I have used Aquaclear filters for almost 30 years. One of my filters is 15 years old and still works perfectly. I find that if you keep your water high, they re-start on their own, no problem. I have not had issues with the propellers or the tubes getting plugged or anything like that. I find that with regular maintenance everything works great!
I'm glad they didn't put the pump in the tank. I burned 2 tidals because plant debris gets stuck in the pump and burns the motor. So went back to aquaclear and works great!
I recently purchased an AC50 and I was doing maintenance and took the J tube right out and cleaned the sponge. when I restarted the filter it started right away. Seems to be a good quality, quiet filter. So far very pleased 👍🏼
After reading the reviews of the Tidals I can tell you it's still the ACs for me. Since my aunt gave me one with my very first tank as a child in the 80s all the way to now it's been the best design and remains that. Quiet, simplicity of good design, consistent product quality and media capacity all are very important to me and AC cornered the market on it. I'm nervous about buying the "Fluval" if I ever need a new one.
Aquaclear was my go-to aquarium filter for many years, before Fluval bought them, until I saw your review of the SeaChem Tidal. I agree with your assessment of both filters 100%.
I do have one good reason for having to pump outside the tank it can keep the temperature down so if you have cold water fish that could be the difference between needing a chiller or getting away with fans
I agree you can’t get a better HOB than the Seachem filters. My one knock is the skimmer. It should have a way to close it. I prefer the water being drawn from the bottom of the tank. Waste tends to sink to the bottom of the tank. the AC 110 is still 🎉a great filter. I have had one for about 15 years. I ran it for years. I use it as a backup now. A few weeks ago I had a canister filter go bad. Pulled the old filter off the shelf, plugged it in and it works as good as the day I bought it. Plenty of room to take bio media out of the canister and put on top of the sponge.
I’ve been using the AC70 for a little over a month. It has improved with power outages. If the Tidal had an on/off skimmer switch I would put it #1. But it’s #2 for me. But both are good filters
@@pwaquatics3290 I have to admit I'm not wild about the skimmer for the Tidals. It would be nice if they had a way to close it off if you didn't want to use it.
Based on my experience with AquaClear filters, the only reason it won't restart is if the siphon breaks. And if your water level is high enough it shouldn't be an issue. I run a Tidal 100. I like it. But, it is more difficult to clean the filter housing. All sorts of debris gets trapped behind the skimmer area. And it cannot be completely opened up. I don't like the change to AquaClear 70 and smaller filter basket. The vertical divider interferes with the ability to customize media any way you want.
AC will always be the winner for me due to the larger and actually rectangular media box and the larger sponges. I just run two sponges on mine. You cannot beat the bacteria surface area for a HOB.
This is such a relief to know that this is an overall very good filter. (I've ordered the AC30 since the filter I had before just died this morning. I'm looking forward to the new one.)
Funny timing on the video. One of my local fish shops actually did have them. Not only did they have them, they were giving out a free filter to the first dozen people who brought an old model in and trade it for that new one, no matter the size (I brought an old 20/30 and got a 50).
If the Fluval AC's will start up after a power interruption then that is a good thing for sure. I'm not familiar enough with the Fluval AC's for the media maintenance versus the Seachem Tidals. I have a Tidal 35 (quarantine, 10gallon) & Tidal 55 (29 gallon). The Tidal filter media is easy to clean/ replace.
Aqua clear is a staple and I’ve known it literally all my life. Great video and great break down! It would neat to see if it could do a dry start but no worries either, that might happen once in a while if the entire filter is removed for cleaning and if you use power heads to pump water from your aquarium it could suck the water right out resulting in a dry run but not exactly everyday or accidental either. Love it and thank you for sharing, stay happy and healthy my friend!!! 😊❤
Great video. I've been an Aquaclear fan for years. After your review of the Seachem Tidal series, I bought a Tidal 55 and am very happy with it. I think I'll try Aquaclear again on the next go round. Thanks for the info😀
I'm also glad they didn't put the pump in the tank. I've always used pre filter sponges on all my HOB filters. Because the pre filter sponge needs to be cleaned so often. it is much easier to slowly lift the intake tube out of the filter with the sponge and clean it. On filters with the pump in the tank, you have to stick your hand in the tank to remove the sponge and a lot more debris falls off the sponge.
