Seachem Tidal 35: A Game Changer HOB Filter

Why the Seachem Tidal 35?

Hang-on-the-back (HOB) filters like the Seachem Tidal 35 by Sicce are a great option for simplicity’s sake and ease of maintenance. The adjustable intake depth lets you create your desired flow throughout the tank to sweep particulates into the filter for removal. With the addition of pre-seeded bio-media, you can instantly add biological filtration and prevent the buildup of toxic by-products.

While having a system plumbed with an overflow and sump has many advantages over HOB filters, it is only sometimes practical. Space constraints or aquarium size can make an overflow and sump setup impossible. Hospital and quarantine tanks are great examples of systems where a Tidal 35 could be set up quickly and with minimal equipment.

As a passionate aquarium hobbyist, I’ve tried my fair share of filters to pursue crystal-clear water and thriving fish and corals. After numerous trials and errors, I finally found the perfect companion for my smaller nano tanks – the Seachem Tidal 35 Aquarium Filter.

This powerful yet compact filter has genuinely revolutionized my aquarium experience. In this blog post, I will share my insights on the best uses, features, pros, and cons of the Seachem Tidal 35 Aquarium Filter and why it has become an indispensable part of my nano reef hobby.

Best Uses of the Seachem Tidal 35:

The Tidal 35 is designed for nano aquariums, making it ideal for tanks up to 35 gallons. Although rated for 35-gallon duty, I typically use mine on tanks up to 30 gallons. The Tidal 35 is great for quarantine and hospital tanks.

If you need a more powerful HOB filter, check out the Seachem Tidal 55.

Features:

• Self-priming: One of the most remarkable features of the Seachem Tidal 35 is its self-priming capability. Gone are the days of manually priming the filter after every cleaning or power outage. The built-in self-priming pump makes it incredibly easy to restart the filter without any hassle.
• Surface skimmer: The integrated surface skimmer effectively removes debris and oily films from the water’s surface and encourages gas exchange, ensuring a cleaner and more oxygen-rich environment for your aquatic pets.
• Adjustable flow rate: The Seachem Tidal 35 allows you to control the flow rate according to your tank’s needs. This feature is handy for delicate species that prefer a gentler current and for promoting optimal water circulation in densely planted or coral-laden tanks.
• Maintenance monitor: The filter’s built-in maintenance monitor alerts you when it’s time to clean or replace the filter media, ensuring your tank remains in peak condition.
• Dual filtration: The Seachem Tidal 35 has mechanical and chemical filtration capabilities. The foam filter pad efficiently traps debris, while the Matrix™ bio-media provides exceptional biological filtration to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Pros:

• Ease of maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining the Seachem Tidal 35 is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and easy-to-access filter media compartments. The filter is also easy to disassemble and reassemble, making maintenance hassle-free.
• Quiet operation: The Tidal 35 operates at a low noise level, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of your aquarium without any annoying background noise.
• Energy-efficient: The filter’s energy-efficient design reduces its power consumption, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for your aquarium.
• Versatility: The Tidal 35’s compatibility with saltwater aquariums and its adjustable flow rate make it a versatile solution for various aquatic environments.
• Fast-easy setup: Hang it on the back and go – no plumbing required.

Cons:

• Limited capacity: The Seachem Tidal 35 is ideal for small to medium-sized aquariums but not for larger tanks or heavily stocked aquariums. In such cases, consider a more powerful filter.
• Cost: While the Seachem Tidal 35 offers numerous benefits, its price tag may be steep for some nano tank hobbyists, especially those just starting.

Specifications:

• Recommended Aquarium Size: Up to 35 Gallons
• Dimensions: 6.125″L x 5.125″W x 7.125″ H
• Max Tank Thickness: 3/4″ (2cm)
• Max Flow: 130 GPH
• Power Consumption: 6 W @ 120VAC
• Required Wall Clearance: 3”
• Filter Volume: .2 US Gallons
• Media Chamber Dimensions: 5.375”L x 2”W x 4.875”H

Conclusion

The Seachem Tidal 35 Aquarium Filter has been a game changer for my smaller nano tanks. Sometimes nice and easy is a great change of pace in a complicated hobby like saltwater fish and reef tanks. Plus, the Tidal 35 is manufactured by Sicce, a globally recognized aquarium technology leader.