Best option to keep large acrylic aquarium clean

[cgerth]

I know this has been discussed but here I go. I’m a 1st time owner of an acrylic aquarium. 8 foot 300 gallon with 3/4 acrylic. I’ve heard a lot of good things about mighty magnet but I tried to call them and all their number are no longer in service. Are they still in business? Is this my best option? I know acrylic is ultra sensitive as I learned before even putting water in. I just want to know my options. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Look into Tunze scrubbers, they make very nice magnetic plastic scrubbers that do a fine job at keeping your tank clean

 

[Gill the 3rd]

I use the tiger shark cleaner on my 10' long, 3/4" thick acrylic tank.

Tiger Shark Float Plus

Why does BRS recommend this? With properly sized magnets and now includes the scraper attachment, Algae Free has made one of the best algae scrapers in the industry. Most of their value is the fact all of them (except the Great White) do float if the connection through the aquarium is lost for...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

It has a strong magnet, but I didn't love the scraper so I took it off. I swap out the white scrubber pad with some white scrubber pad that I bought on amazon. This way it stays clean. Its pretty easy and quick to use.

Definitely stay on top of cleaning the panel. I have a bad habit of letting mine go too long and hard algae and coralline algae starts to grow fast. When that happens I use a plastic credit card of some sort and a plastic scraper. It works great, but you obviously have to get your hands in the tank.

One thing to be careful of is getting sand trapped in your cleaner when you near the bottom. I have a few scratches from this. I now clean the entire panel before I do the last 2 inches at the bottom of the tank so that I dont drag sand all the way up my

 

[Alazo1]

I have this magnet from Amazon. I do not use the scrappers. Way more powerful then a standard flipper.

KEDSUM Magnetic Aquarium Tank Algae Scrapers, 2-in-1 Fish Tank Glass Cleaner, Floating Scrubber Clean Brush with 2 Blades [Scratch-Free, Non-Slip, Magnetizing] (XL)​

I use the mesh from a Dobie sponge on it and does real well at removing stubborn algae.
For general cleaning I use a pad similar to Gill's.

No matter how careful you are, eventually you will get scratches.

 

[cgerth]

I use the tiger shark cleaner on my 10' long, 3/4" thick acrylic tank.

Tiger Shark Float Plus

Why does BRS recommend this? With properly sized magnets and now includes the scraper attachment, Algae Free has made one of the best algae scrapers in the industry. Most of their value is the fact all of them (except the Great White) do float if the connection through the aquarium is lost for...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

It has a strong magnet, but I didn't love the scraper so I took it off. I swap out the white scrubber pad with some white scrubber pad that I bought on amazon. This way it stays clean. Its pretty easy and quick to use.

Definitely stay on top of cleaning the panel. I have a bad habit of letting mine go too long and hard algae and coralline algae starts to grow fast. When that happens I use a plastic credit card of some sort and a plastic scraper. It works great, but you obviously have to get your hands in the tank.

One thing to be careful of is getting sand trapped in your cleaner when you near the bottom. I have a few scratches from this. I now clean the entire panel before I do the last 2 inches at the bottom of the tank so that I dont drag sand all the way up my

So you attach the scuff pads just on inside of acrylic

 

[Troylee]

So you attach the scuff pads just on inside of acrylic

Yes! Felt on outside and white pad inside.. magic eraser pads work great also! Use the plain ones thou not ones with soap or chemicals.