Algae Scraper - Leave it in or take it out?

[Reefing102]

So I’m one where I’ve been leaving my Flipper scraper in my tank, however I noticed when I move it between tanks, it has a horrendous fishy smell when removed from the water. So I’ve been thinking of taking it out, bleaching it and letting it air out and dry and then just put it in the tank when I need to use it.

So I ask, do you keep yours in your tank or take it out and let it dry out. Is there anything wrong with keeping it in the tank?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Personally, I don't keep mine in the tank when not in use. (and I rinse it after using). The fuzzy side of the part that goes in the tank can collect a lot of gunk.

 

[Gtinnel]

I keep mine in the tank, although I probably shouldn’t.
It’s just more convenient to use it if it’s already in the tank.

 

[Garf]

So I’m one where I’ve been leaving my Flipper scraper in my tank, however I noticed when I move it between tanks, it has a horrendous fishy smell when removed from the water. So I’ve been thinking of taking it out, bleaching it and letting it air out and dry and then just put it in the tank when I need to use it.

So I ask, do you keep yours in your tank or take it out and let it dry out. Is there anything wrong with keeping it in the tank?

Leave my flipper in, therefore don’t feel the need to sniff it, I bet it smells like the ocean, lol

 

[ZombieEngineer]

I leave mine in because I always use the scraper side and it's far more convenient. I have one on each tank and don't switch between tanks. I clean mine in citric acid and inspect for bulging magnet the same time I clean my pumps.

In you case since you are swapping them between tanks, letting it dry out might be better especially from a potential pest mixing perspective.

 

[helmsreef]

I leave mine in and flip it around so my fish can clean off any algae or pests that may be attached to it.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Good question! I added a poll to the top. I leave mine in for ease of use. I do occasionally remove it to clean it (usually about the same time I clean my powerheads).

 

[CoralB]

I take mine out after use as well .

 

[Reefing102]

Awesome replies so far. Thanks for adding the poll @Daniel@R2R

 

[Sean Clark]

I leave mine in. It helps keep me on top of cleaning the glass. Out of sight out of mind vs make it easy so you actually do it.

Edit:
Sorry my response was for a Tunze care magnet. I was just thinking scrapers in general not specificly flippers. A flipper would never make it into the house let alone the tank.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Personally, I don't keep mine in the tank when not in use. (and I rinse it after using). The fuzzy side of the part that goes in the tank can collect a lot of gunk.

Ok, the original question was about a Flipper... That's what my reply refers to.
For my other tank, I have a Mag Float that I leave in all the time... It does not have the same type of "scrubber" as the Flipper and does not get funky when I leave it in the tank.

 

[Reefing102]

Thanks for all the replies! While I specified the Flipper, I was talking any scraper just for opinions

 

[Jedi1199]

I leave mine in. For many of the same reasons stated above. I take it out every few weeks and give it a good wash in the sink and let it dry on the counter but then it goes right back into the tank.

The main reason I do this is, so I always know right where to find it when I need to use it.

 

[hart24601]

I always take mine out. Far too many little critters can make a home now in it, baby stomatella, baby trochus, tube worms - and then you scratch your tank. Sure many people leave them in and don’t get scratches, but plenty of people have. For an extra few seconds work it’s worth it to me to leave it out. Plus for how picky people seem to be with even wires (vortech powerheads) I’m surprised so many leave them in.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I take mine out every time and allow to drip dry

 

[The Farmer]

I take mine out after every use and rinse it off. I hate having a lot of stuff stuck to my glass.

 

[Captmcfly]

Leave mine in. Tanks in the wall so it would be a pain to take it out and put in every time

 

[Reefing102]

I always take mine out. Far too many little critters can make a home now in it, baby stomatella, baby trochus, tube worms - and then you scratch your tank. Sure many people leave them in and don’t get scratches, but plenty of people have. For an extra few seconds work it’s worth it to me to leave it out. Plus for how picky people seem to be with even wires (vortech powerheads) I’m surprised so many leave them in.

Hmm that’s an interesting concept. I haven’t had that happen but can easily see it with my asternia stars and baby trochus

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Leave it in. Adds to the bio diversity.

 

[TheGratefulReef]

I leave mine in and take it out and clean it whenever I clean the pumps.