Sorry to say, but both have one flaw that made me throw seachem to trash- the filter media aren't stored in cage and when you have some cichlids like tilapias which suddenly dig a tone before breeding i had one situation where filtr floss cloged, raised and seachem started spilling wather in the night, fortunately it was so loud that i instantly woke up, but still there are hang on backs where top of the compartment is kept by a plastic cage.
The AquaClear 110 is my favorite Hang on the Back filter. The Tital is good, but jeez-o-peet do I hate that skimmer feature. I also really hate that the draw attention to the hardware by making the dials that wonky blue color. Personally, I have never ever had a problem with my 110s not starting back up after a power outage. The only time they need help is when I do water changes that take the water in the tank down below the intake. I do liie that the Tidal doesn't have that issue. If I have one complaint about the AC product, its that the sponge will sometimes become buoyant and float to the top, pushing the lid up and exposing all the media to the air. Again, the 110s have never had that issue. The 50s (I think they're 50s) have it all the time. If they have successfully fixed that issue with the redesign, that will make Whip a happy happy boy.
The solved the issue , of the power outage, yet you still complain about the motor being on the outside, it doesn't make a difference, as long as it keeps running, very minor issue to complain about
We run on a 60 gallon the old AC 110 and the Tidal 110. The Tidal blends better against our black background. However if I would like the the AC better on any other background. They are both great but we did choose the Tidal to replace having another AC 110 because of the power failure issue. Will replace the old AC110 when we get a hold of it with the new. I wish you would do a side by side comparison on the tank. For example which has better flow adjustment, which is quieter, etc
I love my seachem functions just like a canister filter except it hangs on the back. I run mine for a month with a filter floss pad that I cut to fit along with the pads and ceramic bio bag it comes with. The surface skimmer is a blessing, my betta hates it but he's getting a new home 😂
I have two new model fluval AC 20s. Both restart immediately without problem so long as the basket has water in it. I keep my tank full but they restart even if the water is down a few inches
Too me hands down seachem Tidal is numero uno, I have had aquaclear for years and as soon as I saw your review on the seachem, I had to buy one and try myself and boy oh boy l, it did not disappoint, I actually replaced all my aquaclears with seachem (2 110s and 2 35s). The deal breakers were the pump inside the aquarium, the surface skimmer and the filter basket ease for cleaning. Thanks for the review and love the channel!
I don't have the new Fluval but I've been using an AC50 for a couple of years. I love it. The only time it doesn't restart is if there's not enough water left in it. If you don't move it or remove any of that water it will always start back up again. I only need to prime it when I remove the filter to clean it.
I wish they would have made the waterfall piece go lower into the tank. I have a tetra HOB filter that has a lip that goes down a few inches into the tank, which keeps the waterfall sound from happening unless my water goes like 2-3 inches below the plastic rim. It guides the water kinda like a waterslide. This one looks like it doesn't go down as far.
I have a 150 gallon African Cichlid tank that has a Tidal 110 on one side and an AC 110 (old type) on the other side. They both run flawlessly. If I had to pick one it would be the Tidal mostly due to the pump in the tank and the ease of maintenance. But, I still like the Aqua Clear too. Also, the Tidal blends in way better with my black background.
While I like the internal filter of the Seachem Tidal, it just doesn’t work for shrimp. It’s nice to see the Aquaclear can self-prime. That makes it my first choice for my tanks. Thank you for the review.
Never have been a fan of Aquaclear, I have one and it ...works.... but my pref is the Tidal's "I own lots of them" thanks for the video, the main reason I hate the Aquaclear is how they control the water flow, constantly causes air locks on the one I have.
My biggest gripe with the Tidal's is the bypass issues when you add more media than what comes with it. You have to slow the flow way down or the water just dumps over the top.
I don’t know if it is available in the U.S. but to me the Oase Bioplus corner filter is the best filter. Super silent, many flow options and you can hide a heater inside. The filter chamber is connected by magnets what makes cleaning super easy
I always used the AC110 on my 60g fantail goldfish tank. It works great. Then I noticed my fish were avoiding half the tank. The flow was too heavy. I removed it and use a diy filter that doesn't push my fish around. It is an excellent filter though. My favorite.
