Lights would make for a great series, always confusing for new hobbyists

I love the aqua clear. Went from a Tetra whisper to an aqua clear and never looked back! These filters are amazing! And I love manual transmissions!

“This is where people will get heated!” I really hope you use that line in a aquarium heater review series. With that said great reviews, I do have 2 of the filters you didn’t like as much as the rest but like you said “ they work.” I also use a canister filter on my 40 and sponge filters in most. I would like to see what you think of the “Aqua-tech 30-60” I know it’s a bigger filter and a cheap one at that. But when your on a budget it’s a great alternative to some of the other 30 gal filters. Got mine at Walmart. It’s been good so far and the flow is really good. Again great videos. Thank you for all the information you put out there for us!

A bit late here but for anybody that comes in the future looking, the AquaClear rattling on the top of the filter can be fixed by just sticking a rubber band around the top and setting it back on that way. Never have to worry about the vibrations again.

Tidal Filter Cons and Pros: Cons: 1. The 110 Tidal is a little on the loud side, louder than my Aquaclears and Penn Plax HOBs. I shut the door in my bedroom that is down a 25 ft hallway and my bed is about 40 feet away and hear over my Aquaclear 70, Penn Plax 300. Also hear the tidal over my furnace when it kicks on and the return air grill is on floor in hallway. 2.The skimmer sucks up small floating fish food and plugs up with 2 1/2 to 3 mm floating fish food and skimmer weakens the down spout. 3. Rounded / arched shape wastes potential space. 4. Bottom holes for white tray not enough entry holes to get flow into bottom sponge and clog quickly, can fix by adding additional holes at bottom and bottom sides to help reduce some bypass. Pros: 1. Great surface agitation best of all my HOBs even at mid setting due to angle of water exit scoop and bump / texture design. 2. lot of media space regardless of poorly designed shape. 3. Skimmer feature really large, Tidal 110 will not fit into the pre cut slot on my older TruVu 90 gallon, but fits my 50 gallon SeaClear. 4. Filter housing is made out of a strong flexible plastic unlike my Aquaclears and Penn Plax HOBs that have gotten stress cracks during removal and maintenance. 5. Pump in tank is a plus, sometimes my Aquaclears do not start up after a power outage or after a quick filter clean.

I'm brand new to any aquarium business and I really appreciate that you spent the time to help the ones that need desperately any advice. Thank you!!!

You should compare test kits and test strips The api liquid and strips, the tetra, the nutrafin and others. You should also review the fresh water Hanna checkers. I’ve seen people use them in saltwater but not that much In Freshwater

Marineland 9:30 ( my work horse ) Fluval Aquaclear 12:19 Seachem Tidal 35 16:50

I watched this video like 2 years ago and followed your recommendations to the “Tidal Seachem” and I got the BIG one on my 30 gallon tank. It’s been incredible and I use it to this day 🙏 highly recommend it to anyone

I realy like my tidal filters. Switched out all of my aquaclear filters. I traveled a lot for work and would dread coming home to a filter that didnt restart after a power outage.

Aquaclear. I've had one for 20years and it's rattling away doing it's job.🤣🤣🤣

I love that I can put stuff on top of my Aquaclear filter while I'm cleaning my tank/feeding my fish!!!! The fact that you mentioned it makes me smile!!! LOL!! (And that you couldn't believe that you did!!) ;-)

These HOBs are awesome. I have 2 that are 23 years old and still work perfectly. I find that if you have the water level in your tank high enough they re-start on their own.

I had 2 Aquaclear 50s that ran nonstop for 13YEARS on my 60gal. They started to get load because the impellers were wearing out. Will always recommend them. I have a total of 4 at the moment, will never get another HOB

I purchased a Tidal 35, used it and compared it to my AquaClear. So far it has been unusually quiet and its best feature, i think, is the media basket which, unlike the AquaClear, has four sides to it which allows me to just dump in whatever bio-media i want without fooling around with net bags. I've now ordered up another, a bigger, Tidal filter for my other tank.

