How to clean 3/4" acrylic???

[Virginia Reef]

I have bought a 225 g acrylic tank and am in the process of setting it up. What type of algae scrapers do you recommend? Magnetic scraper? What brands do you recommend? Plastic straight edge (like a credit card)? I would imagine both. The acrylic is 3/4" thick.

I have used Mag Float magnetic scrapers for my glass tank in the past.

Thanks.

 

[jessezm]

I'm in the same boat, so I'll tag along!

 

[sabodish]

same boat here...just set up a 36x36x30 cube with 3/4 acrylic.

 

[Tremelle]

You can use the Kent Hand Scraper. If you want a magnetic scraper, you can use Algea Free Tiger Magnetic Scraper. It has replacment pads included for acrylic. If you do get some scratches, here is a kit to remove them, Scratch Removal Kit.

 

[loserkidz]

I use the Algae free Great White, it actually works on my 1-1/4" acrylic tank a bit more than what it is spec'd for!!
Brent

 

[jessezm]

Man, these things ain't cheap!

 

[cweder]

I use the Tiger Shark Magnet for 3/4 inch acrylic from Marine Depot or Custom Aquatic. It works well. If you wait too long before cleaning and coraline starts to take hold it is a real chore of course. The replacement pads come with a large hand pad that is about 6x8 inches and is acrylic safe. This is what I saw a local pet store using. If you want to save money just buy the pad only and get your hands wet. I just bought some 2x4 inch velcro tape from Lowes/Home Depot and it seems almost identical to the pad that comes on the magnet....so for 3 bucks this might work for hand use too. I tested it on an extra piece of acrylic and it appeared to work the same and no scratches.

 

[Bebo77]

i use a 100 micron filter pad cut to size.. does not scratch and wipes everything off the acrylic very easily....

 

[z28pwr]

I use the Magnavore 10, but you should probably use the 6 or 8 since the 10 is too much overkill for a 3/4" tank.

 

[pwhitby]

i use an old credit card, reach in and scrape. I then clean it up with a long nandled brush with a matted nylon head. I clean to within 1/2 inch of the sand.

I then scrape sand back wards with a long handled kent scraper. Check no sand remains on scraper and do last part.

Once clean i use a specific Acrylic cleaner on the outside of the tank.

Perfect, no scratches.

sometimes............for really ahrd to get spots, or just because I can.....I snorkel while cleaning.

Paul.

 

[chetm2]

I also use the Algae free Great White magnet. It works great on my .75" acrylic.

 

[ReefBuilderNJ]

i got an acrylic tank right now. they scratch too easy. i use a plastic straight edge, but watch the sand beds.