Scraping Glass

[BizMike]

I bought a used 55 gal only to find out it had scratches all over the glass. Lately, it has seemed like I've been putting more scratches in. I think I found my problem last night - the metal scraper that came with the tank (also used) is scratching the glass.

Is there some trick to using those scrapers without scratching glass? What do you guys use for sraping glass?

 

[jason2459]

I use a mag float daily even if it doesn't look like I need to and if I need to I'll use a razor blade in straight line motions.

 

[arredondojason]

credit cards work great as well or save up some money and get an algea-free magnet scraper they are worth the money.

 

[thegrun]

Be sure whatever you use to clean the glass does not pick up grains of sand, as that is the likely source of the scratches. I use an old credit card for the stuff the mag float will not remove.

 

[KRAZ4REEFS]

I use about a 4 inch wide razor scraper from Home depot for coraline, you can get replacement blades there as well, works great. A mag float works great for most cleaning, just wont get the coraline off. Just make sure when you buy a mag float that it is intended for the glass thickness that you have, there are stronger ones for thicker glass.

 

[BizMike]

Finally - A use for my old library card! I never thought of that, but it makes sense. I bet my used scraper has a tiny piece of raised metal somewhere on it.

I just wish I asked this question about 50 scratches ago.

 

[dpham]

had the same problem before and didnt know how i was getting scratches till i looked at my mag float and saw sand stuck on it

 

[garzaci]

I use a razor blade. Just be careful and no scratches. And inspect your blade each time to make sure there's no rust or pitting.

 

[Neogenocide]

Metal scrapers and razors scratch glass. Plastic won't. I only use a razors when ABSOLUTELY necessary. I've also heard that ice scrapers work well in tanks, but again make sure it's plastic.

Scott

 

[jimbo78]

razor blade and a half in wooden dowel. just cut a grove for the blade and change it every time. you can get a dowel and a 100 pack of blades for cheaper than and scraper they sell at the LFS. also a mag float for daily use is great

 

[bertoni]

I just used utility knife blades and threw them away when they got too rusty. The credit card seemed like a lot more work on a glass tank.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I use metal utility knife blades also. They're cheap and I just throw them out after every couple uses.

 

[sharky's machin]

Easy Blade scrapers are awesome. They are razor blades that superglue to the back of a magfloat. You have to remove from the water and clean each time you use it, but it works wonders. The angle of the razor blade is perfect for scraping algae on glass.

 

[BizMike]

Is there some trick to using utility knife blades without scratching the glass? It seems like a lot of people use knive blades, razor blades, etc but I feel like I was scratching my tank with my metal scraper.

I just don't know what I could have been doing wrong or what I should do different going forward.

 

[BradMugs]

Metal or plastic will pick up rocks, bumps etc. If it's harder than the glass it will scratch it. The scrapers we use have replacable blades or we toss them after a few uses. Your scraper probably picked up a rock at one time and got a nick or something that is scratching you tank. Toss the scraper (or take a file to it to sharpen/smooth the edge) check it with your finger and try again where it wont show.

 

[sharky's machin]

Is there some trick to using utility knife blades without scratching the glass? It seems like a lot of people use knive blades, razor blades, etc but I feel like I was scratching my tank with my metal scraper.

I just don't know what I could have been doing wrong or what I should do different going forward.

These are well worth the $50 (including the Mag Float). I wouldn't just pick up a razor blade and start scraping my tank.

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[bertoni]

I never had a problem with scratching when using a utility knife blade, but I was careful and kept the edge at a good angle to the glass.

 

[jsharp1]

I bet a plastic dywall knife would work pretty good

 

[Texxxx]

I don't put any kind of steal against my glass. Just dont want to take a chance. I use a brass ice scraper to get what the mag float will not. Brass is too soft to scratch glass.