I know this is an old thread, but let me give you my input on Seachem Tidals.. I've been running two Tidal 75's for 2 - 3 years. Yes, all the good things are there, now for the bad. The motor and impellers are under water all the time and eventually they will get full of muck and will need maintenance, otherwise they will start running slow or simply freeze and not re-start once you disconnect. To remove the motor and get to the impeller for maintenance is the hardest I've seen on any filter. You need to remove an enclosure with a screwdriver or knife. Sometimes I need a hammer to push the enclosure apart. Part of the powercord is squeezed into the motor housing and enclosure. To put it back is also an ordeal ...this has not been well designed. Depending on your bioload, count on doing impeller maintenance at least twice a year, if not more.

I like the aquaclear best-because it pulls water from the bottom of the tank and returns it at the top. That seems more important than skimming action on the Tidal 35.

Basically, you should be reviewing anything that has multiple brands of proforming the same job that we the consumer have to choose from. It might be boring but if it's educational, opinion based or not, the video will hold up long term. You can even do a one year review (not on these if you're giving them away) on any given piece of equipment and talk about how it held up. That's the kind of stuff people who are looking to get into the hobby want to hear about. Even after 35 years of keeping fish, some of my biggest fears are, am I being suckered into buying some slick talking advertising and a piece of crap or is what I've picked out genuinely good. Real world, practical experiences are what people want to hear about. Easy ideas: 1. Lighting 2. Filtration (canisters, sponge, sumps) 3. Heaters 4. Aeration 5. Sand or substrates as a whole

I've gotten into the fish keeping hobby again and have come to like your channel. Alsp the way you take the time to clarify things like around 8:50 I like that you're letting people know you can have a different opinion but that doesn't mean you cant be friends. Very informative and organic content. Great work 🙏🏼

Best choice John. And you tested the 35, not as awesome as the larger Tidals. Once you get to the 50 series it's so nice, quiet, self primed, best gph, quality made, everything is best. I bought two 110s this weekend at lfs. They were $5 cheaper per, than the same size AquaClears. Times change, products change, new products come out. Tidal is the best by far, currently. Thanks for the series John.

I have the aquaclear 50 on a 36 gallon it’s been running for 10 years. Like you said it’s has its problem with the power outage. I do keep it on high all the ten it does the job.

Easy fix on the Aqua Clear lid rattle... Cut a section of silicone airline tubing to fit the rear side of the filter box, slit it lengthwise and slip it over the edge. Done.

Hi John. Long time fan! This isnt exactly related, but I think a really interesting video idea would be household/dollar store/ hardware store items that are useful and practical in the fish room. A few items that come to mind for me include turkey basters, forceps, pvc pipe, power bars, glassware/ containers for mixing and storing foods, extension cord reel for python hose, dollar store yoga mats or rigid styro (for underneath tanks), 5 gallon buckets and temperature gun. I am sure you could make that list go on!

I agree. I have the biggerTidal on my 75 gal rainbow tank w/ a pre filter and I added an extra sponge and more media with room to spare! I love it

the thing about replacing the whole cartridge is the throwing away of even more single use plastic. it all winds up in the ocean harming the aquatic life we love so much. something to think about!

Lol. First filter you mentioned is the one I have. I’ve had it for a year and it’s disappointing so I’ve been looking for a new one which is how I found this video!

That little AquaClear is a nice filter. You can deform the sides a tad bit where the lid seats. This will stop forever the buzzing sound. You can use a heat gun, soldering iron, nail and lighter.. whatever. Great series you guys! Fun and interesting :)

I have only used aqua clear hob filters before watching this video. I purchased the Seachem Tidal because of this video and I love it. Great filter!! Thanks for the review!!

Any changes since it’s now 2023…?

If you do air pumps, sound measurement on them is very important. Especially bedroom aquarumist like me, it can help me out and other people like me. If you got the time to do it, a lot of people, including myself will appreciate that a lot! :)

Thanks for all your great information. We have had a few very basic tanks for the kids and we are now interested in doing a planted aquarium. Your videos have been very informative in doing our research and planning on what direction we will go. I look forward to following you.

This program has help me sooo much. I'm not killing expensive and non- expensive Fish anymore.