The ultra cheap Finnex PF-7 I use on my daughter's 10gal betta tank included an intake filter. I do not know of the bigger ones do, but I'm about to try one since it's been a solid HoB filter.
I ran a couple of Aquaclear filters in the past on a 75 gallon. We went on vacation for 5 days, and lost power during that timeframe and I lost a tank full of fish. If been using Tidal for about a year now and really like them.
I just swapped a tidal 35 for a AC30 and gotta say the AC30 is better, it has less bulk in the 10 gallon tank and actually has a intake tube that gets further down in the tank. The only advantage the Tidal has is the motor and impeller are in the tank so water level can get lower and still start up. The AC30 also has a lower top profile. Decent filter for sure.
Marineland makes the best simply because of the flow, but Oase is a close second because of the built in heater. Marineland sits low and has a bevel to shoot the water across the surface giving great surface agitation, and you can just use poly-filter as media.
Only time I got to prime it when I clean it..but I tryed to see if it would pump after the power is off. For 5 minutes it took right off didn't have to prime it
Buy a coarse sponge filter and it won't clog as fast. Also the surface skimmer on the seachem makes using a pre-filter a moot case which is a deal breaker for me with my plants 40 gallon. I look forward to buying a new aquaclear and just shoving my okd media from my current one into it.
From what I could see in various video, besides adding the 'nipple' control, they should modify the 'tabs' between the foam and media bags from a solid piece to a grated style. I think that would maximize the flow through the foam, not block it. All my HOBs are now Seachem, save one AquaClear, which still a 50/50 gamble if it will restart after maintenance/power outage.
Funny I just lost power this morning and my 110 did start back up , only time I have had issues is when I clean my tank then I have to add water to back to start. I would think the new design of intake tube gives it more suction to the motor to solve the issue. I love my 110 it’s a work horse plus I can build my media biological etc the way I like with all the space they give u
both of my tidal make noisy. i have four aquaclear 70 for many years and are still running well, but will love to try the new aquaclear ac50, thanks for the review
I have decided to replace my kit filters. Stand by for that order! My 'local' fish store is an hour away. (Aquariums Unlimited- everyone in the Virginia Beach area and beyond Aquariums Unlimited is THE best, cleanest, well stocked fish store as well as Reptiles)
Wow, it took 45 years but they finally fixed the shape of that tube and the pump issue. 45 years. To be fair they used to be Hagen filters but fluval kept the same lousy design. I guess anything is possible if you wait long enough. You have more patience than I do. I do internal or canister filters. Tired of dry pump syndrome.
reason im watching this video is because i wanna replace my tides, i have one that is constantly noisy even after buy a new pump for it. also the two tidals never kept the water as clear as my old aquaclears. I honestly dont know why soooo many people seem to love tidals
Great review and although HOB filters are not my thing i like your take on it shame they cant figure out a way of getting the media your clean often and most at the top or at least more accessible but thanks for the heads up
I've had an Aquaclear on a 20 long for probably three years now, and it's always come right back up after a power outage. My only real peeve with it is I need to clean the impeller more often than any other filter I have. On a different note, if you haven't yet, you need to check out Spiritbox, John. I think Lisa would probably like some of their songs. Courtney has a beautiful singing voice, but she can also get rough like Corey Taylor. The guitarist has sick riffs, and they rhythm section are super talented. Start off with Circle With Me, Jaded, and Rules of Nine. Then check out Silk in the Strings, Cellar Door, and Yellowjacket. Maybe make one of those popular, couples reaction video lol.
I have an aquaclear 110 that I turned into a overflow for my marineland c530 canister filter by replacing the motor with a bulkhead. This is a huge missed opportunity for an accessory option with the FX line of filters it took them decades to make an official spray bar option. This gives me the surface agitation and makes chemical filtration easier as I don't have to tear down the canister to get the chemical media out.
So you have the regular c530 intake, to canister, and the output goes into a bulkhead on the HOB where the motor for it usually is? Then you can swap things in and out of the hob easily without taking out the canister?
