Need help choosing between aquaclear 70 & Tidal 75

[Hectorg214]

I've decided to add more filtration to my 72 gallon bowfront but can't decide which to pick between the aquaclear 70 and tidal 75. Right now I have an emperor 400 and a skimmer. I heard both are good but since I already have a skimmer I don't know if I need the skimming from the Tidal. I also heard the aquaclear tends to overflow if it clogs up which kinda worries me. Any info would be helpful.

 

[shwareefer]

The aquaclear will only overflow if it's not level front to back. When it starts to back up the water is meant to divert to the intake side and start dribbling out the front and we're supposed to notice and clean it. Because alot of people don't use the leveling tab or don't have it set right, the filter leans back and then when clogging up it will pour out the back instead of the front.

The tidal has a surface skimmer not a protein skimmer. This makes it a better choice since surface proteins are definitely something we want to eliminate. Also the tidal can self prime which technically the aquaclear can do, but there has to be water in the aquaclear whereas the tidal description seems to indicate it will prime from an empty state.

I've used lots of aquaclears (on freshwater) but never a Tidal. The aquaclear has been around forever and are reliable. The tidal has some nice new features and looks well made. I think their media capacity is about the same. If I was buying a new one I would probably try the tidal.

 

[Fritz05]

It is probably too late now, but the Tidal has the pump inside the aquarium. This means you have a much larger piece of the filter inside the tank, which you may not like for aesthetic purposes.

 

[legionofdoon]

Tidal 100% I've owned both currently running two 100s on a 75 planted freshwater. Only problem is keep the water level high and intake clear of debris. Or else it'll wake the dead.

 

[legionofdoon]

The aquaclear will only overflow if it's not level front to back. When it starts to back up the water is meant to divert to the intake side and start dribbling out the front and we're supposed to notice and clean it. Because alot of people don't use the leveling tab or don't have it set right, the filter leans back and then when clogging up it will pour out the back instead of the front.

The tidal has a surface skimmer not a protein skimmer. This makes it a better choice since surface proteins are definitely something we want to eliminate. Also the tidal can self prime which technically the aquaclear can do, but there has to be water in the aquaclear whereas the tidal description seems to indicate it will prime from an empty state.

I've used lots of aquaclears (on freshwater) but never a Tidal. The aquaclear has been around forever and are reliable. The tidal has some nice new features and looks well made. I think their media capacity is about the same. If I was buying a new one I would probably try the tidal.

Can confirm it is completely self priming.

 

[legionofdoon]

I'm running matrix in mine and they've never clogged up in the years I've had them.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I find the Tidal basket to be a bad after thought, running matrix or zevoit stones sounds like a good idea.

 

[legionofdoon]

That's all I have in mine is matrix.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

How will does the Matrix work? Have you seen a difference or does it keep your parameters were you want them?

 

[legionofdoon]

For fresh it works great. It's a planted aquarium so I'm not concerned with nitrates and don't test.