Best algae scrapper....

[Dominat0r]

Hey guys, I have been using the mag float style for a long time. I have had decent, but not great results. What are you guys using?

Honestly, the best thing I have had so far is a small wooden handle plastic scrapper that I got a one of the big pet stores for $4. Its got a flat plastic blade on one side and a blue foam sponge on the other. I do not really use the foam part personally, but its nice to have. I added a pic below to show what I am referring to.

This thing even beats my metal scrapper that I have had for a decade.

What kills the metal one is that the plastic is MUCH flatter and can reach into those spots that either the mag float or the metal scrapper can reach. Not to mention its less than the blade replacements for my other.

Show what you guys are using and how well it works....I still can't believe how well this thing cleans the glass and for $4 (on sale). Ill prob pick up a few more, unless someone has a better/cheaper solution.

 

[Bpc9876]

I love the Flipper

 

[Dominat0r]

I have heard mix reviews on the flipper....I guess you have had good results? I think the number one complaint is that the scraper part losing contact with the glass after you using it a few times. Any issues with that?

 

[twobytwo]

I have the Tunze Care Long. First year, thought it was "Meh".... then I realized I needed to use the metal blade on the glass - DUH! I was using the plastic blades only - for Acrylic. Now it's awesome

 

[Reefltx]

I have heard mix reviews on the flipper....I guess you have had good results? I think the number one complaint is that the scraper part losing contact with the glass after you using it a few times. Any issues with that?

If I try scraping at 50mph yes, but at normal speed no. Plus, a lot of people lose it during he flip, but I'm pretty pro at flipping it. The magnet is quite strong if you get the appropriate size.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

I switched from the mag float to the Flipper a few months back and there is no comparison. The Flipper is 10x better than the mag float.

 

[jason_mazzy]

hands down tunze long

 

[ironman20725]

Following

 

[Callok]

I have an acrylic tank, and I think the flipper is terrific, but the plastic blades dull after a few uses. Replacements are expensive, and I have mixed luck trying to resharpen them.

I started using Vibrant for a GHA problem about a month ago, and have noticed a huge difference in amount algae build up, so now my flipper is only needed once per week if that.

 

[Tphill]

I use the Algae Free magnetic cleaners. Hammerhead for my 75 and Tiger Shark for my 120.

 

[goldenhurricane2]

I have an acrylic tank, and I think the flipper is terrific, but the plastic blades dull after a few uses. Replacements are expensive, and I have mixed luck trying to resharpen them.

I started using Vibrant for a GHA problem about a month ago, and have noticed a huge difference in amount algae build up, so now my flipper is only needed once per week if that.

Yeah if you have an acrylic tank then the Flipper might not be the best option. I just like it because the magnet is so strong and it keeps the blade right up against the glass.

 

[skim]

I have used many Algae scrapers and the Flipper is a good unit but the Tunze has set the bar with the newer units. As soon as you use one you will understand why. Check out YouTube there are some good Videos of them being tested.

 

[Baldguy]

Love the Flipper.

 

[Dominat0r]

I looked at the Tunze, it does look awesome, however, the profile of the wet part is too large (even nano) to reach those spots where the rock/coral is close to the glass. The little wooden scraper about 1mm thick and you have about 1.5" of that flatness till the wooden handle comes in. It can actually fit in 1-2mm of space.

The flipper looks better in terms of the size (how flat) the wet side is. However, its not cheap hehe. I am leaning towards buying these cheap ones and maybe get a few frag =)

 

[Paul B]

I make my own..

 

[fishbox]

Nice

 

[Greybeard]

Bought a mag float for every tank I had for decades. Bought a 'Flipper' some time back, liked it so well, I wrote a lengthy post about how great it was. Won a Tunze long at a raffle last year... makes the flipper seem crude by comparison. My new tank is 3/4" glass... I gotta buy the strong+ version of the Tunze now... and they're not cheap

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Honestly on my tank I think a combination of items do the best job!

I use the Tunze Care Magnet (which is my favorite) to keep the glass clean all the way up to the seams, down to the sand and up to the top. Then I use an algae scrubber wand to clean the seams. And finally I use a paint and blade scrapper to clean the back glass.

 

[twreefer]

Razorblade. It's not just a cool song by Blue October.

 

[rioreef]

Glass tanks only

4 inch wide wall scrapper from Home Depot. Short or long handles. Quick work of algae. Just be careful along the glass seams.

Use one of the other tools mentioned in this thread for the detailing.