What stoped you to drain X cm from the rim and simulate power outage? And find out IF or WHEN at the number of cm approximately until it will not start back up again..❤ I guess it will still perform worse than having the the pump outside. But we dont know.😅 Or if the enhancments is making ANY difference at all.🤔 In other words there is a lot more desired for the testing procedure than just plug and unplug.😂 Thanks for the video!❤
I live off grid and power off my home every time I leave. I have had ZERO issues with my old style aqua clear restarting when I power back on. It has been off for days and still restarts with zero issues. I really don't understand the problem people are having
They don't restart when the water level is too low, when the pump is way too dirty and when a totally worn out pump axle creates too much play or too much drag. Water level and dirt are by far the most important factors.
Sorry to say but i hated my seachem tidal. It now sits in my shed. Because the motor is inside the tank in my heavenly planted tank it was always cloged up. I had to take it apart every week and cleaned it.
I'd love to have the 50 gallon one, but im to poor to update my filters i have, the aquarium is still cycling, its a 40 gallon bin but i m afraid of glass breaking ... Again 😅
@adelinawarriner6259 I always had the little bottom leveler piece maxed out. I've put two pieces of cardboard under the leveler now, and it still sometimes gets closer to the edge than I'm comfortable with. If anything, it may be that it's off level to the right, rather than to the back.
I've never had any o🎉f these failure to prime. They have been my favorite HOB for decades. I guess back the 1990's I didn't have the Internet to tell me I shouldn't like them😂😂😂
I feel you could have brought cost into the conversation aswell, as the two filters are so close in your mind in terms of performance, It may be best for consumers to purchase based on better price point.
I'm currently looking to adding a HOB to my 75 gal Mbuna tank and I'm not sure which one to go with, right now I have a Fluval 307 canister and a double barrel circulation pump. decisions decisions🤔🤔🤔
I use the seachem 55 and fluval fluval c3 no issues with them but the aquaclear was horrible.even if my filter sponge wasn't clogged it would still float up.and for it did not agitate the surface of the water that much
I have used Aquaclear filters for almost 30 years. One of my filters is 15 years old and still works perfectly. I find that if you keep your water high, they re-start on their own, no problem. I have not had issues with the propellers or the tubes getting plugged or anything like that. I find that with regular maintenance everything works great!
I'm glad they didn't put the pump in the tank. I burned 2 tidals because plant debris gets stuck in the pump and burns the motor. So went back to aquaclear and works great!
Ever hear of a sponge filter before? Why are you not putting a sponge over the intake? Problem solved.
I recently purchased an AC50 and I was doing maintenance and took the J tube right out and cleaned the sponge. when I restarted the filter it started right away. Seems to be a good quality, quiet filter. So far very pleased 👍🏼
After reading the reviews of the Tidals I can tell you it's still the ACs for me. Since my aunt gave me one with my very first tank as a child in the 80s all the way to now it's been the best design and remains that.
Quiet, simplicity of good design, consistent product quality and media capacity all are very important to me and AC cornered the market on it. I'm nervous about buying the "Fluval" if I ever need a new one.
Aquaclear was my go-to aquarium filter for many years, before Fluval bought them, until I saw your review of the SeaChem Tidal. I agree with your assessment of both filters 100%.
I do have one good reason for having to pump outside the tank it can keep the temperature down so if you have cold water fish that could be the difference between needing a chiller or getting away with fans
I agree you can’t get a better HOB than the Seachem filters. My one knock is the skimmer. It should have a way to close it. I prefer the water being drawn from the bottom of the tank. Waste tends to sink to the bottom of the tank. the AC 110 is still 🎉a great filter. I have had one for about 15 years. I ran it for years. I use it as a backup now. A few weeks ago I had a canister filter go bad. Pulled the old filter off the shelf, plugged it in and it works as good as the day I bought it. Plenty of room to take bio media out of the canister and put on top of the sponge.
Yeah, I keep extra bio media on the top of mine.
Dennerle, Oase and Hygger all include "pre-filters" for the tip of the intake, aka a simple sponge.
I’ve been using the AC70 for a little over a month. It has improved with power outages. If the Tidal had an on/off skimmer switch I would put it #1. But it’s #2 for me. But both are good filters
@@pwaquatics3290 I have to admit I'm not wild about the skimmer for the Tidals. It would be nice if they had a way to close it off if you didn't want to use it.
Based on my experience with AquaClear filters, the only reason it won't restart is if the siphon breaks. And if your water level is high enough it shouldn't be an issue.
