What are the best tools for cleaning a low iron glass aquarium without scratching the glass?

[Daniel@R2R]

What are the best tools for cleaning a low iron glass aquarium without scratching the glass? How do you clean your tank to avoid scratches inside or out? How often do you clean? What have you found to be the best equipment for getting this job done?

 

[Slocke]

Following! Seeing as I just bought my first low iron glass tank I need to know.

 

[JayM]

I had a Flipper float and it worked well at causing a scratch or two, but not so well at removing stubborn algae. Switched to a Tunze Strong +. No more algae and no more scratches.

 

[GARRIGA]

I had a Flipper float and it worked well at causing a scratch or two, but not so well at removing stubborn algae. Switched to a Tunze Strong +. No more algae and no more scratches.

Using a Flipper Float on regular glass and noticed some scratch and didn’t make the connection but this makes sense. Might as well try Tunze as one upcoming build is low iron 15g and main might unless I stick with acrylic due to size

 

[exnisstech]

I switched to the tunze care magnets and have been very happy.

 

[djkms]

I had a Flipper float and it worked well at causing a scratch or two, but not so well at removing stubborn algae. Switched to a Tunze Strong +. No more algae and no more scratches.

Just a caution - this isn't going to be full proof. My 600 gallon Miracles aquarium has low iron on 3 sides and I have a Tunze strong magnet+. I have 3-4 scratches on it already from this magnet.

I can give insight to what I have learned though with this magnet especially.

• Do not use the plastic blades - on either side. Make sure both sides are using metal blades and buy replacement blades and replace them at least once a month. Probably overkill but blades are cheap and scratches are permanent. The plastic blades will deteriorate and pit and sand can get caught in the pits. Ask me how I know...
• bend the blades out on both sides before each use. This will slight bend the blades and if sand does get stuck its more likely to roll off
• Make sure to wipe down the blades before each use and run your finger across them to feel for grooves. If not completely smooth, replace the blade
• Go back and forth top to bottom in small sections and when you get near the bottom stay at least 2 inches away from the sandbed. When you reach the bottom release the magnets so any caught sand will release
• If you do want to clean near the sandbed (bottom 2 inches) do this last and dont bring the blade above the bottom 2 inches for any reason. You will get scratches near the sandbed though but these are so low its not a big deal for me.
• Keep the blade as vertical as possible
• I do find the finer the sand the more likely to scratch. My sand is basically crushed up Marco rock and it varies in size from fine to course.

I was hoping to not have scratches on my beautiful tank but it happened. My first couple scratches were from using plastic blades and my last big one was from not being cautious around the sandbed enough and getting too close and pulling a piece of sand into the viewing area and doing too broad of a clean stroke from left to right - its a long scratch.

Hope my misfortune helps you not have the same one

 

[Cell]

Magic eraser

 

[mh0ward]

I pretty much ditched the magnetic cleaner in favor of this on my nano:
Scrapes off everything with ease and actually easier to clean the back glass since I dont have to reach over and behind the tank. Might not be so practical on a larger tank though, given the blade is only 1.5-2" inches wide.

 

[exnisstech]

Just a caution - this isn't going to be full proof. My 600 gallon Miracles aquarium has low iron on 3 sides and I have a Tunze strong magnet+. I have 3-4 scratches on it already from this magnet.

I can give insight to what I have learned though with this magnet especially.

• Do not use the plastic blades - on either side. Make sure both sides are using metal blades and buy replacement blades and replace them at least once a month. Probably overkill but blades are cheap and scratches are permanent. The plastic blades will deteriorate and pit and sand can get caught in the pits. Ask me how I know...
• bend the blades out on both sides before each use. This will slight bend the blades and if sand does get stuck its more likely to roll off
• Make sure to wipe down the blades before each use and run your finger across them to feel for grooves. If not completely smooth, replace the blade
• Go back and forth top to bottom in small sections and when you get near the bottom stay at least 2 inches away from the sandbed. When you reach the bottom release the magnets so any caught sand will release
• If you do want to clean near the sandbed (bottom 2 inches) do this last and dont bring the blade above the bottom 2 inches for any reason. You will get scratches near the sandbed though but these are so low its not a big deal for me.
• Keep the blade as vertical as possible
• I do find the finer the sand the more likely to scratch. My sand is basically crushed up Marco rock and it varies in size from fine to course.

I was hoping to not have scratches on my beautiful tank but it happened. My first couple scratches were from using plastic blades and my last big one was from not being cautious around the sandbed enough and getting too close and pulling a piece of sand into the viewing area and doing too broad of a clean stroke from left to right - its a long scratch.

Hope my misfortune helps you not have the same one

This is exactly why I went bare bottom. Anytime I've had sand I've always managed to get scratches no matter how careful I am.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have a tunze care magnet, works great on my tank!

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Has anyone tried using Scrub Mommy or Scrub Daddy sponges on the tank? I'm thinking these may work well.