Seachem Tidal 55

I'm looking at this HOB filter. The reviews I've read is mainly positive. Anyone on here have any personal experience on using this filter?

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I think they look pretty decent.

I think @Pezulu used one of these?

 

I am currently using the Tidal 55 on a 3ft tank.
My review on it would be summed up with one word..... mmehhhhh

It works well, and does what it is designed to do.
There are quite a few drawbacks though.

• The filter needs to be cleaned every few days. There is no slacking off. The maintenance monitor (2) pops up, and it is very noticeable.
• The basket containing the filter material is supposed to make cleaning easy. It does, but the rest of the filter gets very dirty as well. To remove the filter and clean it every time is a hassle.
• The surface skimming function can't be switched off. You can only open the bottom inlet fully, which does nothing to lessen the flow through the top skimmer.
• The impeller unit gets clogged easily, and is quite difficult to remove.
• The 'tunnel' between the inpleller, top skimmer and outlet can't be cleaned properly, as it is difficult to reach, very narrow, and can't be opened.
• If the water level drops 1cm below the outlet tray, it becomes noisy. It sounds like a leaking faucet that can't be turned off.
• The filter doesn't have an on/off switch, and you either need to install an inline switch, or use the wall plug.
• It is much more expensive than any other comparable filters.
• Spares are very expensive.
• The intake syphon is bigger than other filters, and a pre-filter can't be used. That eliminates it from being used with fry or shrimp.

Other than those issues, it is a great filter.

 

Thanks for the in depth review. It helps quite a lot. Which HOB would you advise over the Tidal?

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I love aquaclears. The 110 is an absolute powerhouse.

 

I don't have any experience with Aquaclear.
On 12 tanks I have 11 Cascade filters, with 10 of them being Cascade HOB filters.
For 45 litre tanks the Cascade 100 are ideal, while the Cascade 150 does duty on 2ft tanks, and the Cascade 200 do well on 3ft tanks.

I rip out all the cartridges, and replace it with Seachem Matrix.
You can either place the Matrix in a mesh bag, or place a piece of hard plastic mesh between the impeller chamber and media chamber.

 

The tidal is well worth the money


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Can get it with eBucks from Takealot, so I was thinking as far as upper end this might be worth it. Do you have one?

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Yes I have the 110


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Works great, with a sump on my 800l with 2 rays in so it better work well


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That's good to hear. Will get the 55. Sure it will outperform my tanks.

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I have the 55, no complaints