I run a Tidal 100. I like it. But, it is more difficult to clean the filter housing. All sorts of debris gets trapped behind the skimmer area. And it cannot be completely opened up.
I don't like the change to AquaClear 70 and smaller filter basket. The vertical divider interferes with the ability to customize media any way you want.
I just cut the plastic out on filters with unnecessary dividers tbh
AC will always be the winner for me due to the larger and actually rectangular media box and the larger sponges. I just run two sponges on mine. You cannot beat the bacteria surface area for a HOB.
This is such a relief to know that this is an overall very good filter. (I've ordered the AC30 since the filter I had before just died this morning. I'm looking forward to the new one.)
Update on my post below. I bought 2 AC 70's and tossed the modded Tidal 75 and 110. Love these new AC's.
Funny timing on the video. One of my local fish shops actually did have them. Not only did they have them, they were giving out a free filter to the first dozen people who brought an old model in and trade it for that new one, no matter the size (I brought an old 20/30 and got a 50).
As a dude with boxes of old filters I'm in, have to stop in my neighborhood locally owned shop called sea level in Minnetonka to check
AC are gd filters but I still think flow control should be a knob on top better than moving whole intake
If the Fluval AC's will start up after a power interruption then that is a good thing for sure. I'm not familiar enough with the Fluval AC's for the media maintenance versus the Seachem Tidals. I have a Tidal 35 (quarantine, 10gallon) & Tidal 55 (29 gallon). The Tidal filter media is easy to clean/ replace.
Really like the new AC30 I bought 2 been great so far and no lid rattle
Aqua clear is a staple and I’ve known it literally all my life. Great video and great break down! It would neat to see if it could do a dry start but no worries either, that might happen once in a while if the entire filter is removed for cleaning and if you use power heads to pump water from your aquarium it could suck the water right out resulting in a dry run but not exactly everyday or accidental either. Love it and thank you for sharing, stay happy and healthy my friend!!! 😊❤
Can't wait to see where that filter is going!
4:00 It's called a J-Pipe (I recently had to replace mine on my Aquaclear 50) or J-tube or Return Pipe, or Inflow Pipe
Great video. I've been an Aquaclear fan for years. After your review of the Seachem Tidal series, I bought a Tidal 55 and am very happy with it. I think I'll try Aquaclear again on the next go round. Thanks for the info😀
I'm also glad they didn't put the pump in the tank. I've always used pre filter sponges on all my HOB filters. Because the pre filter sponge needs to be cleaned so often. it is much easier to slowly lift the intake tube out of the filter with the sponge and clean it. On filters with the pump in the tank, you have to stick your hand in the tank to remove the sponge and a lot more debris falls off the sponge.
Sorry to say, but both have one flaw that made me throw seachem to trash- the filter media aren't stored in cage and when you have some cichlids like tilapias which suddenly dig a tone before breeding i had one situation where filtr floss cloged, raised and seachem started spilling wather in the night, fortunately it was so loud that i instantly woke up, but still there are hang on backs where top of the compartment is kept by a plastic cage.
The media tray on the seachem is what sells me on their brand. Hands down. Plus the self priming is a bonus.
@@fatguyguns8708 Interesting. I think the seachem looks terrible. I won't buy it.
This is what an honest review looks like, this guy is underpaid by his sponsors!! I am joking with the 2nd part.
The AquaClear 110 is my favorite Hang on the Back filter. The Tital is good, but jeez-o-peet do I hate that skimmer feature. I also really hate that the draw attention to the hardware by making the dials that wonky blue color. Personally, I have never ever had a problem with my 110s not starting back up after a power outage. The only time they need help is when I do water changes that take the water in the tank down below the intake. I do liie that the Tidal doesn't have that issue. If I have one complaint about the AC product, its that the sponge will sometimes become buoyant and float to the top, pushing the lid up and exposing all the media to the air. Again, the 110s have never had that issue. The 50s (I think they're 50s) have it all the time. If they have successfully fixed that issue with the redesign, that will make Whip a happy happy boy.
I too hate the skimmer so GYAT DAYUM noisy when stuff inevitably clogs it especially if plants(Duckweed) is present
This guy is delusional when he claimed the Tidal was #1 filter.
