Top 3 Best Algae Scrapers for Getting Rid of Coralline Algae
Coralline algae is a great indication of a healthy saltwater system, and as a newcomer it becomes one of the milestones for your tank. The only problem is, it also becomes one of the first obstacles to overcome. With the emergence of coralline algae, it is also time to look at how to remove it from your glass. Below we will look at the mainstays which are some of the Best Algae Scrapers you can purchase.
1: FL!PPER Float Glass Cleaner
The FL!PPER Float is arguably the number 1 selling brand for best algae scrapers in the US, and does just as well in the rest of the world!
You may be wondering why it is called the FL!PPER? Well, cleverly, when you are cleaning your aquarium and need to move the scraper from one pane to another, you simply move the magnet around the corner. The scraper inside your tank releases and flips onto the next pane, following the magnet.
If you mistakenly lose magnetic contact with the scraper, the ‘float’ action comes into play and ascends to the surface of the aquarium, where it can be retrieved.
The Fl!PPER Float comes in three main sizes: Nano, Standard and Max. See below for a breakdown of the scraper that would best suit your tank.
As with any glass aquarium scraper, you need to be vigilant when cleaning along the sand line. The FL!PPER Float can be prone to having larger sand particles getting stuck between the body and the glass. Unfortunately, if you do not notice this in time you can very easily drag that sand along the glass pane, causing an irreparable scratch.
2: Tunze Care Magnet
The Tunze Care Magnet is also a very well known, reputable best algae scrapers. In fact, I own a Tunze magnet that is now at least ten years old.
The Tunze magnets are a completely different construction to that of the FL!PPER Float. The only two parts of the scraper that touch the glass are the blades on either end. The central support sits 3mm above the glass pane. This is important because it allows sand to fall away from the scraper without being dragged along the glass. In the ten years I have owned mine, I have never scraped the glass accidentally.
To compete with FL!PPER, Tunze have included a ‘Boost’ with use unit sold. This is an attachment made of foam that helps the scraper float to the surface should you lose magnetic contact. However, having tried this on my own, I do not use it. To navigate around a corner you simply move the smaller blade off the corner, then keeping magnetic contact you move the rest of the blade too. The scraper follows the magnet. It does take a few tries to get this right.
The biggest draw for me, however, are the rounded blades that ensure you do not mistakenly scrape into the seals in the corners.
The Tunze Care Magnet comes in three main sizes: Nano, Long and Strong. See below for the scraper that would best suit your tank.
The good news is that both the Tunze Care Magnet and the FL!PPER Float can be left in a saltwater aquarium. Both include replaceable stainless steel blades that are just about impervious to corrosion. This is particularly helpful in ensuring it is always there to use. No need to fish it out from who knows where you lose things!
Not only do scrapers remove coralline algae, but also everyday film algae too.
Are the algae scraper blades replaceable?
Again, yes. When new, these blades are very sharp and are more than capable of doing the job intended. However, like all other blades they do eventually dull and need to be replaced.
Tunze offer plastic and stainless steel replacements, but my first choice would be stainless steel every time.
3: The humble utilty blade
As good as both the FL!PPER and the Tunze are, there will invariably come a time when they just cannot get that stubborn algae off your glass. Normally this is the green ‘hardish’ algae that coralline algae will grow on top of. The problem is that the magnetic pull of the blade on the glass sometimes cannot get a purchase on the edge of the green smear and will glide over the top of it!
Time to get your hands wet. Utility blades make the job a breeze, but they can only be used once. Even washing them off under fresh water does not stop them rusting.
Notice: Be sure to watch our HOW-TO video before using it. It can help you slide the utility blade out quickly and easily
Super Versatility: It is made entirely according to standard utility knife blades and fits most standard & fixed utility knives perfectly
Affordable: Includes 100-pack replacement blades and they come in a well-built case for safe storage and disposal. Each blade is rigorously tested and we firmly believe this is a great deal
I have a pack of 100, that has been slowly used over the years. Just a word of warning: be extremely careful along those seals, take your time!
You really do not need anything else to keep your glass clean. Choose either the FL!PPER or the Tunze, and have a pack of utility blades for when the going gets tough.
For info on how to remove coralline from your plastic components in your tank, and those hard to reach spots, read this.
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