cleaning acrylic tank

[nychris351]

i was just wondering if i can use the same magnetic scrub thingy for acrylic ..i heard acrylic scratches easier so just wanted to make sure

 

[johnike]

What kind of magnet? They make replacement pads for the good ones specially for acrylic.
I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a Dobie Pad when I go in with my hands.
One member here takes a Magic Eraser and filets it in four pieces for his magnet, sheer genius.

 

[pmrossetti]

If you use acrylic safe pads, yes you can use the same magnets.

 

[albano]

Acrylic safe magnet sleeves
http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=1685

 

[flight50]

You can always just use a old or unused credit card, gym member ship card, rewards card, etc. It takes a bit to get off harder algae but its better than scratching your tank and having to polish it out later down the road.

 

[johnike]

A plastic card will scratch the tank, trust me.

 

[albano]

A piece of acrylic with a straight edge works great on coralline and won't scratch the tank

 

[HowManyClowns]

Mag float acrylic are blue, mag float glass are white or off white. Pads are different- both scratch your tank

 

[toku58]

Mag float acrylic are blue, mag float glass are white or off white. Pads are different- both scratch your tank

The Blue mag float use the hook side of the adhesive back Velcro. That can scratch your tank. But I replaced my pad with the loop side of the velcro (soft side) and that works fine for the day to day stuff.

But the hard algae stains need to be scrubbed with the felt blade pad. the Mag float won't cut it!

 

[HowManyClowns]

I bought a telescopic handle with several attachments. I used a soft pad on my acrylic and LIGHTLY. Avoid using it near the bottom because sand will get in a scratch it up

 

[scottpanek]

isint there chemicals in Mr. Clean sponges?

 

[DDon]

I use Mr. Clean pads, original formula, in the tank without issues. Use by hand on some areas or since I have limited access will also put 1 on cleaning side of magnet. Works great except on coralline. For that I use one of the kent scrapers with plastic blade for acrylic.
One note if caution with Mr. Clean pad, they are somewhat abrasive. I read somewhere they were equivalent to 1000 grit but not sure if that is true. If you use a lot of pressure it will scratch the tank... Know from experience.

 

[albano]

...I use one of the kent scrapers with plastic blade for acrylic...

When the Kent plastic blade 'wears out', I use a small woodworking plane from my X-acto knife set, and plane the blade level... lasts 'for years' if you keep it flat and smooth.

 

[DDon]

When the Kent plastic blade 'wears out', I use a small woodworking plane from my X-acto knife set, and plane the blade level... lasts 'for years' if you keep it flat and smooth.

Will have to keep that in mind, thanks.
Happen to have a pic?

 

[smoothie7]

I use Mr. Clean erasers original and they have worked great with no scratch problems

 

[fftfk]

I learn something new every time I read this website...so let me get this straight...you guys are using Mr. Clean erasers pads inside in the water to clean acrylic tanks?

This is amazing to me. I would have thought the chemicals in the pads would kill everything in the tank.

 

[DDon]

Yep inside tank, with the original ones.

 

[smoothie7]

just make sure they are the originals and you should be good to go