"Aqua Clear 110 Filter comes in at 7.1 x 13.9 x 9.1 inches. As you can see, in terms of depth, it is slightly larger than the Seachem Tidal 110. ... As you can tell, it can process about 50 gallons of water more per hour than the Seachem Tidal 110"

The topfin is fairly new. They recalled over 150,000 of the old models in 2015 for electrifying people aquariums. The old one looked like it was made in the 1070's.

I’ve had 3 of the 6 HOB’s you reviewed. The best one yet was my Tidal 75. I had it for four years running. The only thing taking the motor off for maintenance. That was always a pain to deal with. It would rattle once in a while, but tapping it would stop the rattle. I put a Medium Sponge on the intake, plus a Nylon Stocking over the Sponge to prevent Snails from getting in the box, b somehow Snails would always get in. I even Crazy Glued nylon stocking pieces to the other intakes points, but that was my only caveat with my Tidal 75. I sold my three tanks, because of my move to Florida from Arizona; but I’ll start again soon. I’m actually considering my own 5 Gallon Bucket only because of I want to inject CO2 with a Reactor. Enjoyed watching the review. I think your decision for the Tidal series was the best one. I just happen to agree with you, so you have a good eye for the best HOB yet. I’ve burnt out my Aqua Clear 110 motor several times, because of Black Outs.

I have to agree - I owned Aquaclear's for 2 years and just recently switched to the Tidals. Easier to clean, keeps the top of the water clear and restarts without having to put water into the filter so long as the water level is good. It is also easy to custom cut extra pads and easy to adjust flow - efficiently.

The only one I could find in Mexico is the Aquaclear, so far I love it

I would love if you talk about heaters :)

I’ve only had Aquariums for about 5 months, and I got lucky when I got the Tidal 35 without any real knowledge or research. I also got an Aquaclear as well. The AC died after 2 months. Now I have 4 Tidal filters and I absolutely love them. I have two 35s, a 55, and a 70 all in the same room, and they make no noise whatsoever. I live in the woods 1/2 mile from the main road - no neighbors, no kids, no traffic - no white noise - and except for the fact you can see them, you wouldn’t know I have several tanks. You’re right. The baskets in the bigger filters are huge! Plenty of room for all kinds of different media. And I love the self-priming feature. My power is always going out so this is a big plus for me. Another plus is water clarity. My tanks are crystal clear, with the AC, there were too many things floating in the water, but not with the Tidal. I’m glad you rated the Tidal series as your #1. As a newbie, it helps me know I’m making some really good choices. I certainly have made enough bad ones!

When you started this project, you didn't even know the Tidal existed and weren't planning to review it until several of us viewers told you about it :) Most people who try it, including me, prefer it to Aqua Clear and other HOBs for the same reasons you did!

The only thing I have to say as an aquaclear user is that I can pull one out of storage and use it... or give it to a friend even after 10 years and it still works. I do agree with you’re reasoning but aquaclear is a beast!

wow i never heard of tidal before... so its made by seachem. i need to try that!

Thanks for the info I just bought a 40 Tetra Whisper Filter here in Trinidad and Tobago..Keep up the good work and God Bless

I have used many Aquaclear filters in the past and they are very good. I tried the Fluval C series and it kept the water cleaner and the filter media was much easier to clean. If your looking for a filter for a bedroom tank I would go with one of the quieter HOB filters.

A lighting series including options for nano tanks would be awesome

I purchased a model 35 Tidal filter several months ago and installed it on a 10 gal. tank. Even though it is submerged in the water the pump still didn't start every time. I called manufacturer and they replaced the motor and impellor at no charge. The problem persisted. The Tidal model 35 now sits on a shelf out of water. Two other problems sealed its fate. The unit cannot be used in a tank where fry are present because there is no way to install a foam filter on the water intake which is also very close to the discharge. I like the skimmer feature but it isn't effective at all water levels also it is difficult to use aftermarket foam material in the basket due to its unusual shape. I have 3 Aqua flow filters which I have had for at least 10 years and I am very pleased with them. You're right. They don't always restart but in the years I have used them I never felt that was a reason not to buy another.

Great review. I agree with the location of the pumps. I run two HOBs on my larger tanks and I've never had both of them never start back up.

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I'm running out a buying one especially now that I know the 55 & 75 come with intake tubes! This filter is simply perfect! I never knew it existed until I watched your video so THANK YOUUUUUUUU!

