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Tropical Fish Keeping Pet Shops and Product Reviews => Tank Equipment Reviews => Topic started by: jaypeecee on October 18, 2018, 12:43:10 PM

Title: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: jaypeecee on October 18, 2018, 12:43:10 PM
Hi Folks,

Two months ago, I bought an Ocean Free Hydra 20 filter. I carried out in-depth testing of this product in a freshwater aquarium. The water used was RO with Tropic Marin re-mineralizing salts. The test was a fishless cycle using ammonium chloride as a source of ammonia. Test period was six weeks. During this time, I monitored Total Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, conductivity and temperature.

In summary, the product failed to do what it claims to do. Rather than go into the full details right now, I'll wait to see if anyone is interested in my findings. If so, I'm more than happy to do the deed.

JPC
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: Matt on October 19, 2018, 07:10:45 AM
Definitely interested to hear your results!!

I was always put off these filter for the simple reason that the electrolysis bit needed replacing regularly, and was quite expensive!
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: Robert on October 19, 2018, 10:31:35 AM
Always good to hear an honest review. Was it this product here (https://amzn.to/2Ox5qVw)?
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: fcmf on October 19, 2018, 07:35:58 PM
Interested too about your findings.
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: jaypeecee on October 20, 2018, 09:49:12 PM
OK, guys. Thanks for the feedback. I'm using my tab right now so it's awkward writing much. I'll be at my PC tomorrow and will reply again then.

Stay tuned!

JPC
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: jaypeecee on October 21, 2018, 02:56:50 PM
Hi Folks,

OK, here we go...

Firstly, a little background. I was interested to see if the Hydra 20 could be used to replace the conventional biological filter that we all know and love (!). After all, the Ocean Free Hydro-Pure blurb would have you believe that was the case. In fact, it would go one stage further - not only could this product perform the nitrification process but the de-nitrification process as well. For further information, take a look at https://www.yihufish.com/products/filter/of-hydra-powered-by-hydro-pure-technology/faq/.

I set up a 37 litre freshwater tank with no fish - just water, the Hydra 20 and a heater. Using ammonium chloride crystals, the starting total ammonia reading was adjusted to 0.4ppm. Water conductivity was 330uS/cm, pH = 7.5+/-0.1 and temperature 28.5C +/-0.5C.

Total ammonia remained completely unchanged for the first three weeks. Then reduced to less than 0.05ppm in the fourth week. Nitrite was first detected four days into the cycle, rose to 5ppm and reduced to zero after a further five weeks. Nitrate was first detected one week into the cycle. It then increased to 40ppm during the fourth week and then fell to 2ppm. The whole cycle took six weeks. According to the OF FAQs, it should have taken 14 - 21 days.

I wondered if the Cata-Pure cartridge was faulty. After all, that's the only part that filters the water. Again, according to the Ocean Free FAQs, the electrical resistance of this cartridge is supposed to measure less than 50 ohms. Using a Fluke 73 multimeter, I measured just over 5000 ohms! Despite numerous attempts to elicit an answer from the manufacturers of the Hydra 20 concerning this discrepancy, I was unsuccessful. Technical support rests on the shoulders of just one man who is rarely available.

Last week, I returned my unit to Maidenhead Aquatics for a full refund.

JPC

Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: jaypeecee on October 21, 2018, 03:11:16 PM
Always good to hear an honest review. Was it this product here (https://amzn.to/2Ox5qVw)?

Hi Robert,

That link shows the active element used inside the Hydra 20. Expensive, eh!

JPC
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: Robert on November 27, 2018, 12:31:38 PM
Sorry @jaypeecee just seen this, yes it is! £68!
Title: Re: Evaluation Of Ocean Free Hydra 20 Filter
Post by: jaypeecee on November 27, 2018, 05:34:58 PM
Sorry @jaypeecee just seen this, yes it is! £68!

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the reply. Even though £68 is the price for a pack of four cartridges, it is still a ridiculous amount of money - even if the product worked properly!

JPC