What's the best scrubber/product/method for getting tough coraline algae off the front of my acrylic tank? Kinda starting to wish I went with glass so I could razor blade it. Anybody have a good magfloat to trade for a frag? I have a cheap version from wal-mart that doesn't work worth crap even if I use it everyday.
Getting algae off acrylic
- Thread starter Faciosity
- Start date
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NC2WA
Well-known member
Magic Mr Clean Erasers is suppose to do wonders:
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45627
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45627
I need a different LFS... the 12" glass scraper at Denny's was like $30... I think I'm gonna do the razor blade + chopsticks + aquamend DIY scraper for now
wow. I made fun of my wife for buying those because I didn't think they were good for ANYTHING
TotalVapor
Banned
Blue no scratch sponges from wallmart, $3.00 for 6 or something like that.
just make sure they say No Scratch
just make sure they say No Scratch
moovinfast
Well-known member
To get the hard stuff off, make yourself a scraper. Use a piece of scrap acrylic and put an edge on it for scraping.
TotalVapor
Banned
Old Credit Cards work well too.
I'm actually pretty impressed with those mr clean magic erasers so far. I picked up a couple and they are great for coraline and the like. With the new tank I'm working on I'm going to try it with some cleaner and see if it can get some of the mild scratches out.
FreakinReefin
Insert idiot comment
Yeah but you can't use those under water right?
yes the Original Magic Eraser you can
FreakinReefin
Insert idiot comment
Whaaaaaaaaaaat?? I'm gonna have to check these out then.:shock:
I just tried these the other day, wasnt too impressed, but maybe I had too thick of a piece on, I will try it again with a thinner piece
mcoomer
Who's your daddy?!?
Just make certain that you get the correct Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I believe that you can get them scented and with cleansers in them. I've used the plain pads and they work great on regular algae but rough coralline algae can shred them. Best bet for coralline algae is the Kent Marine scraper for acrylic or an old credit card.
Once you get it off I'd recommend an Algae Free magnet. Go to their website and check out their scratch removal kits for acrylic tanks. The kit has sandpaper pads that attach to the inside magnet so that you can remove mild scratches without draining the tank. The pads run from 1500 grit up to 6000. Once you get the coralline off, follow the instructions in the kit and work your way from 1500 all the way up to 6000 grit pads. Your acrylic tank will shine like new. After that, just keep up with the regular algae and if you see any minor scratches you can stick a pad in and buff it out in no time. Works great. Also, be sure to pick up an acrylic cleaner for the outside of the tank. I use Brillianze that I picked up at Tap Plastics in Bellevue. It cleans and won't fog acrylic. Also, it leave an antistatic finish so that dust isn't attracted to the tank so that it can get ground into and scratch the surface. I wipe the inside with the magnet every few days, the outside with Brillianze about once a week, and the tank looks great.
Once you get it off I'd recommend an Algae Free magnet. Go to their website and check out their scratch removal kits for acrylic tanks. The kit has sandpaper pads that attach to the inside magnet so that you can remove mild scratches without draining the tank. The pads run from 1500 grit up to 6000. Once you get the coralline off, follow the instructions in the kit and work your way from 1500 all the way up to 6000 grit pads. Your acrylic tank will shine like new. After that, just keep up with the regular algae and if you see any minor scratches you can stick a pad in and buff it out in no time. Works great. Also, be sure to pick up an acrylic cleaner for the outside of the tank. I use Brillianze that I picked up at Tap Plastics in Bellevue. It cleans and won't fog acrylic. Also, it leave an antistatic finish so that dust isn't attracted to the tank so that it can get ground into and scratch the surface. I wipe the inside with the magnet every few days, the outside with Brillianze about once a week, and the tank looks great.
Great Info !!!! I need to make a trip to Tap plastics
mcoomer
Who's your daddy?!?
You can order it online if a trip isn't convenient.
yeah I saw that, I am going to be heading down that way this weekend! Are they open on Saturdays?
I need a different LFS... the 12" glass scraper at Denny's was like $30... I think I'm gonna do the razor blade + chopsticks + aquamend DIY scraper for now
freakin: hope you're not planning on using a razor blade on acryllic! You won't be happy with the results...if glass, then please proceed