Marineland is what I use, the older model penguin 330 was discontinued, I use now the 350s but I liked the 330 a bit better, also use the 200s. They have been working for years and years great video I subbed today 8-26-20.

I leave the lid off my aqua clear and grow porthos out of it

always love your videos have been watching for 5 years. you are so knowledgeable and give great advice.

I came to stick up for the top fin. I bought one on sale 40% off. It's the 75. I find it just as quiet as an aqua clear and an aqueon which are both 35 or 40 or whatever the number is. I have a top fin ten gallon kit as well that has the top fin filter. I think the flow adjustment is super great. Yes it's not a great starter but no worse than the aqua clear. It also has a super long extension and long tip. I honestly don't think I would ever spend two or three times the price on what are all basically the exact same design other than the seachem. Great series, just wanted to share my top fin love.

So true about the aquaclear rattle I just sit a sealed container of fish food it it that seems to keep it from happening

Can't beat the MARINELAND Brand of filters. Used two of the two wheelers on the back of my 75gal. For 26 years without a flaw! Just be careful when you pull the spray bar out to maintain the pump asked it can cause pudding on the floor!!🤣😆😂

John, thank you for taking the time and investing your money into buying and evaluating these six filters for us. Whether we agree or disagree with your choices, you let us know what you liked and were concerned about with each filter. We can then make our own, better informed choices, towards the filter we like the best. Overall, I agree with your selection of these filters. You asked about suggestions for future comparisons. I like air pumps, specifically for noise and air volume pumped. Also, heaters, based on accuracy of maintaining a temperature. On that same thought, aquarium controllers, specifically for maintaining the aquarium's temperature. Last, just keep producing videos and live streams that inform and entertain us. I've learned a lot from you and Lisa. Thank you.

Great info I was about to buy #2. Wanting to do things right for my new tank I got second hand. It’s a 29g going to do a full aquascape and hardscape on! Very excited about this build with the new spiderwood I’ve found in the desert! If you want some I’d love to send some your way! Thanks for all your super informative videos they’ve been helpful through this journey from nano to larger!

The Marineland Bio Wheels are the best especially the double wheel model with a noncourse sponge on the intake.

I’ve been running the same Marineland Emperor 400 since 1998. I’ve never even cleaned the impeller. If it ever breaks, I’ll probably go back to another one.

For the Aquaclear, I've had about 4 of them and have lucked out with the rattling issue and didn't know it was a thing until I went on youtube. Thanks for posting this lists though. Gonna start a new tank and wanted a fresh perspective. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your honesty. It’s nice to see someone who I can relate to.

Lol if you don’t like the water flow sound because it makes you have to pee made me laugh so hard 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

With all due respect: I watch your videos because I like them. When I'm watching your videos, I am, of course, listening to you. However, my eyes are fixed on your fish frolicking in the background. They're beautiful, and I'm always wondering what they are. Couldn't you, at the end of your videos, give us a little tour of your fish and tell us what they are so that we might be able to look for them in the stores? I, at least, would be much obliged. :) Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos for us...

Yay the one I’m using already is your number one pick! That makes me feel confident that I’m using something that works.

My first HOB filter didn't have the pump in the water. Power went out for a few minutes while I was at work. Didn't know it. Came home, and my filter had basically worn itself out trying to pump water that wasn't there. It gave up completely shortly after that. Switched it to a Whisper. I've never had that problem again.

John I really want to get a fish tank now. Haven't had a fish tank in 20 years. As a kid my whole life. Now I want a little five gallon planted tank. Maybe with a couple of little micro fish that you recommended.

My Tidal 110 is arriving today :)

My favorite is that Penguin filter with two baskets for media,,one on both sides of the motor. It's just more surface area, but I would fill them within foam to take up the entire compartment and put a foam cartridge on the intake.

I have 2 canister filters for my 110 gal. Tank,and every clean up is a hassle for me to get them to start up again., I’m going back to my hang over the tank filters and will definitely look into the Tidal series you just mentioned as your favorite.

