Seachem Tidal 55 Hang on Back Filter Unboxing | Assembly | Review
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Hello Fellow Fish Keepers!
In this video we review the Seachem Tidal 55 hang on back filter. We unbox the filter, assemble it and provide our initial impressions of the filter. If you are looking to purchase the filter here is an affiliate link: amzn.to/2Vmm8GV
Interested in other filters? Check out these videos too!
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Thanks for watching!
All my HOB’s are now Seachem Tidal’s . The only thing I don’t like about it is the shape of the basket. I think it’s the best HOB on the market at this time.
Your filter reviews are always thorough and informative. Thanks Jason 👍
Thank you! Appreciate you watching. : -)
I agree, talks about the important things.
I've recently changed my Marineland 350 for a Tidal110 on my 60gal. I've found that. Putting a small piece of 40ppi filter media in the small gap behind the skimmer where the basket inserts will help that immensely. Also a large pre filter on the intake from aquarium co op has done wonders for extending cleaning times. Go on Amazon and order replacement sponges, they're 20ppi as opposed to the 40ppi that come with it, then you can stack a 20 over a 40.
I run the 55 on my 20L saltwater tank and a 110 on my 40B saltwater tank. I love these filters
I used a tidal75 for my freshwater 19 gallon tank which is a little op for over a 1 1/2 year and I swear, this hang on pump is really reliable, amazing, quiet and it really meets my expectation, definitely would recommend it, it's a little pricey but it's a good investment
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I borrowed a Top Fin filter that was sold in a 36 gallon bow front kit, to use on my new 29 gallon. I ran it with a Tidal 35 and they did a good job. Once I took the Tidal out to use on a 10 gallon, the Top Fin could not keep up. The water was cloudy two days after a water change. I replaced the Top Fin with the Tidal 55, and it cleared up in 2 days. It has now been three weeks, and my water is crystal clear. It is worth every penny.
Appreciate you sharing!
I appreciate you taking the time to do these reviews! I always like these reviews because you actually give your honest opinion and that is gold to me!
Thank you!
I use the Tidal 55 in a custom 75 gallon. I made sure that when the tank was being made, the rim is not too wide for the Tidal 55. Now I am filtering this tank with the Cobalt EXT Canister filter and the Tidal 55. Combined, they are performing remarkably well.
This 75 is my most stable, cleanest and healthiest tank. But I do use Biohome Ultimate as biomedia so that may be a factor too.
I am currently setting up a new 125 gallon tank. My filter of choice are: The Aquael Maxi Kani Canister Filter and The Seachem Tidal 110 also using Biohome Ultimate. I hope that this combination works as well as my set up in the 75.
I love you review Jason: Honest and very informative. Keep them videos coming Sir. I love your channel.
Sounds like a nice set-up!
Thank you so much for making an extensive review!! I'm happy to know I'm about to make an educated purchase for my 30 litres quarantine tank!
I have a Tidal 110 on my 40 breeder and I love it. I didn't use what they gave me for the media but packed it as the Pondguru recommends. Been running it for close to a year with no problems.
Cool. Good to know!
Found one of the tidal videos! Wow, now I’m torn between this and the new 450 lol! I think I like this better. The basket is a huge plus.
The price point will be something to consider as well.
Hi JASON, I’m actually surprised that you didn’t try this filter sooner. I have 2 Tidal 110s, and I have nothing but great things to say about it after a year now. I would recommend cutting the floss to fit a little better. Also, they can make a little noise from the skimmer if the water level drops too low. Otherwise, it’s been a great filter for me.
Hey Denny, ya, I wanted to try it because so many people left comments saying how much they like it.
Excellent review. I agree. I do not like the blue dial in the tank. I use the Aqueon Quiet Flow 75. All black. Quiet. 400 GPH flow rate. Self priming. 4" from tank to wall. Adjustable intake tube. I use the same filter floss pads you have instead of original floss/carbon cartridge, and an intake sponge. Excellent mechanical filtration. $40 online. Running 2 years now. No issues.
Good to hear!
i got the one for a 75 gallon and so far so good. i like the flow control and the indicator that tells you the filter needs cleaning.
Glad to hear it's working well for you!
Planning to set up a 29gal tank (my 1st tank in over 25yrs). Excited but overwhelmed with the amount of stuff there is on the market now. Your videos have been great for helping me through the research. I could really use some advice from you, or anyone else here that has experience with any of these filters
Tank: 29Gal - stocked with 1 or 2 angels, a few smaller schooling fish, catfish of some sort
Issue: Our apartment does lose power a few times a month. Usually only long enough to reset computers / clocks. Leaning towards the Tidal filters for that reason.
