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Hi

I am currently using razors to scrape off the hard green spot algae on a large bow front aquarium at home and its becoming a bit of a tedious chore due to the large area to be scraped.

I was wondering what kind of scrapers are out there apart from razors? Is there anything better than this? before I was just using filter wool but it wasnt strong enough to get rid of the tough algae. before that I was using a magnetic scraper but the glass is too thick and the bow front would make it drop off every time.

So your opinions will be appreciated.

they make glass scrapers that have a filter wool like stuff attacked to a handle... i use it to remove diatoms and all kinds of stuff... and works great... about 3$ i think at walmart...

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

You can buy glass cleaning pads at the super markets I have been using them for years and they do a perfect job. The other thing what is causing the Algae spots?

I have noticed since I bought the new light fitting I am also getting a few spots now but these are removed weekly before they get too hard to remove.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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A credit card works....or a hungry pleco...

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Hi Troy,

Check out this site:
http://www.otocinclus.com/articles/algae.html

This and other sites all say essentially the same thing
about this type of algae. It has to be scraped off, and
most of the algae eaters won't eliminate it as it is simply
too hard for them to scrape off, and it takes too much
energy to try for the reward that it gives them.

You have two choices, a safety razor blade, or a scrubby
pad. With a bowfront tank, the razor is out, unless you
scrape only from side to side and not vertically.
Old Credit cards work great on the soft algaes (hair and
BGA, etc.) but you will have to "work" at it if it is true
green spot algae.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Sorry to hijack.

I have always used a razor blade in the past and found it did a great job.

I have never used a pad, do the pads scratch the glass at all?? Or are they pretty soft??

Hi,
The pads are perfectly fine for glass tanks. These are
plastic scrubbies that are commonly available in most
grocery stores.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I use those magnetic scrapers, the ones that float should they come apart. They work really well, although I havent had to use them in a few months as the dreaded Chinese Algea eaters have kept the tank spotless and no, they havent hurt any fish etc.
The magnetic scrappers are made for glass or acrylic etc. Make sure you get the right one or you will mess your tank up.

yeah I tried the magnetic scrapers. they fall off on the bowfront.

I have been using razors scraping from side to side. Next I may try using either the glass cleaning cloths keith spoke of and may give the sponge on a stick thing another go before I go shopping for the cloths.

The unfortunate thing is it wont go away because the tank is right below a window and that particular spot is the only place in the house that has the structural integrity to keep the tank (its a bit largeish to be on the 2nd floor).

Razors do wonders you just have to be carefull using them, a magnetic scraper will work good but get a powerful one or it will fall off the glass a lot.

17 years experience with freshwater.