How do you clean your acrylic tank

[h2obaby]

I have a new (to me) 300 gal acrylic tank and can't reach the bottom by the sand i have used the long handle white scrubby but can't push hard enought to get it clean,if i use the tunes magnet it picks up sand and scratched the tank. I would like my tank to look clean and don't like the bottom looking dirty.:furious:
Please Help!!!

 

[khaosinc]

I have a plastic scraper on the end of a 36" handle for my tank. Does a fairly nice job.

 

[h2obaby]

is it made for acrylic? all the scappers i see look to hard for acrylic. thank you for the info

 

[albano]

I have a plastic scraper on the end of a 36" handle for my tank. Does a fairly nice job.

+1 don't use the magnet near the sand... and to prevent the plastic handle from breaking, I put the handle inside a 1/2" PVC pipe which stops the flexing. The best method for removing coraline is another piece of acrylic, which works like a razor blade, but doesn't scratch !



my new 450g acrylic DT build http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/63397-hundreds-corals-fish-free.html

my present 650g system http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/60301-dream-come-true-setup-albanos-house.html

 

[h2obaby]

+1 don't use the magnet near the sand... and to prevent the plastic handle from breaking, I put the handle inside a 1/2" PVC pipe which stops the flexing. The best method for removing coraline is another piece of acrylic, which works like a razor blade, but doesn't scratch !
1st off very nice tank if mine was that big i would not have to worry about the bottom i could just get in and clean. how would you cut the acrylic or is it somthing you can buy? if so where? thank you for the help
Michelle

 

[albano]

There is a member here on RC that makes them at a very fair price, I will try to find it,(I cut my own) in the mean time here is an online vendor http://www.aquariumarts.com/acrylicscraper.html
thanks for compliment

 

[mypepper]

I use a old credit card near the bottom of the sand bed area. Works like a charm.

Randy

 

[Reefer08]

The kent algae scraper works great. The one with the plastic red replaceable blades.

 

[wildman6809]

i also use the Kent scraper with the red blade. the handle on it does not flex that much and you can sharpen the blade with a fine file if it starts to get dull

 

[albano]

i also use the Kent scraper with the red blade. the handle on it does not flex that much and you can sharpen the blade with a fine file if it starts to get dull

+1 it is the long handle Kent scraper that has broken, and so I 'reinforced' it...instead of a file, I use a small wood plane from my X-acto knife set to re-do the blade...haven't bought a new blade in years





my new 450g acrylic DT build http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/...fish-free.html

 

[h2obaby]

thank you all very much i will have to look into the kent one.

thx
Michelle

 

[h2obaby]

Albano if you find the person that sells them please let me know thank you.
Michelle

 

[seth&angelle]

Also use the kent scraper

 

[albano]

Michelle, contact Victor ' Amp2020 '

 

[HOB]

Also use the kent scraper with the red blade

 

[h2obaby]

Michelle, contact Victor ' Amp2020 '

Thank you!!!!

 

[jjk_reef00]

Kent scraper also, make sure if you chip any off you replace the plastic blade. On one of my tanks the chip didn't matter. On the other tank it made scratches.

 

[jjk_reef00]

I've read someplace that there are some wipes that people use to clean the front/outside of the tank. Anyone know what these are?

 

[rbd0331]

The kent algae scraper works great. The one with the plastic red replaceable blades.

I also use the kent scraper. I got 2 different sizes - one long to reach way down to the bottom and the other shorter because its easier to use at top of tank.

 

[h2obaby]

I've read someplace that there are some wipes that people use to clean the front/outside of the tank. Anyone know what these are?

When i got the tank it came with a one step polish and cleaner it's made for acrylic. It's called brillianize thew sticker on the back is from Tripp's house of plastic and was $5.72 The ph# is (775)348-6676. you spray it on then wipe offwith what looks like a paper towel but they are much softer. they came from the same place. hope that helps. I do like the way my tank looks after i clean it and living in tahoe every thing tends to get dusty very fast. this stuff must have some sort of anti static stuff in it because this is the only tank that does'nt attract dust.