Filters I'm considering:
1) Aquaclear-50
2) Seachem Tidal-35 or tidal-55 ( not sure if a tidal 35 would be enough)
3) Fluval C3
I would take the Seachem Tidal over Aquaclear every time!
I know you are a long time fan of Marina, and you know I am not. My last Marina, long since with no wheel rotation, died after less than two years _ giving me another reason to buy new filters.
When the Tidals came out, made by Sicci for Seachem, I read the initial reviews and decided to give them a try. As my Aqua Clears do not self prime, that is a big issue in this area with frequent power outages. Ive' had two 55s for about a year, one on a heavily stocked 40 g breeder Rainbow tank, the second on a Amazon puffer 30 g breeder tank. Very messy eaters. Both pumps perform well with an additional filter pad and using the bio media provided. I also pre filter the intakes. The blue dial bothered me at first too, but i don't notice it now and no one has ever mentioned it in a video. They are extremely quiet. Oddly, Cory with the Coop, trialed them and said the noise they made was an issue.
After six months I added two more to other new tanks. A 55 and a 75. I knew the 55 would not fit your 75. Both those have performed well, as have the original two. The overflow that gets mentioned seems to occur when people do not maintenance the media box, as needed. I maintenance on a schedule and am always impressed with the amount of debris the filter basket is holding. I've never had an overflow issue, so far.
Currently, I have a 75 and a 55 that the media is being cultured in a salt sump by lfs, as my next two tanks are salt. Setting those up and cycling now. I've had no issues at all with the four I've been using and expect great use from the two for salt. The skimmer, like all, needs to be cleared and maintained. They also function great with pre filter sponges on the intake. So far, these are my new favorites. The 110s have a laundry basket sized media area for those looking for such.
Good fair review. Hope yours performs to your liking. (Yes, turn the media sideways to allow the current to pass through and not around the custom pads.) Thanks Jason!
Good to hear they are working well. I don't generally have overflow issues and I'm not expecting it with this filter either with proper maintenance.
I have a Tidal 75 and loaded it up with three different grades of sponges coarse, medium and fine. Working well for me.
Good to hear!
I run 2 Tidal 110's as back ups. They have been 100% reliable and the build quality is second to none. My only complaints are the %$$%% blue dial that you noted and the surface skimmer. The skimmer is great in tanks with no fry. But...that skimmer is a fry munching orifice of death. So...I only use them on tanks with large fish unlikely to spawn. This issue could easily be rectified with an add on grate of some sort. Thanks for the unboxing. I look forward to your upcoming review.
Very good points! I hadn't thought about the fry issue since it was going on a tank with full grown fish.
Backup for what? And how large is your tank?
@@MrCelt81 They are on 2 different tanks. 1 is a 120 and the other is a 240. The 120 runs an FX6 and the 240 has a sump. Almost all of my 30+ tanks have back up HOBs. I don't run them all of the time but they are there if I need them.
Adding a panty hose to the filter intakes makes it a very noisy filter, it can't function properly without unimpeded skimmer intake. Having said that i do love these filters, you can put a bit of sponge in the bottom intake to stop fry getting in there. The surface skimmer nothing you can really do about it, i'm just praying my fry don't venture up high enough to get sucked in.
After running two of the tidal 75s for a couple of months, i ended up pulling them out. Sadly they are just my backup filter now. I think they are well built and has many good features, but my big problem is the liberal bypass design. I had filter floss between the corse foam and biomedia and like clock work, after 2 days alot of the water starts going through the bypass and almost doing zero mechanical filtration and this is using just about a quarter twist on the flow control knob. If i run higher flow it uses the bypass even faster. I found myself continualy lowering the flow to keep it from using the bypass. This filter would be greatly improved by restricting the bypass more, especially since this filter can push alot of water. Anyways, thats my two cents.
Thanks for sharing! I actually only use the foam insert and two pieces of filter floss standing on end and haven't had any issues.
I own several of the seachem filters the 75 and also a few 55 you can pack them completely full with biological media I really like them in my opinion. You should be happy with the purchase I believe
Thanks for sharing your experience!
My girlfriend was listening from the other room and thought Bill Burr was doing Fish Tank tutorials on CZcams.
