Algae Scraping

[ddavis1979]

This may be obvious to some, maybe some can benefit from this.

I find that most of the algae cleaning instrumments sold in pet shops are expensive and ineffective.

The most useful tools I have found to date:

For cleaning and scraping algae and other unwanted debris from the glass sides of the tank, a plastic putty knife from the hardware store is the best so far, and only 98 cents. Or a small razor if you really have some issues.

Plastic Putty Knife Scraper

In the same aisle of the hardware store, they will also have some stiff bristle or wifer brushes. These are good of cleaning and scraping tank decorations and ornaments.

3 Brush Set

[Hardy85]

just a quick note on this, be careful with the razor near any corners, you do not wanna hit the silicone, I have seen threads on another forum of someone that did that

[ddavis1979]

good point!

[Cermet]

I have discovered that once algae starts, scraping is pointless - it just comes back. The key is getting rid of the cause - such as too much light or old bulbs; too little of a critical plant nutrient (if you have plants and feed) or too high phosphates (very likely if you have fish and no plants, or even fish and plants.)

[korith]

Old plastic cards work well. Like credit cards or even membership cards to grocery stores. Been using them for years now and whenever I need a new one I just go get a free one from the grocery store. Works well on algae that has to be scraped off the glass.