Algae Scrapers / Scrubbers-Which Ones Really Work?

I use one of those sea sponges that people use to clean thier face. If you get unsightly buildup of of alge on plastic plants or rocks, you can take your dishwasher, run a empty load of nothing but white vinager through it, and then put your plants/rocks on the TOP RACK and just let it go with the hot water. You can use a bit of white vinager with that too if its REALY bad. Wrap your fake plants with cheeze cloth when they go into the washer. It will help them from getting too exposed to the heat and jets of water.
 
Bump

Just looking to see if I can get some new perspectives...anyone know what kind O magnets I could use to replace the stock ones in the Penn Plax setup?
 
Amen on the water up to my armpit thing.
There's nothing like your overly curious goldfish attacking your arm when you're cleaning glass. One of life's little pleasures.

Amen also on the scraper of some type for the caked on stuff. For general algae I've found scrap filter material works well. Most of it is polyester batting anyway.
 
Well, my little penn plax removes everything. I just ordered some new magnets and I'll see if they are any stronger. I think my problem is just the thickness of the Oceanic glass. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because this little Penn Plax is so much better than any velcro based scrubber.

The caked on Algae is just the worst...I dont think the filter material would work as the scrubby pad doesnt do much.
 
Hi Stavs,
I use very fine plain steel wool from home depot, it does not scratch the glass. Just rinse it good before you use it. But it's a get-wet-up-to-your-armpit solution, which is fine for me. My 72 gallon is deep anyway so sleeveless tank top when i syphon, clean and prune! By the way, hello to a local. I'm not far from you in Belvidere, NJ!

Debbi:)
 
hatcheridiot said:
About the magnets, check these out.

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/categories.asp

They're so strong you really wont believe it.
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Thats where I ordered from...I got the rubber coated ones and should be here Tuesday.

As for the steel wool, thats a great idea, but alas...it involves the sopping sleeve technique I'm trying to avoid for general maintenance. :)

Belvedere, Nj huh? Whats your fave LFS in the area?
 
Well, that would have to be Hackettstown Pets for anything healthy. I find most LFS just not up to my standards. Don't need to buy much locally luckily though. My main tank is fully stocked with discus from breeders, i have a bristlenose pair in another tank, and a pair of angels in a 3rd tank. The Petco at 25th St in Easton is worth running to for something needed in a hurry, but mostly I order supplies over the Inet.....plant, frozen foods, meds, etc. How about in your area, any good LFS? I visited Tanks2U, but that's been 3-4 years ago. That's where I got my current 72bow with a custom stand and hood. That was a very expensive visit!

Debbi:)
 
I want to get one of the Kent pro scrapers since they come in longer lengths but pricing is kinda steep at the local LFS and shipping kills if that's the only thing I have to order online.
 
jm1212 said:
the mag-float works pretty well.
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stavs said:
For general purpose scrubbing it is goo, but have you ever tried it on caked on algae? Not so good then...
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What size Mag-Float were you using? Hoefully not the dumb little blue ones that come free with HOB filters. They make various sizes (larger they go the stronger the magnets). I've not had problems getting even GSA off glass other than some really old stubborn stuff near the bottom where I dont want to work much (dont want to get a piece of gravel stuck in it - will scratch the glass). For the really stubborn algae I found its best to work in a criss-cross pattern over it, if you go over it in one direction that back from another it seems to work much better.

hatcheridiot said:
About the magnets, check these out.

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/categories.asp

They're so strong you really wont believe it.
Click to expand...

Ever seen the Super Mag-Float 1000? Only to be used on aquariums with glass 1.5"-2" thick. That sucker has to have some good magnets being that I've not seen it for saly under $200. :eek:
 
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