Now that you mentioned it I can hear the similarity.
Who needs directions when your a trained professional......hell yeah!
I replaced a Marineland Penguin 350 with a Seachem Tidal 55 on a Marineland 37 USG. I ran the Seachem for 10 Months before a move required my shutting the Tank down. NO problems.
1) Charcoal, if used, and the Seachem Matrix come in Mesh Bags that provide Mechanical Filtration in addition to the Sponge.
2) Removing the Media Basket is Easiest by inserting Index Finger into each Lifting Hole from the outer opening and then using your Thumbs to press and hold the Friction Tabs inward, then lifting Basket (the Left F T is what the Locking Tab slides over).
3) Pump can be restarted, during a Water Change, as soon as Water Level reaches the Indicator.
Glad it's working for you!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics, I'm considering getting a 65 USG Tank in the near future and if I do I will be adding a Second Tidal 55 along with UG Filtration driven by the 2 ML 600 Maxi-Jets I used on the 37 USG I had.
The little blue dial that you can see from across the room is telling your that it is a Seachem filter. Very smart of Seachem so all will know.
Well, I never thought of it like that. : -)
YES!!!!! I had the same problem!!! It didn't fit the frame on my tank either. (My husband trimmed off some of the frame with a Dremel tool. I hope it didn't jeapordize the integrity of my tank!!!!) It's way too skinny. But it's so quiet!!!!!
It's probably didn't have a major impact if it was just to get the filter over the rim. :-)
I have both seachem and fluval both work great for me I would say theres a bit more bypass in the tidal but it's a very small difference still love it
Thank for sharing!
Appreciate these reviews. Considering this filter for a couple of our tanks. Just sent a link to my dad for the tank he has in his auto shop reception office. Looks like a better filter than the Penguin for him. I also sent him a link to that review you did. Thank you!
Thank you! Appreciate you sharing.
Good information. For me the best filters are Emperor 400. I have two of them in my 125 gallons, results are amazing.
Love them too!
Just bought a 110 and I am stoked to try it out!
Cool! Hope it works out great!
Late to the party as usual but I just picked one of these up to replace a Marina Slim 20 that kept getting clogged up too quickly. The marina worked fine for awhile but between algae blooms and a growing pack of corydoras, it was time to upgrade. A couple of things I thought worth mentioning regarding the Tidal. Though the instructions may be in enough languages to satisfy the UN, I didn't think they were that great. 6:00 I believe you need to start the leveling screw thru that blue piece before installing it on the filter housing. There wasn't enough room to fit the screw after the blue piece was installed. And it's pretty awkward to adjust the screw once the filter is installed on the tank against a wall. Another thing, did you explain the bottom adjustment dial? Sorry if I missed it but if you did not, it's used to adjust flow between the surface skimmer and intake tube. Mine came completely closed so without adjustment there would have been no water coming up the tube. The instructions (page 9 #3) make a passing reference to a pretty important feature.
Thanks for all your reviews. I have a 35 Tidal on my 10 gallon multi tank which now has some fry in it. Yep, the multis are down to you along with the box of petrified redwood!
Love my Tidal55! Crystal clear water!
Good to hear!
These are very good filters and as you have pointed out you can use what media you like. I did have some problem with the blue maintenance indicator popping up and Seachem is aware of this. Why I am not using it now? I have a very nice 110L (29g) planted tank and it spoils the appearance also I need flow for all the plants. I use a lily pipe set and to get things as invisible as possible. But the Tidal 55 is great just not in my planted tank.
Glad it worked well for you. : -)
Nice initial review - eager to see part two.
If 3" magically appeared between the wall and your tanks, which HOB would you use then?
Seems like a lot of people don't like my answer, but if I was looking to buy a filter I know would work and at a good price, I'd add another Marineland 350. Have had a dozen of them and always work great without any issues, plus they are way cheaper than Aquaclear or this Seachem.
Hello! Can i use a tidal 55 for a 15 gallon? Because the tidal 35 does not have much features or the intake pipe, so i really would prefer the 55, but it also might be a bit overkill. What do you think? Does smaller tanks matter?
Great filter. I'm using one in a 40b. Only thing I would want is the ability to turn off the skimmer. Or maybe make a non-skimmer version.
I've heard that recommendation as well.
I have both Tidals and Aquaclears. Both great filters, but pros and cons for each. The Aquaclear seems to be more powerful and a larger media tray whereas the Tidals are self priming, have a surface skimmer and let's you know when to clean it.