I've always used aquaclear since I was a kid. Over 30 years. My second choice is marineland

Having filter cartridges that you can open up isn't "nonsense". It's a great feature if you're medicating the tank and you wish to remove the carbon while your tank is being treated. Geez.

Wish I had this video when I was researching my gear. I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people. note. The larger tidals do have the intake extension tube, and you can adjust how much it uses the skimmer vs the intake tube. I had an Aquaclear back in the 80s, and was leaning towards that one as I got back into the hobby last year. Then I saw the Tidal, and its internal pump. As someone that lives in an older highrise, we get random power outages. Usually a min or two, but enough to shut everything down. The fact that the Tidal self-primed is the reason I chose it over a filter I had known and trusted all those years ago. I love it. I'm running a Tidal-55 with sponge, filter floss, purigen, and the bio media on my 29g tank. My only complaint about this one is the bright blue dial that you use to adjust the skimmer. Sticks out like a sore thumb. They have changed it to black on some of the newer ones. At least the smaller ones.

#4 I got and power went out. Had to go to work wile it was still off. Few about an hour later boom power on and pump back on. Love it

I was wondering if you could do a review on the Fluval C-series

Hello , I am Siddhartha from India can you do a video on hang on bag filters which is the best filter in 2024?

John, Loved the reviews. I been using the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel 100 filters. The two drawbacks are the "pump in the filter" and lack of flow control. Self-priming after power outage is about 50/50 as a low water level and my use of a pre-filter sponge on the intake may not allow the pump enough suction to draw water from the aquarium. The high water flow tends to push my betta around when he swims past the filter output. I will keep the Tidal filter in mind if I get a tank larger than my 20 gallon.

I currently have 4 of these filters running, 3 of the 55 and 1 of the 75, absolutely love them. I've added the purigen to each of them and my tanks are crystal clear, water parameters are perfect

I love the aqua flow 75 the o Lu issue is I go through I’d say about 1 every year or two because the power goes out, and they end up frying but I find them really good. I did hear you say there’s no 100% guarantee don’t worry

why push cartridges when you can create your own filtration with bio media and sponges

I have the smallest next gen Penguin Pro (125) and it's great. I'm running it on a 29 gallon lightly stocked tank (4 small Angels and 8 Cory's plus a few snails) and I love the amount of extra filter media it allows over the originals none existent ability to add any. I use Seachem Matrix in the 2 filter baskets (well, one basket and a large bag placed next to the filter cartridge, only the bigger ones have a real basket for that spot), nearly an entire 250ML bottles worth(!!) fit in there, amazing! Combined with the Bio Wheel and you get a monster of a biological filter for not a lot of money. It's VERY quiet and the flow control actually works. All told I'm really impressed. Highly recommended!

I have the Fluval 20 and I took the cover off 5 min after I set it up and covered it with a ziplock bag with a hole punched for the flow valve. Much quieter and works like a charm! Eventually I’ll get a filter with the power in the tank but for now, I have to say it’s been cleaning the water beautifully. This is after keeping my betta in a 10 gallon that was filterless the past 1.5 months. He loves it and goes to play in the bubble flow :) it’s helped with ammonia levels as well as you can imagine.

I have Aqueons in my tanks, my wife demands a quieter tank so they are perfect for me

Seachem Tidal series are great hang on filters except for its price that is almost or even more expensive than some canister filters.. so why go for that 1/4 capacity of bio media when you can put inside more than 2 kgs of bio media inside the canister filter...?

I have a aqua clear on my main display tank. I have the 20 gallon model. I'm using it on a 20 gallon hex. It's been running for the last year. I never ran into the top rattling on me. But I see whatcha mean about the external pumps. I'm using a penguin 30 (thanks to your video) on my 20 long guppy breeding tank. I'm also running the top fin filter (10 gallon version) for my 10 gallon beta tank. All my tanks are planted and I must say they all do a great job and some better then others. I personally think the aqua clear does an amazing job for it being a external filter. Your videos are super educational. I still learn stuff from your channel an I've always love keeping fish since I was younger. I'm 22 years older now and I convinced one of my fish to join the hobby. He has a 11 gallon salt water and a smaller tank housing a betta. You and your wife are a fish keeping power house! Keep up the good work! I hope you see this comment amongst the others

After two AquaClears in two years, replacing propellers and frustrated with vibration in the lids, I went with the Seachem Tidal 75 four months ago. It might perform better in a traditional aquarium but it couldn't do the job well enough in a 50g bow front. Boxed it up last week and dug out an AquaClear. I ordered the Tetra Whisper IQ yesterday and hoping it performs well. I also run a sponge as a supplement and have a battery backup air pump for power outages. I changed over to HOB filters after 15 years of canister filters and I do like the ease of cleaning the HOBs so much better. I think everyone has to experiment for the right fit and personal preference. Thanks for the great reviews, comparisons and experience with the different brands.

