Better Scraper for Coralline Algae?

[Itchy Trigger]

I'm looking for a better scraper for coralline algae on the tank walls. My tank is large and has 1" thick acrylic walls. I use a Mighty Magnets cleaner, which works well for maintenance, but it's difficult to clean right at the sand bed (I'm afraid of trapping sand under the magnet and scratching the acrylic), so inevitably some coralline and some greenish film grows right near the sand bed on the front of the tank. I have one of those long-handled scrapers with the plastic blade, but it is practically impossible to clean well right at the sand bed - the tank is quite tall (36") so it's awkward, the scraper's long handle bends and it's difficult to get good leverage on that coralline and other gunk. I'm hoping someone here has a solution for me...... Anyone?

 

[domination2580]

Flipper cleaner

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Itchy, if you want your acrylic to live a long scratchless life, your best bet is to clean it more frequently so that the coralline doesn't get a chance to form on the acrylic. I know that's not the question you asked, but there's nothing more disappointing than a big ole scratch on your tank. If you stick is bending (I assume you're using a kent like I do), than you're pressing too hard.

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Flipper cleaner

That looks like a good possibility! The Flipper MAX is rated "up to" 1" glass/acrylic thickness. Hopefully it will still be strong enough right at 1" to do the job. Will look into it - thanks!

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Itchy, if you want your acrylic to live a long scratchless life, your best bet is to clean it more frequently so that the coralline doesn't get a chance to form on the acrylic. I know that's not the question you asked, but there's nothing more disappointing than a big ole scratch on your tank. If you stick is bending (I assume you're using a kent like I do), than you're pressing too hard.

Oh, I clean the acrylic about once a week, and the tank looks great. It's just the inch or so right above the sand bed that is challenging. I'm always very careful down there, and can never get everything for fear of scratching the acrylic with a few bits of sand. So algae tends to build up down there over time...

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Be oh so careful with magnet cleaners on acrylic.

 

[cmcoker]

I have glass tanks but use the flipper original, I love it. I know it has acrylic blades available, but can't speak to its use on an acrylic tank.

 

[chewie]

Flipper max will work on 1" but you will not have much pressure to remove stubborn coralline(1week or older). You will still have the sand issues too.

Back in my substrate days i used to vacuum about 2" of sand away from the viewing panels during regular w/c's and scrape clean, adding the rinsed sand back afterwards. It was a PITA but just about the only option.

One of the many reasons I run bare bottom.

 

[domination2580]

Flipper max will work on 1" but you will not have much pressure to remove stubborn coralline(1week or older). You will still have the sand issues too.

Back in my substrate days i used to vacuum about 2" of sand away from the viewing panels during regular w/c's and scrape clean, adding the rinsed sand back afterwards. It was a PITA but just about the only option.

One of the many reasons I run bare bottom.

Depends on how established the coraline is. Amd of your careful you can get into the sand bed a little with the blade side. You just have to go slow with