Thanks for comparing!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics No problems. O another thing, the Aquaclears make more noise. The Tidals make a hell of a noise if you water level gets a little low
Great Review Jason. I'm a Seachem Fan so I have every product of them. Tidal 110 is one of my absolute Favorite HOB filter. Btw there's some Fighting going on Behind you😅
The filter has worked well so far! Ya, some of my fish didn't get the memo to behave while on camera. : -)
Can you use tidal 55 in a 20 gallon high fish tank? Thanks!
Sure, you might have to turn the flow down a little. The other option is something like the Marineland Pro 175.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you so much for your reply
On the under side of the cover there are two feet which the baskets fits on when you remove it so water does not drip on floor. I have 5 of these.
Ya, it's a cool little feature!
Good stuff Jason I really like how you do reviews on hobs I am a aqua clear guy myself but definitely have looked at seachem a lot since I use so much of there stuff definitely let us know down the road how you like it I have heard mostly good things about them
Will do - thank you!
How long should I leave used filter media in my new 55 gallon tank before I remove from the nitrogen cycle
I usually wait at least 4-6 weeks.
If it makes you feel any better that little blue piece would bother me too. Just like the blue dial on my black Aqueon heater does.
It is not a major concern for me but it does draw the eye which is the opposite of what I want.
I think I figured out a way to remove it and fill the hole. Might do that in the future.
Nice!
Excellent vid! Thank you for sharing! You can paint that blue part Black. Problem solved!
So far working well!
Just bought one and noticed that the electrical cord is submerged in the water. Is there any risk of electrocution?
Since the motor is in the water it has to run from the motor to the outlet. It's always a good idea to unplug all electrical equipment before placing hands into the tank though.
tidal 55: how much does take a the space in the fishtank( that part where the pump are)? Thx.
It’s not excessive
@@PrimeTimeAquatics 9cm wide.. that is how much took the place in the fishtank
I think the bristle nose tank is a better choice to test the filter since it’s a known problem tank. When you do your final analysis could you please include a section on the protein skimmer and why I would need it and could you please compare performance with the marineland and aqua clear filters. Thanks.
Those are all wonderful suggestions and I certainly plan to do it!
I was thinking that filter compartment just begged for an Aqua Clear foam cartridge to help out that small sliver of foam they put in it.
Ya, I filled it up with floss really quick. Haha
Can I run a 75 gallon mbuna tank only with tidal 75?
I don’t see why not?
Hi I am facing a problem which is the inlet part being too long. I have substrate so it will touch the ground. Any way to solve it? Currently I am using the shortest it can be
If the substrate is gravel I wouldn't worry about it. If it's sand you could use an intake sponge that will prevent sand from getting sucked in.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Do u know if I can cut it shorter with a saw?
Oh, butterfingers.lol. That stinks having to spend money when you do not want to. I can't wait to see how this one works.
For a 40 gal breeder what would you recommend the 55 or 75
The 55 should work just fine.
Excellent review! Do you think that fry or shrimp would get drawn into the surface skimmer?
Good question - it is certainly possible. I've heard of people who put a sponge over it.
Hello sir J can i have your feedback ive got tidal 55 and i have 50 gallon tank but the orientation of my tank is a tower type its narrow and it is tall the hight is 25 inches high is it ok since my tidal 55 nostle didn't reach the sub straight the end is only in the middle of the tank down..Thanks for the reply God bless
We have the same issue in our 15 gallon column tank. Not much you can do unless you try and build a custom intake tube for the filter.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics so this will not be effective in filtration if this is short omg ill better do some mod if this will be an issue, it is not to late since i havent put anything on my aqua only sand and rocks thanks for the reply Dude keep safe..
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I already have a MOD on my tidal 55 the nostle is reaching the bottom, I cant share on this comment bec no picture option Thanks man its FIX
Not sure whether to get this one or oase canister filter. they seem great.
My personal preference is HOB filters. I've had two canisters up and running and hated doing the maintenance on them both.
Great video as always. Unfortunately her in Norway that filter costs 141,6 dollars🤣🤣👍
Wow, that's kind of expensive!
What kind of filter floss do you buy
Hmmm sounds good but what heater would be/ could be installed? If it's doing this work well it is no money blast out of the window.. thanks for showing us
I didn't use the attachment because the 300 watt I have in the 75 gallon looked a little too big for the bracket and my 40B doesn't have a heater. However, my guess is most heaters appropriately sized for the tank would probably clip on ok.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks this hang on will cost in germany 44€ i think about buying it
I agree I hate the blue dial
Thank you like always
Appreciate you watching!