You may like the pump being in the tank but will the fish? I recorded the sound underwater of the Marina slim filter with the pump inside the aquarium it's not great , I would hate to be a fish living with that noise level. So I will be changing to an hang on with the pump on the outside.

My fluval died after a week and a 1/2.. no I did not run it dry…I now use a marine land penguin pro 175

Thank you so much for the information. I was planning on getting the Fluval Aquaclear 30 (#2), and simply wanted to know if there were better options or if this option was just fine and I wouldn't be making a mistake getting it. So again, thank you for helping me feel comfortable with my decision. And I'm glad I watched this before upright getting it, without choosing to actually find more information about it.

I have a Seachem Tidal 110 on my 90 gallon tank and I LOVE it!

🤭😬😳 i skipped : but i returned and watched everything. Thanks KGTropicals :)

How can a Opinion be wrong?? LOL Great review and great points for your reasons!! Got back into the hobby after 20 years. Had Penguins and Eheim canister filters. Just started a 30 Gallon tank (6 weeks ago, just fully cycled) running a Fluval C3 and yup it's fine.

Appreciate your time.. bought the tidal and the aquaclear.

I asked the folks at my local pet store before buying a filter, asking also about having a canister. I was in the process of setting up a 125-gallon after having a 30-gallon for a year. It had the Penguin and it just wasn't doing the job. The fella in the store told me the pros and cons of both kinds of filtration, and when I decided to go with a HOB, he pointed me to the Tidal and explained why he felt it was better than the others. I bought 2 Tidal 110 HOB filters and am so glad I did! They just work all the time. One point that some may appreciate is that the lid can be turned upside down and there are 2 protrusions that the basket can snap into, making the lid a tray to transfer the basket from the aquarium to the sink and helping to keep it from tipping over on the trip. Nice video. Keep 'em comin'!

Question. So I have a 55 gallon filter that's an extra, I will be purchasing a 75 gallon aquarium. Can I just buy a 25 gallon or 30 gallon filter to make up the difference in gallons or do I have to buy one 75 gallon filter? Please help. Thanks

He sells Tidal. This is a commercial for the product. Aquaclear are the best because they are just boxes to put whatever you want. Infact, don't over think it. A filter is just a box with media inside and a way to pass water into it. For example, my last filter was DIY HOB made of a breeder box with BCB made of cat litter and a cheap double sponge filter as an air/water lift into HOB. The system works great.

Thank you for doing this video, very helpful. I have different brands of hob filters.

Thanks!! Great info, just what I needed.

New drinking game. One shot for every "My opinion". 🥃

Is this still your list? or do you need to do an updated one?

I just laughed when I heard you talking about the lids rattling on the aqua clear. I have used them for years and noticed it as well. I just purchased two for my 6.5 gallon bookshelf aquariums in my office. The first unit was quiet even with the lid on, the second one is a rattle trap. Seriously considering returning that filter and purchasing the Seachem tidal 35. I have had my eye on that one for awhile. I need something quiet for my office where I work every day.

I'm Chinese, my hometown is in Inner Mongolia。Aqua clear and Tidal are easy to buy in our country，Other powerfilter in the video can't be bought，It's a coincidence with your ranking review，HAHAHA… In fact, these filters are almost made in China, except Tidal…But Tidal has a fatal flaw，It can't be finely filtered! We think powerfilter or canister filter ，The best way to filter water is from bottom to top，But most powerfilter don't do that，So Tidal and aqua clear became winners。 And I'll never be your lucky giver，Because I'm not in USA…………哈哈 THANK YOU 谢谢！