Seachem Tidal 55 External Hang on Filter

Upgrade to powerful, low‑maintenance filtration with the Seachem Tidal 55. This HOB filter offers true self‑priming, a built‑in surface skimmer, adjustable flow, and a large cartridge‑free media basket for custom media setups. The bottom‑to‑top flow path maximises media contact for cleaner, clearer water in aquariums up to 200 litres.

Key benefits

• Self‑priming start‑up with self‑cleaning impeller for reliable restarts after water changes or outages.

• Dual intake with surface skimmer removes biofilm and floating debris while improving oxygenation.

• Bottom‑to‑top flow path maximises media contact, reducing bypass and boosting filtration efficiency.

• Pop‑up maintenance alert indicates when cleaning is due; safe overflow routes water back to the tank.

• Large, removable basket fits your choice of media; generous capacity for sponge, ceramics, carbon, or resins.

• Adjustable flow and telescoping intake to tune draw from different tank levels.

• Quiet operation with aerating return and levelling foot for a stable fit.

Specifications

• Tank size: Up to 200 L (55 US gal), freshwater or marine.

• Flow rate: 1000 L/h (250 GPH), adjustable.

• Power: 5 W at 230 V/50 Hz (approx.); low running cost.

• Filter volume: Approx. 1.2 L media capacity.

• Dimensions (approx.): 20.5 × 15.5 × 21.4 cm; wall clearance ~7.5 cm.

What’s in the box

• Tidal 55 filter unit with self‑priming pump and surface skimmer

• Large removable media basket

• Coarse mechanical sponge (Matrix/media sold separately by some retailers; add as needed)

• Levelling foot and adjustable intake/skimmer controls

• Heater holder clip

How it works
Tidal 55 pulls water from the surface and subsurface, then forces it bottom‑to‑top through mechanical and biological media before returning it to the tank. This design increases contact time, improves oxygenation, and maintains stable, clear water with less bypass than typical back‑to‑front HOB filters.

Setup tips

• Rinse media; stage sponge below biomedia (e.g., ceramics/Matrix) so mechanical precedes biological filtration.

• Start at mid‑flow; increase as livestock tolerate to balance circulation, plant movement, and noise.

• Extend the telescoping intake to target mid‑ or lower‑water debris; tune the surface skimmer to clear film in 24–48 hours.

• Clean the sponge in dechlorinated tank water; avoid over‑cleaning biomedia to preserve bacteria.

Ideal for

• Medium planted tanks, cichlid or goldfish communities with moderate bioload, and marine fish‑only or quarantine systems up to 200 L

• Hobbyists wanting cartridge‑free flexibility, strong flow with fine adjustment, and simplified maintenance cues

Why choose Tidal 55
Compared to cartridge‑based HOBs, Tidal’s large, configurable basket and bottom‑to‑top flow minimise bypass and let you fine‑tune media for your water chemistry and stocking. The visible service alert and safe overflow simplify upkeep, delivering dependable performance day‑to‑day.