Didn’t show the only step I can to see. The step that’s missing from the instructions.
Probably a bit late here, but I'm looking to get a bit of an upgrade for my turtle's tank(He's making a mess!), and am wondering if that surface skimmer would cause issues if the tank isn't filled all the way to the top? If it does, I may have to go with a canister filter or something and figure out where to place that but I really wanna just try this one to be honest..
Ya, this filter works best with high water levels in the tank. If not, the surface skimmer makes a lot of noise.
Appreciate the video. Assenbling mine today. Do you think a 30-gal. with lots of plants, platys, mollies, tetras and loaches will be okay? Was concerned it might be too big of a filter.
Should work just fine. You can turn the flow down to fit your needs. Should be a good fit!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks. Works great. Quiet no matter the flow. Keep up the great work and appreciate the video.
My friend recently cycled his tank and he got a pictus and a decorus catfish, the decorus has been bothering the pictus and at night the pictus swims near the glass and he swims to the top of the tank please help
What size tank? The more hiding spots the better. rock work, caves, plants (fake or real). Anything that will break up line of sight may help. There's a chance they may just figure it out and not bother one another as much once things settle down. Worst case, remove one of the fish to another tank or bring it back to the store. It happens sometimes. We just have to be willing to say this combo didn't work and learn from it too. I've had to move fish around before because the combos didn't work. : -)
Great video . Are you having issues with water bypassing from behind the basket and over the media?
No, because I only use the sponge that comes with it and some filter floss that I stand vertically in the basket.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics what are your thoughts about this filter now since you have had for a while now ?
Hi, I just got the Tidal 55. Are these filters supposed to be quiet? The 55 I purchased makes a grinding type sound. I took apart and check the impeller and its compartment for anything that might be causing this noise. Everything looked fine. Disappointed.
vacuum nut yes they should be very quiet. I have never heard mine actually running.
hey man good video here's another question for you would a uv light be ok to run in a tank or would a uv pump skimmer be more benifical for plants and to keep water clear
I think the submergible UV lights are fine. As long as the UV light is contained within the housing so not to kill all the other organisms in the tank : -) I think either works fine. That being said, I probably wouldn't use one unless I had a specific issue I was dealing with.
Ok thanks
Great product review. Glue a piece of anubia right on that blue wheel. Problem solved. lol
Sherry that just made me laugh! Why didn't I think of that! : -)
I forgot to add, is the water level in the tank must be maintained or it’s a loud filter.
I have heard that too!
Hi .. I'm going Tidal for my new 40 gal tank and the difference in price is just some $16.. They say there's never too much filtration.. Should I go 75 for my 40 gal tank or is it too big for a 3ft tank?
I'm finding the 55 is plenty sufficient. With the adjustable flow the 75 could be turned down, but probably isn't necessary unless you are really heavily stocked.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you very much..ordered 55 together with phyton ..moving from 2 nano to the "real world".. would you put blood Parrot with gouramis and tetras? thanks
Love my API, but they were discontinued.
I've heard that a couple times!
A WORD OF WARNING: Though i love everything about this filter, i have found one super annoying situation. I have neon blue dwarf goby. Three of them. These are GREAT little guys. Here's the problem. Wild caught. They are from areas of natural flowing water [think rivers/streams]... so, what's the problem/warning you ask? I keep finding them INSIDE my Tidal 55 HOB filters external water/media reservoir. That's right. They jump UPSTREAM. And they want to hang out INSIDE the HOB filter's reservoir. So, if your neon blue dwarf gobies (or any other wild caught dwarf gobies go missing for a few days... CHECK YOUR RESEVOIR TANK -- very carefully.
12
Appreciate the tip!
They talked about the 35 size for half a year now and STILL can't find anywhere that sells it.
I haven't seen it either.
Cool dude😎😎😎😎😎
Thanks!
Nice one you going to swap gcca in January
Unfortunately, I won't be at that one, but will be at the next one.
See you next time
Ughhh...I hate it when I drop things and break them. SO ANNOYING 😂🤣😂🤣❤😍😘
aqua clear is better, for my own reasons
Sad, thought he was going to chuck the owner's manual
I did later. haha
First ... :))
love the vid too ;-)