Agreed,also hate also the tital skimmy sponge
The solved the issue , of the power outage, yet you still complain about the motor being on the outside, it doesn't make a difference, as long as it keeps running, very minor issue to complain about
We run on a 60 gallon the old AC 110 and the Tidal 110. The Tidal blends better against our black background. However if I would like the the AC better on any other background. They are both great but we did choose the Tidal to replace having another AC 110 because of the power failure issue. Will replace the old AC110 when we get a hold of it with the new. I wish you would do a side by side comparison on the tank. For example which has better flow adjustment, which is quieter, etc
Can’t wait. Thanks for the review.
I had 2 pumps burn up on me last week due to a power interruption. I rarely use HOB filters unless I have been rescaping.
I love my seachem functions just like a canister filter except it hangs on the back. I run mine for a month with a filter floss pad that I cut to fit along with the pads and ceramic bio bag it comes with. The surface skimmer is a blessing, my betta hates it but he's getting a new home 😂
I have two new model fluval AC 20s. Both restart immediately without problem so long as the basket has water in it. I keep my tank full but they restart even if the water is down a few inches
Too me hands down seachem Tidal is numero uno, I have had aquaclear for years and as soon as I saw your review on the seachem, I had to buy one and try myself and boy oh boy l, it did not disappoint, I actually replaced all my aquaclears with seachem (2 110s and 2 35s). The deal breakers were the pump inside the aquarium, the surface skimmer and the filter basket ease for cleaning. Thanks for the review and love the channel!
Great video and thank you for sharing and giving us your input on the new Fluval designs.
I don't have the new Fluval but I've been using an AC50 for a couple of years. I love it. The only time it doesn't restart is if there's not enough water left in it. If you don't move it or remove any of that water it will always start back up again. I only need to prime it when I remove the filter to clean it.
the ac110 has holes too...there are slits on each side right where the lid sits onto the top.
I love the Marina slim and Penguin filters solely because of the self-priming feature on both.
I wish they would have made the waterfall piece go lower into the tank. I have a tetra HOB filter that has a lip that goes down a few inches into the tank, which keeps the waterfall sound from happening unless my water goes like 2-3 inches below the plastic rim. It guides the water kinda like a waterslide. This one looks like it doesn't go down as far.
I have a 150 gallon African Cichlid tank that has a Tidal 110 on one side and an AC 110 (old type) on the other side. They both run flawlessly. If I had to pick one it would be the Tidal mostly due to the pump in the tank and the ease of maintenance. But, I still like the Aqua Clear too. Also, the Tidal blends in way better with my black background.
I,m in the process of sitting up my 20 gallon tank and I,m considering changing to the Fluval filter.Just because I think it,s a better product.🐟🐟🐟🐟🌞🌞
Great video dude! loving the new filter. I've been a fan of fluval since day 1 of my aquarium journey.
While I like the internal filter of the Seachem Tidal, it just doesn’t work for shrimp. It’s nice to see the Aquaclear can self-prime. That makes it my first choice for my tanks. Thank you for the review.
Even the old aqua clear cam pump automatically after power outages,and the fluval aqua clear 70 below you can customize your media whatever you want
Never have been a fan of Aquaclear, I have one and it ...works.... but my pref is the Tidal's "I own lots of them" thanks for the video, the main reason I hate the Aquaclear is how they control the water flow, constantly causes air locks on the one I have.
My biggest gripe with the Tidal's is the bypass issues when you add more media than what comes with it. You have to slow the flow way down or the water just dumps over the top.
That's why you buy Aquaclear. They never have this problem.
I don’t know if it is available in the U.S. but to me the Oase Bioplus corner filter is the best filter. Super silent, many flow options and you can hide a heater inside. The filter chamber is connected by magnets what makes cleaning super easy
I always used the AC110 on my 60g fantail goldfish tank. It works great. Then I noticed my fish were avoiding half the tank. The flow was too heavy. I removed it and use a diy filter that doesn't push my fish around. It is an excellent filter though. My favorite.
I don't want a pump in my tank. But I very rarely lose power.
Really enjoyed this product review, it was well done and informative
The ultra cheap Finnex PF-7 I use on my daughter's 10gal betta tank included an intake filter. I do not know of the bigger ones do, but I'm about to try one since it's been a solid HoB filter.
