New 20 Gallon Long Filtration Setup, Seachem Tidal 35 or 55

Hello all, I have been out of the hobby for many years and I have an opportunity to get back in. I like to 20 long's proportions and shallow depth for easy maintenance. Lot's has changed in 20 years, I was a canister and AquaClear user on larger tanks. After searching all the new filters out there it looks like the Seachem Tidal series might be my best option but I would like to see a Tetra IQ filter in person to see if it might be usable.

Anyways here is the meat of the matter. Planning on a 20 long with two Seachem Tidal 35 filters. I would really like to have the Tidal 55's because the media basket is larger but it would be too much flow. If you look at Seachem's site you'll notice all the Tidal filters have different wattage pumps except the 35 and 55 that both use 6-watts. I am willing to bet it is the same basic pump motor with a different impeller. If it is possible to use say the Tidal 35 impeller in the Tidal 55 pump that would be great. I might DIY on the 55 a bit and remove the extension tube and basically turn it into a larger Tidal 35 (configuration wise). Does anyone know more about this or own both filters that could compare parts? Basically the same idea as putting an AquaClear 20 impeller into an AquaClear 70.

Thanks a bunch. I might order both if I have to to compare and return what is not needed.

 

Both the 35 and 55 have a flow control adjustment and the 55 also has an adjustment for the skimmer which I think the 35 lacks. I have the 55 on my 20 gallon high, and keep the flow and skimmer controls both set to their minimum setting and it seems to work flawlessly. I don't have problems with the skimmer sucking in food as some have complained about, and the turbulence from the outflow is minimal. I really don't think you'll have any problems with either, but if it were me, I'd go with the 55, which I actually did, lol.

 

Thanks. I am looking for two filters for the 20 long so if I use two 55's I would need to reduce flow further. That is why I am asking to see if anyone knows about the pumps and impellers on the 35 and 55.

 

Sounds like a tech support question for the manufacturer.

 

My local Petco just started having their Dollar Per Gallon sale. I bought a 20 Long and I will be picking it up tomorrow! The project begins. Might take a while as all the parts will be acquired on sale. Seriously looking at a corner filter from Swiss Tropicals too.