Dremel for algae removal?

[drawman]

I don't currently have a dremel but I was thinking one fitted with a nylon brush may work for turf/stubborn algae removal. For those who own dremels would this be too destructive or do you think this would work? Obviously this would be done out of water. My nylon (battlebrushes) only work so well.

 

[Jekyl]

Algae is a normal and necessary part of a maturing tank. Using a dremel will just damage the surface and create a new place for the algae to grow.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Not sure of the “properness” of the method…but I will say a multi speed Dremil is one of the handiest tools to have in your tool box.

 

[saltytanked]

Toothbrush is a much better tool then a dremel for algae removal

 

[drawman]

Toothbrush is a much better tool then a dremel for algae removal

My battlebrush is much better than a toothbrush and still doesn't get this stuff.

Algae removal isn't new to me just curious if anyone has tried it.

 

[exnisstech]

Seems like it might be pretty messy, algae flying all over but might also work. Heck everyone should have a dremel regardless so I vote get one and give it a try. I use a dremel for fragging and doing my dogs toe nails. It's a great tool to have.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Toothbrush is a much better tool then a dremel for algae removal

Pretty much. But it would work as an excuse to get one. "Honey?! I really need this to solve an issue!!". Buy it, THEN use a toothbrush......

I've NEVER done anything like this before. Ever. Nope. Not me.

 

[radiata]

I have considered using a Dremel inside a marine tank, using one of these attachments:

Dremels come with mounts for hanging the tool, in this case above the tank's water level. This will work if you remember to soak the extension in RO/DI water after using it in your saltwater tank.

I've often wanted to drill a hole in some live rock for coral/gorgonian propagation or to make holes to insert a plastic pin to attach some new rock to some rock already in the tank. With a cut off wheel you could also remove excess rock from one in the tank.

 

[exnisstech]

I have considered using a Dremel inside a marine tank, using one of these attachments:

Dremels come with mounts for hanging the tool, in this case above the tank's water level. This will work if you remember to soak the extension in RO/DI water after using it in your saltwater tank.

I've often wanted to drill a hole in some live rock for coral/gorgonian propagation or to make holes to insert a plastic pin to attach some new rock to some rock already in the tank. With a cut off wheel you could also remove excess rock from one in the tank.

Link or image didn't work. Can you repost? I have a branch rock I've been wanting to cut a branch off of to move a coral out but haven't figured out how to do it.

 

[JayM]

Has anyone tried an electric toothbrush inside the tank? It seems to me less likely to disturb rock work than manually brushing.

 

[radiata]

Not sure of the “properness” of the method…but I will say a multi speed Dremil is one of the handiest tools to have in your tool box.

I currently have two. The first I bought 45 or so years ago. The second is more recent - I wanted to be able to use this attachment:


And my original couldn't take it. It is great for zipping through eggcrate.

 

[radiata]

Link or image didn't work. Can you repost? I have a branch rock I've been wanting to cut a branch off of to move a coral out but haven't figured out how to do it.

Go to Amazon and search for "Dremel Flex Shaft Rotary Tool Attachment with Comfort Grip and 36” Long Cable".

 

[lpramos]

What an incredible coincidence. I HAD stubborn turf algae. I bought and used several stiff brushes, but none remove the stubborn turf algae. Today I had to frag a plating monti that was beginning to cover and kill a John Deere Psammocora. I was afraid that I would have to lean into the monti to cut it and possibly crack it in some unsightly way. The Dremel metal cutting disk cut the monti like butter. I use high RPM for cutting. I got a nice clean cut line on the monti that looks very natural (even and white like new growth). I couldn't be happier. Then I put a metal bristle brush tip on the dremmel and went to town on the turf algae. I used low RPM and the brush did not eat into the rock. Very satisfying. Yes, the rock is clean and may regrow turf. We'll see. I think I'll take out the rock tomorrow morning and use hydrogen peroxide to delay or hopefully prevent regrowth. Long story short, Dremels are very useful, multipurpose tools. Get it. You'll love it. Wear eye protection.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Dremel seems like a waste, being not waterproof

A waterproof cordless toothbrush is ideal. Costs 10 bucks

 

[gbroadbridge]

My battlebrush is much better than a toothbrush and still doesn't get this stuff.

Algae removal isn't new to me just curious if anyone has tried it.

Sounds like a great method to get crap everywhere, and to aerosolise harmful pathogens.

And that's before you drop the tool into the salt water and ruin it and perhaps electrocute yourself.

So many ways to a Darwin.

 

[ZoWhat]

Sorta like removing toilet stains using a 40 grit belt sander... lol

Only way to get rid of algae is to starve it out of its food souce, PHOSPHATES

Get something else to consume the Phosphates

Either daily dose phytoplankton, which will consume Phosphate faster than hair algae, THUS starving it out if it's food source

Or

Remove the Phosphate, not to 0 but below 0.1ppm, around 0.05ppm

Loads of ways to remove Phosphate. my favorite is dosing droplets of LathChloride thru a product on Amazon by Blue Life, PhosphateRX

You don't want algae? Consistently get your water column at 0.05ppm Phosphates per a Hanna tester.

Hair algae WILL die off. Nuttin' to eat.... like grass with no rain for months

 

[spsick]

Are we talking the stubborn red turf algae?

 

[JayM]

Link or image didn't work. Can you repost? I have a branch rock I've been wanting to cut a branch off of to move a coral out but haven't figured out how to do it.

Link worked for me. It’s a flex shaft attachment for a Dremel. It would probably work, but considering there’s plenty of metal in/on it, it would probably be a nightmare to rinse and dry so that it wouldn’t rust away in short time.

 

[drawman]

Sounds like a great method to get crap everywhere, and to aerosolise harmful pathogens.

And that's before you drop the tool into the salt water and ruin it and perhaps electrocute yourself.

So many ways to a Darwin.

Lol was not planning on doing this in saltwater my friend. But I do agree it would likely get crap everywhere.

 

[drawman]

Are we talking the stubborn red turf algae?

It's a green turf algae but I'm probably going to just stick to my regular brushing for now. It is stubborn stuff.