I ran a couple of Aquaclear filters in the past on a 75 gallon. We went on vacation for 5 days, and lost power during that timeframe and I lost a tank full of fish. If been using Tidal for about a year now and really like them.
Top fin includes a pre filter sponge with the pro filter and if you get the media pack you get a new one. It's a really nice filter
I just swapped a tidal 35 for a AC30 and gotta say the AC30 is better, it has less bulk in the 10 gallon tank and actually has a intake tube that gets further down in the tank. The only advantage the Tidal has is the motor and impeller are in the tank so water level can get lower and still start up.
The AC30 also has a lower top profile.
Decent filter for sure.
The new fluval ac filter is the best
Marineland makes the best simply because of the flow, but Oase is a close second because of the built in heater. Marineland sits low and has a bevel to shoot the water across the surface giving great surface agitation, and you can just use poly-filter as media.
Only time I got to prime it when I clean it..but I tryed to see if it would pump after the power is off. For 5 minutes it took right off didn't have to prime it
I run both a AC 110 and a Tidal 75 on my 40 breeder salt aquarium. I use the AC 110 as my refugium
Buy a coarse sponge filter and it won't clog as fast. Also the surface skimmer on the seachem makes using a pre-filter a moot case which is a deal breaker for me with my plants 40 gallon. I look forward to buying a new aquaclear and just shoving my okd media from my current one into it.
From what I could see in various video, besides adding the 'nipple' control, they should modify the 'tabs' between the foam and media bags from a solid piece to a grated style. I think that would maximize the flow through the foam, not block it. All my HOBs are now Seachem, save one AquaClear, which still a 50/50 gamble if it will restart after maintenance/power outage.
Very good video john i think that is a really good hob filter but in my opinion the seachem tital is still number 1 in my eyes
Topfin pro filters also have a pre filter sponge with them.
Funny I just lost power this morning and my 110 did start back up , only time I have had issues is when I clean my tank then I have to add water to back to start. I would think the new design of intake tube gives it more suction to the motor to solve the issue. I love my 110 it’s a work horse plus I can build my media biological etc the way I like with all the space they give u
I wish the priming issue was solved. I still had to fill it up with water when I set it up. Ridiculous they didn’t put the pump in the tank.
Yes, pouring water into the filter is so hard….
both of my tidal make noisy. i have four aquaclear 70 for many years and are still running well, but will love to try the new aquaclear ac50, thanks for the review
I have decided to replace my kit filters. Stand by for that order! My 'local' fish store is an hour away. (Aquariums Unlimited- everyone in the Virginia Beach area and beyond Aquariums Unlimited is THE best, cleanest, well stocked fish store as well as Reptiles)
Wow, it took 45 years but they finally fixed the shape of that tube and the pump issue. 45 years. To be fair they used to be Hagen filters but fluval kept the same lousy design. I guess anything is possible if you wait long enough. You have more patience than I do. I do internal or canister filters. Tired of dry pump syndrome.
I like the Aquaclear and the Tidal, I just don't like the hoops that customer 16:45 service makes you jump through to get a filter or part replaced.
reason im watching this video is because i wanna replace my tides, i have one that is constantly noisy even after buy a new pump for it. also the two tidals never kept the water as clear as my old aquaclears. I honestly dont know why soooo many people seem to love tidals
I'll stick with my tidal 110s. But I will be using those aqua clear 110 sponges. The sponges I have now are about 15 years old.
I totally agree.... automatic primer is best
Great review and although HOB filters are not my thing i like your take on it shame they cant figure out a way of getting the media your clean often and most at the top or at least more accessible but thanks for the heads up
Yeah, I am one for running the water lower than the rim.
I've had an Aquaclear on a 20 long for probably three years now, and it's always come right back up after a power outage. My only real peeve with it is I need to clean the impeller more often than any other filter I have. On a different note, if you haven't yet, you need to check out Spiritbox, John. I think Lisa would probably like some of their songs. Courtney has a beautiful singing voice, but she can also get rough like Corey Taylor. The guitarist has sick riffs, and they rhythm section are super talented. Start off with Circle With Me, Jaded, and Rules of Nine. Then check out Silk in the Strings, Cellar Door, and Yellowjacket. Maybe make one of those popular, couples reaction video lol.
