Soothing Shrimp Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 What do you guys use to remove hard algae on glass? I have some on my front glass that is too tough for my floating mag to work on. I've thought about magic eraser, however I'm a little hesitant to be sticking my hands in the tank(s) and stirring up a lot of debris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquariumlover10 Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 Is the tank glass or acrylic? If glass maybe a razor blade, or similar, if acrylic a very tough aponge. Duff0712 and Soothing Shrimp 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chibikaie Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 If it's hard green spot algae, it's a sign that I'm running low on phosphorus. Usually feeding more frozen food (they often contain phosphate) or dosing small amounts of potassium phosphate will tip things back the way I want them. I guess that works best if there are plants in the tank that aren't actively dying. If it's new growth, sometimes I can get it off with my fingernails. Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayphly Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 I don't know what it's actually used for. I found it at the dollar store. It works pretty good for stubborn spot algae. That and I use a metal business card. aquariumlover10 and Soothing Shrimp 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wombat Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 I've used a plastic scraper before that I normally use to scrape ice off my windshield. Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamashack Posted November 9, 2014 Report Share Posted November 9, 2014 Have heard that a plastic credit card will do the trick tho haven't needed to try it. Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countryboy12484 Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I just use a cheap tooth brush with hard bristles Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Too hard for toothbrush. I'm sure a razor blade will do it. I was just trying to avoid hands in the water too much. Thanks folks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquariumlover10 Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Your welcome, if you get a hand held algae scrubber you could somehow mount it on there if you don't want hands in tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christinenha Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I've never had too much of an issue with hard algae. I remember trying to scrape off algae on my glass with the magnetic sponge before I had anything in the tank other than plants, and some just didn't want to come off. I just left it like that until I got my nerite snails and have never had an issue with algae on the glass since. Maybe you're in need of some nerite snails? =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DETAquarium Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I have always used the green pot scrubbers if its a glass tank, followed up with a normal sponge. Not sure if you can avoid having your hands in the tank. You can always use small amounts of hydrogen peroxide directly on the algae, works wonders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I've never had too much of an issue with hard algae. I remember trying to scrape off algae on my glass with the magnetic sponge before I had anything in the tank other than plants, and some just didn't want to come off. I just left it like that until I got my nerite snails and have never had an issue with algae on the glass since. Maybe you're in need of some nerite snails? =) Thanks Christine, however I *want* algae on the other sides of the tank. The algae make food that the shrimp eat, and it's great for young shrimp's first bites as well. christinenha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christinenha Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Oh yikes. I'm about to have some shrimplets soon and have almost no algae on the glass. Maybe feeding them a little every day will help? Also how will I do water changes without sucking the little buggers up in the tube?! -.- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Two ways to do wc without sucking them up. 1) Keep the tube siphon in the upper middle of the tank, and you should be pretty okay. That is done by most everyone I know. BUT I'm lazy and not super patient with 60+ tanks....so there's a 2nd way I developed and experimented with and have been very happy with- I use a 1/2" ID vinyl tube with one of Han's stainless steel mesh filters on the end. I also have a 3/8" one that also has a SS mesh on the end. Both syphon out water fast, and I don't have to worry a bit about where I place it, and sucking up anything but water. ...Although since I do non weighted down moss, I do have to make sure it doesn't stick to the SS filter. heh Desireenfh and Elo500 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayphly Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 Hey Soothing, I wrapped some filter floss on the end of these bamboo crocheting needles and they work great on removing the hard algae and keep my hands out of my tanks. I also use these without the floss to heard shrimp in to nets. Very versatile aquarium tool! Soothing Shrimp and Elo500 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 Nice idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Flipper Magnet Cleaner, works in my marine tank very well. My marine tank is 10 mm (3/8") glass and I use the standard version, they do make a nano version as well for up to 6 mm (1/4"). Elo500 and Soothing Shrimp 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hey, that flipper looks pretty cool. It scrapes well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hey, that flipper looks pretty cool. It scrapes well? It scrapes awesome, one pass and algae is gone. Just make sure you get the Flipper and not the Mag Flip, I have both and the Mag Float version sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 I use the mag floats for the soft algae and it works fine for me, but doesn't do squat for hard algae. I'll check it out! Thanks! Now, to find the cheapest source... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDT78 Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 A plastic credit cards works perfect and does not scratch the tank. I use it all the time in my planted tanks. Corinne 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 yeah, but that involves hands in the water for an extended period of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDT78 Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 For how long is your lights on ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted November 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 LOL LOTS! That is the main reason why I have that and hair algae. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDT78 Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 LOL LOTS! That is the main reason why I have that and hair algae. Soothing Shrimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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