Flipper vs Algae Free

polyppal · Dec 13, 2020

Usually I buy a cheap Magfloat scraper for my tanks, however I want to get a nicer one this time around.

Algae Free vs Flipper... Aside from looks, Is there any advantage to one over the other?

Flux Capacitor · Dec 13, 2020

I have the Algae Free Piranha on my Red Sea XL 525 and love it! I’ll never buy another type ever again. Great customer service too!

dmy535 · Dec 13, 2020

Back in the day, on my last tank I started with the flipper on my 90, it was a cool concept, but the magnet just wasn’t strong enough and I’d have to go over the same spot over and over. Changed to the algae free and loved it. With my new tank, I needed one and spend the money on the algae free again. Expensive as heck, but the magnet is nice and strong and cleans great. The new scraper design is a nice touch too.

polyppal · Dec 13, 2020

dmy535 said:
Back in the day, on my last tank I started with the flipper on my 90, it was a cool concept, but the magnet just wasn’t strong enough and I’d have to go over the same spot over and over. Changed to the algae free and loved it. With my new tank, I needed one and spend the money on the algae free again. Expensive as heck, but the magnet is nice and strong and cleans great. The new scraper design is a nice touch too.

yeah im leaning toward the AF, thanks!

Mical · Dec 13, 2020

They're both good scrapers but the Flipper is known for weak magnets. That's why some folks at BRS have "hybrid" them using Algae Free Outside magnet with flipper.

Sandersonville · Dec 14, 2020

Flux Capacitor said:
I have the Algae Free Piranha on my Red Sea XL 525 and love it! I’ll never buy another type ever again. Great customer service too!

Specs say the Piranha is for glass 1/4 to 3/8 thick and to go up two models to the Tiger Shark for glass 5/8 to 3/4 thick.

I also have a 525 and the glass is 5/8 thick. Any concern or need for stronger magnets using the Piranha on 5/8? How do you think the Tiger Shark might perform with what I assume would be much stronger magnets? Cost is almost twice that the Piranha.

ksed · Dec 14, 2020

AF is a quality magnet cleaner but I wish they had better blade design. Barely scrapes.

ksed · Dec 17, 2020

zbryce said:
Usually I buy a cheap Magfloat scraper for my tanks, however I want to get a nicer one this time around.

Algae Free vs Flipper... Aside from looks, Is there any advantage to one over the other?

Did you decide on a magnet?

homer1475 · Dec 17, 2020

Tunze care magnet could also be an option.

I never use the pad side of my flipper, too afraid of scratches.

Viking_Reefing · Dec 17, 2020

Yeah, tunze is where it’s at!

polyppal · Dec 17, 2020

ksed said:
Did you decide on a magnet?

I went with the Algae Free, came in today and seems like it is going to work great!
I have very thick glass, went with the hammerhead and it is more than strong enough