I don’t like pumps in my tanks. plus I was going to say I’ve never had a problem with everclears and power outages
I have an aquaclear 110 that I turned into a overflow for my marineland c530 canister filter by replacing the motor with a bulkhead. This is a huge missed opportunity for an accessory option with the FX line of filters it took them decades to make an official spray bar option. This gives me the surface agitation and makes chemical filtration easier as I don't have to tear down the canister to get the chemical media out.
So you have the regular c530 intake, to canister, and the output goes into a bulkhead on the HOB where the motor for it usually is? Then you can swap things in and out of the hob easily without taking out the canister?
@@jamesmakesvideos yep I usually just keep biomedia in there but its great for running carbon if I need to remove meds
Nice filter, but since I already have the tidal, which will take years to break down, I will just keep my tidal no need to change
I have had good luck with marinelands hang on backs and the penguin hang on back
As long as the motor is in the box and not in the tank it's a NO DEAL.
The HOB's with the in tank pumps are great for priming or restarting but not so great for water changes because you have to unplug them.
What stoped you to drain X cm from the rim and simulate power outage?
And find out IF or WHEN at the number of cm approximately until it will not start back up again..❤
I guess it will still perform worse than having the the pump outside. But we dont know.😅
Or if the enhancments is making ANY difference at all.🤔
In other words there is a lot more desired for the testing procedure than just plug and unplug.😂
Thanks for the video!❤
the only problem i ever had with the aquaclear was the old white/tan sponges breaking down do the blue sponges still break down?
Saw them at my lfs, i might consider getting one for my 20g peacock mantis shrimp tank but cost might hold me back for now. We'll see.
I had several AC50 units, 90% of the time, if I had a power outage, it started back on its own.
John you should put the AC 110 on the Oscar tank it's looking cloudy
I live off grid and power off my home every time I leave. I have had ZERO issues with my old style aqua clear restarting when I power back on. It has been off for days and still restarts with zero issues.
I really don't understand the problem people are having
They don't restart when the water level is too low, when the pump is way too dirty and when a totally worn out pump axle creates too much play or too much drag. Water level and dirt are by far the most important factors.
@@Itsjustme-Justme oh, so fill the tank back up!
I got aqua clear 110 on my 80gal
Sorry to say but i hated my seachem tidal. It now sits in my shed. Because the motor is inside the tank in my heavenly planted tank it was always cloged up. I had to take it apart every week and cleaned it.
My concern tho what happens if starting to clog and the power goes out will the aqua clear still be able self start
And I got seachem 110 on my 55gal
My old style aquaclear 110 always seems to back siphon the water out of the filter when i water change, interested to know if thats fixed
Will you have the skimmer add on’s as well?
I'd love to have the 50 gallon one, but im to poor to update my filters i have, the aquarium is still cycling, its a 40 gallon bin but i m afraid of glass breaking ... Again 😅
I just need a lower spillway / higher rim on my Aquaclear. It has pumped out half of my 20g twice from overflowing out the back.
level it?
@adelinawarriner6259 I always had the little bottom leveler piece maxed out. I've put two pieces of cardboard under the leveler now, and it still sometimes gets closer to the edge than I'm comfortable with. If anything, it may be that it's off level to the right, rather than to the back.
AC110, I'm totally going to buy one from you. 🤪👍
We should start to sale UPS for our life support systems of our boxes of water.
The 110 still uses the old pump, I believe.
I've never had any o🎉f these failure to prime. They have been my favorite HOB for decades. I guess back the 1990's I didn't have the Internet to tell me I shouldn't like them😂😂😂
I feel you could have brought cost into the conversation aswell, as the two filters are so close in your mind in terms of performance, It may be best for consumers to purchase based on better price point.
I'm currently looking to adding a HOB to my 75 gal Mbuna tank and I'm not sure which one to go with, right now I have a Fluval 307 canister and a double barrel circulation pump. decisions decisions🤔🤔🤔
I use the seachem 55 and fluval fluval c3 no issues with them but the aquaclear was horrible.even if my filter sponge wasn't clogged it would still float up.and for it did not agitate the surface of the water that much
How different is this from the fluval c series?
very good video love it i need how to videos