How do you guys scrape coralline off your glass surface?

Tomoko Schum

New member
Hi y'all,

I know this is a really basic question, but how do you clean coralline off your glass near silicone seams?

I have been very careful not to dig into any silicone when I scrape coralline with a Kent glass scraper with the stainless steel blade. My tank looks pink along the edges of the glass because it makes me nervous to get really close to the edge of the silicone. My powerful magnetic scraper cleans the glass panel really well, but not the edges.

Any recommendation besides the elbow grease?

Tomoko
 
I use a simple scraper that is no more than a double edged razor blade on a plastic stick. I remember using one to scrape algae in my 10 gallon freshwater tank when I was 9 years old. The one I use now came from The Aquarium Shop about 1999 - 2000. A couple of years ago I broke the plastic stick. I went to Darrell's to get another one and he didn't know what I was talking about. It seems that while I wasn't looking they quit making the simple (cheap) algae scrapers and now they want to sell you the Kent scraper with replacable stainless steel blades and whatever. In my opinion you can't beat a simple razor blade. It's worked for me for over 50 years. Just don't cut the silicone away from the corner (50 years ago we didn't have silicone corners).

BTW, I got a wooden dowel and fixed the one I broke.

Now, whew, I'm ready to take another dose of my special medication.
 
I use the razor, like Harry. At the silicone I use a scotchbrite pad. Works well if you don't let it build up too heavy.

Jim
 
I have seen were people used heated magnets to remove coralline, that may work for your silicone. As far as the best scraper walmart sell it for about 4.00 in the paint area. It is sharper than any I have used it is big ( makes short work of it) Replacement blades are around 1.00 for a few.
 
When I use my steel blade scraper, I try not to get under the silicone. Coralline is right up against the edge of it. It's such a pain in the neck to clean it. Literally it gave me a real stiff neck the other day.

Doesn't anyone have a magical way to get this pink thing melt away from the edge of the silicone?

6Speed - I have seen that thing on Premium Aquatics before. Do you screw it on a Mag Float?

Tomoko
 
I bought one of the $25 things you put on a magnet from the same company that makes the rotating water squirter thing (can't remember the name right now). It looked like it was going to work but wouldn't hold the blade in the correct angle tight enough to the glass. What was good about it was that you could see right where you were working and not have to be on a chair looking from the top.

It's pretty hard to beat a common razor blade.

I guess it's like the little piece of spring wire on a little slab of wood to catch a mouse. From time to time somebody figures it out and it's pretty simple.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8957933#post8957933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tomoko Schum

6Speed - I have seen that thing on Premium Aquatics before. Do you screw it on a Mag Float?

Tomoko

You glue it to the mag float. It really works awesome for coralline and for algae.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8957933#post8957933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tomoko Schum
When I use my steel blade scraper, I try not to get under the silicone. Coralline is right up against the edge of it. It's such a pain in the neck to clean it. Literally it gave me a real stiff neck the other day.
Doesn't anyone have a magical way to get this pink thing melt away from the edge of the silicone?


Tomoko

I wish it were easier!
 
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