Cleaning Glass

[finley]

Not sure if you can see it very well in the picture but there are smudges all over the glass but they are not on the outside does anyone know how I can get these off ?

 

[Dan_P]

Not sure if you can see it very well in the picture but there are smudges all over the glass but they are not on the outside does anyone know how I can get these off ?

Try a photo under white light.

 

[ScottJ]

Try this;
https://flippercleaner.com/

 

[Gtinnel]

Magic eraser may help

 

[Aiptaisia anemone]

magnetic scrubber is pretty much essential on aquarium hobby

 

[Waters]

I second the magic eraser.....that is all I use anymore. You can buy generic versions online for much cheaper. I caution against using any magnetic tools....it is inevitable you will end up with micro scratches at some point. I threw away two flippers due to that......and I don't have a sand bed.

 

[jft]

I WOULD NEVER USE MAGNETIC SCRAPERS< Every Tank I have seen using these has Several Scratches, CAUTION BIG TIME!

 

[Reefacist]

I second the magic eraser.....that is all I use anymore. You can buy generic versions online for much cheaper. I caution against using any magnetic tools....it is inevitable you will end up with micro scratches at some point. I threw away two flippers due to that......and I don't have a sand bed.

Magic eraser for the inside?

 

[Rick's Reviews]

I use this, it has razor blades that has rounded edges (don't use square edged blades) and the blades are very thin/flexible, I've not noticed any new scratches from using this for 3 years, I do find magnetic scrubbers can trap sand or spirobid shells (very tough calcium shells) that can cause scratches so best to avoid these

 

[Waters]

Magic eraser for the inside?

Yes...just make sure you get the original ones with no added cleaners. They are just melamine sponges which are perfectly safe. I use regular windex and paper towels on the outside.

 

[finley]

Try a photo under white light.

 

[Miami Reef]

Yes...just make sure you get the original ones with no added cleaners. They are just melamine sponges which are perfectly safe. I use regular windex and paper towels on the outside.

How do you scrape tall tanks? My tank is 26” tall and eurobraced.

Hmm, I think I have a good idea. Imagine cutting the melamine foam sheet in half putting it in between the scraper.

My tank has several scratches from the scrapers too.

 

[Kmst80]

What are you using to clean the inside of the glass. +1 on the flipper, just use the plastic scraper part and not the metal and hard to reach bits I do with credit card. Be careful around the sand and you will have no scratches.

 

[Miami Reef]

I caution against using any magnetic tools....it is inevitable you will end up with micro scratches at some point.

I think the issue isn’t the magnet, per se, but rather the blade bending with age, causing scratches as it bends at certain angles.

I think plastic scapers (like for acrylic tanks) would solve the issue.

 

[Waters]

How do you scrape tall tanks? My tank is 26” tall and eurobraced.

Hmm, I think I have a good idea. Imagine cutting the melamine foam sheet in half putting it in between the scraper.

My tank has several scratches from the scrapers too.

I actually have done exactly that lol. I have also tried the sheets in-between the magnets but they tore up pretty quick.

 

[Waters]

I think the issue isn’t the magnet, per se, but rather the blade bending with age, causing scratches as it bends at certain angles.

I think plastic scapers (like for acrylic tanks) would solve the issue.

I agree.....the issue with using the magnet though is that you can't control those angles...especially when it is flipping around. The Flipper caused me MANY scratches unfortuantely which didn't show up until I started using it....I didn't even notice them until algae would start to grow within the micro scratches.

 

[Reef By Steele Verified Sponsor]

I can see what you are referring to in the white light picture. Is this tank new? If it has been used and allowed to dry it could be mineral deposits which may or may not come off with the magic eraser. If they don’t, then you will have to use some type of scraper. I use the seachem scraper with reversible end for tough areas. I use the flipper float on all my tanks, but I soak them in a hydrogen peroxide water bath when I do water changes and I don’t get into the sand when cleaning film algae off the glass. I also replace the blades frequently on both.

 

[Dan_P]

Looks like it might just be calcium carbonate stuck to the biofilm on the surface.Does it come off easily with your finger?

 

[Reef By Steele Verified Sponsor]

Looks like it might just be calcium carbonate stuck to the biofilm on the surface.Does it come off easily with your finger?

That’s what I was thinking, that is why I asked if tank was new.

 

[CoralB]

I think the issue isn’t the magnet, per se, but rather the blade bending with age, causing scratches as it bends at certain angles.

I think plastic scapers (like for acrylic tanks) would solve the issue.

That’s what I use . It takes a little longer but they work .