Magnetic algae scrapers?

[Rocketman]

Lately, my 45 tank has had quite a bit of trouble with algae. i have getting my hands all wet and stuff, so I was wondering - do those magnetic algae scrapers really work, or is it one big scam? Maybe someone here knows what I'm talking about, and can help me find a cheap on from bigals.

[Tyler718]

I have one that I use on my 150g. I use it once a week or so. I think it works really good. It's called the "Mag-Float". The outside magnet has felt that is against the glass. The inside magnet has bristles on it to softly scrub the glass. IMHO If you have an arcrlic (sp?) tank, I would not use it.

[OrionGirl]

We use the magna scrapers in all our tanks. I've only had a problem when something gets between the scraper and the tank, so won't use it on algae that's at the very bottom of the tank, near the substrate. Otherwise, they work great. They don't last forever, and you have to let them dry separately (not stuck together), and clean them regularly.

[JSchmidt]

I like 'em, too. The Mag Float things work well. Just make sure you get one sized appropriately for your tank. If you get one of the big jobbies and try to use it on a 10 gallon tank, the magnet will be too strong for that thickness of glass and you'll have a hard time moving it.

Jim

[Glenstorm]

FWIW:

I made one myself with a piece a scotchbrite, a piece of paper towel, and a my own magnets. Of course it is a challenge to fond a magnet strong enough these days. . .

Dan

[Rocketman]

Thanks. Does anyone know what the thickness of glass on a 45-60 tanks would be?

[NJ Devils Fan]

I have one of those magnetic scrapers and it works very well.

[RENEGADE]

my friend has one and it works great. i'm go to get one soon. but i have seen ones with felt on both sides for acrilic tanks(i think out-of-all-places PETCO)

[bizzy928]

I went to Bigals and they have theirs on sale for $18.99 and that was their smallest one. It worked well on their tank on display.

I went to Wal Mart later and found the same size, different brand magnet cleaner for $6.89.

Your choice!

[fishaddict]

I have one that came with my tank. One magnet is green, the other black and are probably really old. They did scratch my tank up even though the tank is glass. If anyone knows how to work it so it doesnt scratch the glass, can you help.
Thanks

[Hebdizzle]

I have one also, it came included with my filter free (Whisper Bio bags).
I don't use it much though, ha, I don't have a real problem with algae.

Plus it scares the hell outta my fish

[bizzy928]

scratch the inside or out?

for the outside just put a piece of kleenex (facial tissue.. single ply) inbetween the glass an the outer magnet.

[fishaddict]

It seems to be scratching the inside. Not so mujch the outside. They are barely noticeable but still there. Im worried although probably unecissarily that it may have weakened the glass strength somehow.

[Rocketman]

So, anyone know
HOW THICK IS THE GLASS ON 45-60 GALLON TANK? I know it could differ, but since I have no clue you guys are my only source. I think the brand name is great lakes aquiriums, i'll see if they have a website.

[superstein61]

Yea, I use one as well - works well - and my crazy fish are so curious, they swim up close to check it out

[Skittyfish]

The small mag-float (BigAls ASWO# 18628) say it is for aquarium up to 30g. The next size goes up to 125 gallons (ASWO # 18629). This is the one I have on my 72g and it seems to work great.

[bizzy928]

Originally posted by fishaddict
Im worried although probably unecissarily that it may have weakened the glass strength somehow.

LOL don't worry, magnetic waves won't change the structural integrity of your glass.

[JSchmidt]

Originally posted by Rocketman
So, anyone know
HOW THICK IS THE GLASS ON 45-60 GALLON TANK? I know it could differ, but since I have no clue you guys are my only source. I think the brand name is great lakes aquiriums, i'll see if they have a website.

Take a ruler and go to the end of one of the panes of glass. Just measure the thickness. It's easy.

I would guess you'd want a medium size magnet. The small ones would likely fall off too easily, and the larger one would be tough to move. I think MagFloat (or whatever it's called) makes a medium size that would work for you.

Jim

[slipknottin]

Originally posted by Rocketman
So, anyone know
HOW THICK IS THE GLASS ON 45-60 GALLON TANK? I know it could differ, but since I have no clue you guys are my only source. I think the brand name is great lakes aquiriums, i'll see if they have a website.

Probably 3/8"

[valerie]

I use the medium mag float on my 58gal and love it, saves having to get wet to clean the glass. Plus i can use it more inbetween water changes when having algae problems.

[Rocketman]

Thanks

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yea, the small one does fall off easily. I got it because I had only a 10g tank and didn't need a bigger one. It easily comes off. It did then and it does now. Get the medium.

[DarthV]

I just picked up one for my 20gal tank at home...it works great. It takes about 2 mins to clean off all the brown algae off the tank walls. Definitely worth the $6.