making a lot of noise, so I have to always keep the water level in the tank just above the lip of the outlet ramp to keep it quiet. I don't like the media box on these. That L in the media basket removes a lot of what could have been useful space and makes it more difficult to cut your own filter media to use. Last but not least I just dont think these things filter all that well. Ive tried to configure them everyway to Sunday and for some reason a lot of debris still makes it way up to the top before its captured by the filter media. If anyway knows a solution to this. Im all ears.

[@roberteisenman4173]

I cut the top 3 or 4 inches off an old sock for an intake filter on the skimmer 👍 And painted the Blue dials Black with fingernail polish 👍

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice

[@amymandeville8342]

I've been considering switching to one of these or the aqua clear. I like that the lids are snug on these. I have two Marina filters and they're super quiet, but the impellers have gotten really loud and it drives me nuts.

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, that was the main selling point for me!

[@chrisdavis7322]

Is it going to fit on a tank with bracing around the edge?

[@speedemonxyz]

What is the input voltage 110V or 220 V ? planning to use it in India, here we have 220V

[@rickyjoyner9973]

what size pre-filter for the 110 ( size of hole on pre-filter)

[@ruthwalker5179]

Troy is this the only filter on your tanks? Do you not care for canisters? Thanks again for the useful content.

[@CichlidBros]

I usually pair one of these with a canister or another tidal. Love to have two filters for redundancy

[@Janet-nn7ng]

My Seachem 110 stopped after unplugging to clean, it's 6 months old, can you give me advice

[@pix4c]

What led lights are you using

[@igorverdes]

That skimmer water level doesn’t make big difference comparing to aqua clear water level to push the water if the power goes off. And the pump is not much low in the tank, you need to keep the tank full anyway.

[@cindywood2089]

I noticed you rinsed The contents of your filter in tap water. I was told not to do that because of chlorine? Shouldn't it be rinsed in aquarium water or water that has been treated with a conditioner like prime?

[@lionroaring7021]

Heater clip installation??

[@toddskinner8349]

Hi Troy, is it OK to put poly floss on top of matrix, carbon bag in a tidal 75 ?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, definitely

[@teslacybertruck750]

I still prefer the Aquaclear 110. I can keep my tank's water level lower if I need to, For example I have a tank in my garage, and when it get too hot, I keep my water level half way, and its easier for me to cool it. and with the Tidal you have no option but to keep your tank full since that pump has to stay submerged..

[@junito1957]

FOR SURE THE BEST HOB IN THE MARKET AND WORK PERFECT FOR SMALL TANK 40 GAL MINI REEF GET THE BIGGEST ONE FOR ALOT OF WATER MOVEMENT AND SKIMMING

[@coolwater411]

Ever try the aquaclear power filter?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I make some comparisons to that filter throughout the video

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Closing the lower Tube Intake does NOT adjust the Skimmer. The Skimmer is the Primary Intake on any of the 4 Tidals. There is also a Fulltime Intake Grate on the Right side of the Impeller Housing on the 55, 75, and 110. The 35 has a Second on the Left side. The Upper Wheel controls the Flow Rate, turning down the Flow during Feeding time reduces Food from being sucked out of the water.

[@davidadkins8805]

Marine land now has submersible pumps. I have both filters.

[@electronicojmrm]

Also Marina slim line has the pump under water, i have 6 of them for my bettas nano tanks❤

[@martes-2]

👍

[@igorverdes]

That’s a much smaller mechanical filtration comparing to other filters. Does that small blue sponge last one week before it clogs?

[@CichlidBros]

lol, good one!

[@aaronfiddy4260]

Where u get that pla

[@discus_Papa.]

Welche Beleuchtung benutzt du auf dem von mir ausgesehen Aquarium links? Vg

[@Rick-xy4bt]

Going to be setting up a new 75 gal. What's your thoughts on going with say 2 Tidal 55's , with one on each end, as opposed to a single 110? Also considering throwing a sponge filter in as well.

[@CichlidBros]

You could definitely do either, but I like the one 110 option

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

The Two 55s will give you more Balanced circulation than the single 110.

[@Rick-xy4bt]

And if one is going to go with 2 filters for the few dollars difference , it might make more sense to go to the 75's.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@@Rick-xy4bt I run a 65 USG. It has 1 T 55 I run Full - 250 GPH and then Dead Slow at Feeding Time; and 1 T 35 (this runs at its lowest Flow Rate, estimated at 45 GPH). The Tank also has Powerhead driven Under Gravel Filtration / 2 160 GPH heads. I find many People in the Hobby that seem to believe they own small Jacuzzis. Massive Flow Rates with Ridiculous Heater Wattage. You can go with 2 75s but I bet you end up reducing your Flow Rates because you are looking at 700 GPH for 75 Gallons, or DOUBLE the Design capacity. The 2 55's would still give you 6.7 Tank Fulls per Hour. Either way - for BEST Oxygenation and Circulation - make sure to have your Water Level just Above the lower edge of the Outflow Ramp. Mount them on the Back Wall. Center Each about 1/4 - 1/3 in from each End.

[@Rick-xy4bt]

@A Paul McDonough Thanks for your input A Paul McDonough, appreciate it!

