Sump cleaning

[Crabs McJones]

I'm going to be deep cleaning my sump this afternoon, more specifically the refugium. It's getting overgrown with algae and I don't want to risk it choking my chaeto out. What's the best way to scrape the algae and other stuff off of the walls without scratching it? It's acrylic so I don't want to use a razor blade. I have a plastic scraper, but it doesn't seem to do very well. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!!
Crabs

 

[DLHDesign]

I've used the hook side of velcro before as a kind of "buffer pad". While it seemed to work, I don't think I'd recommend that as it may result in scratches...

Have you tried an old credit card? (Or a new one - we throw enough money into these tanks, we may as do so literally...)

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've used the hook side of velcro before as a kind of "buffer pad". While it seemed to work, I don't think I'd recommend that as it may result in scratches...

Have you tried an old credit card? (Or a new one - we throw enough money into these tanks, we may as do so literally...)

I don't have any credit cards (my wife and I hate them) but I do have some old membership cards I can probably give a try. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've used the hook side of velcro before as a kind of "buffer pad". While it seemed to work, I don't think I'd recommend that as it may result in scratches...

Have you tried an old credit card? (Or a new one - we throw enough money into these tanks, we may as do so literally...)

Oh my gosh! Great tip on the credit card/membership card idea! It worked like a charm! My refugium is spotless!!

 

[DLHDesign]

Great to hear! I guess I should actually try it out now, eh? ;-)

(I actually have a glass sump, so just use my razor-blade scraper. <grin>)

 

[Katrina71]

I use an old unused scraper from pampered chef. The kind they send you with the stone pizza pans.

 

[Benga]

A silicone squeegee would probably work, the handle on them might help keep your hand out of the water too

 

[Radman73]

I use an old unused scraper from pampered chef. The kind they send you with the stone pizza pans.

That was going to be my recommendation!

 

[brandolphjr]

Mr clean eraser without additives...a little elbow grease,,no scratches....

 

[Benga]

Mr clean eraser without additives...a little elbow grease,,no scratches....

I'd be careful with those sponges, they're known to be abbrasive and overtime cause micro scratches.

 

[brandolphjr]

I'd be careful with those sponges, they're known to be abbrasive and overtime cause micro scratches.

I haven't had a problem yet,,just don't get sand on it.[emoji1]