The Seachem Tidal is a unique hang-on-back filter (also known as power filter) that comes with a built-in surface skimmer. If you want to reduce the flow or completely turn off this function, however, then you can take a look at this article from Aquarium Blueprints to see how you can do so.
What does the surface skimmer of Seachem Tidal help with?
The surface skimmer of your Tidal filter will help keep the water surface clean. For the uniformed, you may end up getting an oily surface due to the organic waste buildup in your aquarium.
If you don’t get rid of this protein film, then it will end up reducing the oxygen levels in your tank waters as air won’t be able to penetrate the thickness. Without enough air in the aquarium, your fish, plants and other aquatic pets could end up suffering.
Thankfully, the surface skimmer of the Seachem Tidal should help when it comes to keeping the water surface free of oil.
About the Seachem Tidal 35, 55, 75 and 110
There are currently four versions of the Tidal series as you can choose between the 35, 55, 75 or 110.
If you have a Seachem Tidal 35, then there is unfortunately no way to reduce or turn off its surface skimmer.
The Seachem Tidal 55, Seachem Tidal 75 and Seachem Tidal 110 does come with a dual intake regulation dial that you can use to reduce the surface skimmer flow or completely turn it off.
How to slow down or turn off the surface skimmer flow for Seachem Tidal 55, 75 and 110
If you have the 55, 75 or 110 models of the Seachem Tidal, then you can reduce the surface skimmer flow of your filter by taking the following steps:
1. First off, you need to locate the dual intake regulation dial. If you are looking at the hand-on-back filter from the front, then you can find the dial right next to the telescoping intake tube.
2. Before using the dial, we recommend that you rinse off your hands and arms to make sure that they are clean so that you won’t introduce anything harmful to your fish tank water.
3. You should also dry off your hands and arms after rinsing them.
4. Once you are ready, you can reduce the surface skimmer flow by turning the dual intake regulation dial to the right. By doing so, the incoming flow will the redirected to the intake telescoping intake tube.
5. To completely turn off the surface skimmer of your Seachem Tidal 55, Seachem Tidal 75 or Seachem Tidal 110, you need to turn the dual intake regulation dial all the way to the right.
By reducing the flow of the surface skimmer, the tank water surface will become more vulnerable to protein film. If you have a low bio load, then you most likely won’t have to worry about oil buildup.
The aerating return flow from the Tidal filter should do a good enough job at preventing the surface from getting too thick. An air stone should also help move the tank water surface and, thus, prevent any protein buildup.
If you have a Tidal 55 and are wondering what type of filter media you can sue with it, then you can take a look at this guide.