[@beauepperson2641]

I like the convience of the filter but I had mine for 3 days and I’m ready to send it back. The water outlet is way too high so it’s noisy as anything. My tanks completely filled like up to the door to try to quiet this thing but you still hear water being poured into a tank 24/7 disappointed

[@eprohoda]

How you doing?~ BBravo~that's superb content. goodbye!-broth.🌟

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@jayson9363]

Do you turn this filter off while doing water change? Because the water will be lower than the minimum level I have the tidal 35 just bought yesterday

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I do

[@dermotkelly2971]

Would I need 2 110 filters for a 7foot by 3 foot big tank?

[@danielwcheng6381]

It seems to me for a 7'x 3' tank you would be better severed using a canister.

[@jwr_714]

Do you think 2 Tidal 110's would be more than enough for an overstocked 75 gallon Mbuna tank ?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep! Would be a great setup

[@jwr_714]

@@CichlidBros sorry I meant to include "without any canister filter". So in terms of biological and mechanical filtration would these two be adequate even without a canister ? Thanks

[@CichlidBros]

Yep should be solid

[@Daz-0161]

Do these filters fit on all tanks ?

[@CichlidBros]

They should, as long as the tank doesnt have a very large frame/brim around the outside

[@johnnyaguilarjr.9920]

Do you have any problems with it creating a lot of micro bubbles

[@CichlidBros]

I haven't with the Tidal

[@MrFleetwoodSlim]

Just got my 75, manual says media filtration should be mechanical, chemical then biological. Heard this was wrong (mechanical, biological then chemical), any thoughts people ?

[@CichlidBros]

Either probably will work fine, but ideally it’s mechanical, biological, chemical

[@MrFleetwoodSlim]

@@CichlidBros ok, thanks a lot.

[@rooterdaddy6889]

Besides the gurgling, the skimmer prevents you from having floating plants. If you do have floating plants, make sure they're "corralled", otherwise they'll be sucked into the filter. Why can't Seachem make a non-skimmer version?

[@EUPERMAN]

U don’t modify it? Just keep that way nothing add?

[@CichlidBros]

I say in the video that there's room to add whatever you like. I add filter floss and chemi-pure typically, as mentioned

[@EUPERMAN]

Sorry I’m deaf KZbin closed caption is ok

[@CichlidBros]

@@EUPERMAN I’ll try to add better subtitles! Thanks for watching

[@fishtropiccanada4747]

Simple fact is filters just move water. Other than that !!! Buy a power head haha 😂🎉

[@SusanMonk-nx2qv]

Like the filter BUT if you have either shrimp or fry, they will wind up inside the filter. Should be a way to close it off or offer a version without it. It really is not necessary, it adds very little except to kill fry and shrimp.

[@CichlidBros]

Prefilters sponges could help

[@SusanMonk-nx2qv]

@@CichlidBros I neglected to say it was the surface skimmer, not the intake tube.

[@truthfactreality6814]

I have all versions of the tidal range. They are excellent filters. I sprayed the blue parts black. Much better

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice!

[@jbl9694]

Can you share the brand/type of spray you used? Great idea

[@smoothdancer6]

What slot on the side? Why did you skip over that? I don't know how or where to put the heater holder.

[@CichlidBros]

Because I don’t ever use it

[@smoothdancer6]

@@CichlidBros Can you post a link for a video with a more complete unboxing, setup, cleaning and review that applies to everyone? Thanks.

[@CichlidBros]

@@smoothdancer6 thanks for the condescension. But no. Go watch free content elsewhere 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@reneesnugent3358]

Don't you kill the bacteria washing it?

[@junito1957]

DUDE YOU YOU MISS INFO YOU COULD TURN OFF THE TOP SKIMMING AND IT SUCK WATER FROM THE BOTTOM TUBE!!!!!

[@RR-dc3nw]

Tidal all day. Aquaclear is garbage. Unsightly for one, top rattles like no other, but the best of all is the simple $.02 clip that retains your basket, not allowing an overflow. I've personally seen filters that have drained enough water out of the tank to run dry due to this issue. Until they would fix this, i'd never buy one.

[@SG-Cichlids]

Definitely not the best filter. Bypass like no tomorrow. Ridiculous sponge. Limited space. Doesn't skim unless the water level is about 4 inches low. The only positive to this filter is the pump being in the tank. Aquaclear is by far a better filter. You can put two of the Aquaclear sponges plus biomedia. I think a lot of people over rate this filter because of the names associated with it.

[@kristiiiiiiiii]

Ugh. I have both. Tidal has been amazing. Aquaclear is horrible. It’s so weird how different products can be reviewed so differently.

[@SG-Cichlids]

@kristiestes496 It is weird. I have 6 aquaclear 110 and a bunch of the 70s. I've never had any kind of an issue with them. The only thing I could say could be an issue is not restarting if the water level is to low after a power outage. If you keep your tank topped off its not an issue. I only have 1 tidal and I'll never buy another one.

[@kristiiiiiiiii]

@@SG-Cichlids huh. Well definitely use what you like, then. It’s the reason why there’s so many available 😅

[@grokker99]

Tidal is too loud.

[@CichlidBros]

Doing something wrong then, they are the most quiet HOB out there

[@Agnus78]

It is loud, big and completely waste of space. There are better hang on filters out there but the thing is, canister filter is better buy.

[@CichlidBros]

Sounds like user error. It’s the quietest HOB on the market…

[@josephtavares8178]

Aquaclear is Better.Larger media capacity.Able to beused in paludariums and aquaterriums.Tidal

[@josephtavares8178]

Tidal no media provided than scant matrix. No siphon extensions to bottom o tank and Nosier if water level drops and no ability to turn off surface skimmer .I will stick with aquaclear.