Removing Coraline Algae

[dtd87]

So how do I remove this stuff without like a 60-100$ magnet. I just have to much and it's making the tank ugly

 

[jrgilles]

i scrape it with a metal scraper. I don't use the magnets because I always end up scratching the glass.

Takes some work to get the big pieces off, but once that is done it isn't bad if you keep up with it. If the algae is pin head or smaller, it is much easier to remove.

 

[rainydave]

I use a Kent scraper with a metal blade to clean unwanted coraline off the glass in my tank. Something like the one here - Aquarium Cleaning & Maintenance: Pro-Scrapers
I believe I picked mine up at Barrier Reef.

 

[jrgilles]

I use a Kent scraper with a metal blade to clean unwanted coraline off the glass in my tank. Something like the one here - Aquarium Cleaning & Maintenance: Pro-Scrapers
I believe I picked mine up at Barrier Reef.

yea, thats what I use.

Once it is just tiny pieces, a scouring pad also works. Need the metal edge though to get this big stuff off. Have fun with that.....

 

[Krish]

Is the tank acrylic or glass?? If glass I use any plastic scraper, but if acrylic I've always bit the bullet and bought the right magnetic cleaner.

 

[Skimmy]

well, get to scrapin...
just make sure it's a plastic scraper if on acrylic

you could always empty the tank and treat with vinegar or muractic acid,
but assuming u dont want to do this.

 

[rainydave]

I have also used my old plastic medical insurance cards for scraping algae. Gotta recycle.

 

[Top Water]

I have glass and use a Razor Blade . One of the reasons I gave up on acrylic is its hard to clean.

 

[bigblue141]

If it's glass I'd use a box scraper Razor blade, only the razor blade, not the entire box scraper. Be very careful and ensure it's flush against the glass. Very little elbow grease is required.

You can also use the plastic look a like box scraper razor blades as well. The plastic blade is red in color and the handle is blue.

I really liked the Mr. Clean Miracle pads. Make sure you get the original cause the new ones they have now come with soap and other stuff imbedded in them.

As stated before, don't use metal on an acrylic tank. For my acrylic tank I used the Mr. Clean Miracle pads exclusively for cleaning the view panels.

Get the Coraline when it's in small pieces, otherwise it turns into a major chore.

 

[Faciosity]

I use a razor blade on glass, and a credit card on acrylic.

 

[dtd87]

Looks like I need to find some razor blades

 

[bodycology21]

Razor blade is quick and easy

 

[thatguy559]

i just used a regular magnet with this Aquarium Algae Cleaning Pad Sets scroll down until you get to algae dozer. man this thing is a champ works on both glass an acrylic.

 

[psb]

I use old credit cards.

 

[mcoomer]

Looks like I need to find some razor blades

It's a glass tank then? If so go pick up a Kent Marine scraper with one of their metal blades. It's great for glass. I've got a handheld blade, a 12" handle, and a 24" handle for reaching way down on the back glass. The blades are interchangeable so you only need one for however many handles you have and it will make quick work of coralline algae. Once you get it cleaned up, check out those $60 magnets that you have an aversion to. I put a microfiber cloth on the outside, spray some glass cleaner, and knock out the inside and outside at the same time. Takes about 5-10 minutes twice a week to maintain a spotless tank. Tiger Shark Algae Free magnets FTW!

Mike

 

[dtd87]

I'm not really against the magnets, just the price. I'm out on L&I awaiting a knee surgery, money is so tight. I'm trying to be as frugal as possible till I get some assistance. Tank's not been doing as well as I'd link seeing as standing for a while is very very painful.

 

[mcoomer]

Dude, I hear you on being laid up. I had foot surgery about 5 years ago and couldn't place any weight on it for 8 weeks and my tank suffered for it. Being as you're in a bit of need maybe somebody a bit closer to you can help out a bit. Do you know anybody in your area that's in the hobby? If not, I work down at Boeing Field and if you're not too far away maybe I could swing by one afternoon after work with a few of my tools.

Mike

 

[dtd87]

Wow thank you for the offer! I may have to take you up on it It is really rough. I ended up in the ER last week with severe knee swelling. Doctors don't help me much either. No pain killers or anti inflammatory.

 

[dtd87]

Started scraping the front, standing for to long kills me so I'm going to mess around with like 5mins a day for a few days. And make the best of what I have. Try and find some cheap rock.

 

[NC2WA]

how about this:

aquarium algae cleaning magnets

I got the Dozer pad and slipped in on my great white magnet and clean the front of my tank in 2 mins. I have some stubborn coralline algae which it cut thru like a hot knife thru butter.