Scrubbing algae

[Bender81]

Has anyone tried using those magnetic scrapers to get algae off the glass of the tank? They seem really convenient to use as opposed to a pad or razor blade, but I'm not sure if they'll be strong enough to really clean it well. Thanks!

 

[Pure]

They work well on brown algae, but do little for green algae, and do nothing for spot algae. I just leave a small one in all of my display tanks. Kinda pushed back in a corner...out of sight out of mind.

 

[bighit22]

i have heard many people who agree with PURE, however, as a new thread says, if a piece of sand or dirt gets in there, you are up the creek without a paddle (scratches wherever the magnet goes). They are convenient, but risky. Im not sure if i could bring myself to get one

 

[seastaar88]

i have one on my tank to do touch-ups between maitenence and i like it a lot (keeps your hands dry!). nothing beat's the ol' kent scraper to get off green spot algae.

 

[Avalon]

I have one. I don't really use it. Like other folks have said, you get sand/piece of gravel in that thing and it will really screw up your tank. I tend to use a scrubbie pad, razor blade, or a pleco to clean the glass. Just grab that little guy by the tail and hold him upside down while you move him around the glass.

 

[Submariner]

LOL at the Pleco joke!!!

My Pleco does a pretty good job, but I was wondering what one should wipe the inside walls with. I don't want to use a washcloth out of the laundry for fear of detergent residue, etc. And I don't suppose you'd want to use paper towel! I don't have any visible algae on the walls, just want to shine it up a bit.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

i use one. works great, as long as you make sure nothing gets between the pad and glass.

 

[seastaar88]

i'm careful with my magfloat, and never go all the way to the substrate.