Mag-Floats scratching!

[rsantangelo3@co]

Ok, have the acrylic safe mag-float large. I have several scratch on my new acrylic tank. What are other options to avoid this? All info is appreciated

 

[billdogg]

sadly, acrylic tanks tend to scratch if you look at them the wrong way. (i've switched back to glass - won't go back)

You may be trapping some sand when you get close to the bottom - even 1 grain will do the job. Take care to avoid that (stay an inch or so above the bottom) and clean the bottom section by hand

 

[rsantangelo3@co]

I do, and when you look literall nothing on either part of the mag yet scratchs. Maybe it scratchs just rubbing it even if the substanse isnt coarse?

 

[billdogg]

is it a magfloat for acrylic? they make one for glass the other for acrylic

 

[SI_rEEfer]

I actually wipe the acrylic surface first to remove loose debris and then use a magnet cleaner. I actually use an Aqua-mop, I believe its called, instead of the red plastic blade in my Kent scraper. This way I do not have to put my hands in the tank.

I find this has greatly reduces the chance of getting a scratch.

 

[rsantangelo3@co]

yeah, its the light blue one not the grey

 

[lizardarm]

Even the acrylic safe cleaners may leave very fine scratches; even if they're new and clean. One thing to do is to wrap a polishing cloth around both halves of the mag cleaner.

 

[rsantangelo3@co]

Lizard, how will that effect its magnetic hold? I am already using a magnet rated for up to 5/8" on my 3/4" acrylic tank. Will it not keep such a charge with the added layer. What type of polish cloth do you recc. that wont be an eye soar and safe for the tank, and last of course wont scratch!! lol !!

 

[eros]

I tried to do my buddy a favor by cleaning his tank when he was gone by using his magfloat. It was the acrylic version. It scratched the sh*t out of his tank. I felt so bad. I used a scratch removal kit on it before he got back. It fixed most of it but it still didn't look great. I will NEVER buy an acrylic tank after that.

 

[hyperfocal]

Don't leave the cleaner in the tank, little snails can crawl into the scrubber and will scratch when you next use it.

And yes, acrylic tanks are Satan.

 

[Lotus99]

I never leave my magnetic cleaner in the tank, as hyperfocal says, snails go in there, or other stuff, and it will scratch. I also use a pad on the inside float (in the tank) and run my hand over the one on the outside before using.

The Coralife Quik Wipes are great for putting over the magnetic cleaners. They're thin enough not to cause a problem with the magnets.

Before you use any kind of scraper or cleaner on an acrylic tank, run your fingers over it to make sure it has no sharp edges or embedded sand. Plastic scrapers can get dents/nicks in them that will scratch the acrylic.

 

[lizardarm]

The polishing cloth that I get comes from the auto parts store; they're for polishing tail light lenses and such. I agree with not leaving the cleaner in the tank. One more thought on this- there was a thread on here just this past week about using Mr. Clean magic scrubbers for cleaning the acrylic; I've tried it and it's working great! It does require getting your hands wet, but it takes less elbow grease than the scraper wand thingy.

 

[rsantangelo3@co]

safe for the H20?

 

[chucksta1]

The "magic eraser" is non toxic, just rinse well before first use and NEVER use it for anything else.. It is a micro fiber pad, and as such, is sensitive to abrasion, don't try to remove a coraline spot with it. It will just shred it.

You might want to try a micro fiber cloth under the magnet. they're thin enough to not drastically affect the "pull " of the magnets.

 

[zachtos]

acylic tanks are total #%#$

I'm stuck w/ my plastic POS 240G tank and hate it. If you have corraline or want to clean the tank, you will scratch no matter how hard you try not to. Get used to it, and don't buy another one ever again. I have no idea why anybody does?

Mine will become a sump after my next upgrade to glass. notice how i call glass an upgrade? yeah.