We keep aquariums to enjoy what’s inside so it’s important to get yourself a good quality algae scraper. Don’t let algae stand in your way of full aquarium viewing enjoyment.
There are two types of algae scrapers. Magnetic scrapers and handheld scrapers with interchangeable blades. These small by mighty accessories will make a world of difference for you aquarium enjoyment.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular reef tank algae scrapers.
Magnetic Scrapers
For your everyday green, red, or brown algae which build up on the aquarium glass you are best off using a magnetic algae scraper. These types of scraper stay in the tank and have a blade edge inside with a magnet holding it in place from the outside.
Magnetic algae scraper can have a somewhat abrasive surface on the inside or be completely flat with only metal or ceramic blade. We recommend getting a magnetic scraper that floats. A floating scraper is absolutely critical for larger tanks!
That way when you miscalculate the distance around a corner or accidentally remove the magnet outside the glass your magnetic algae scrapper inside simply floats to the surface when you can retrieve and reconnect.
- Tunze Care Magnet Booster Float
The Tunze Care Magnet has an ergonomic handle and special plastic blades made of wear-resistant high-performance plastic. And with the addition of the care magnet floating booster, this is hands down one of our favorite magnetic algae scrapers.
Two Little Fishies’ NanoMag is an itsy-bitsy high-energy, window-cleaning magnet, a must for any nano tank owner. The tiny algae scraping square provides flexibility and a slender profile that slips safely between polyps or plants.
- Flipper Cleaner Magnet
Flipper Cleaners are a fan favorite and feature a patented flipping magnetic scraper. One side of the flipper magnet has a soft but abrasive surface for cleaning the glass, and with the flick of the dry magnet, the internal magnet flips 180 degrees to engage the ABS plastic or metal blade. Choose the plastic blade for acrylic and metal for glass tanks.
- Magfloat Cleaner
Magfloat is a classic magnetic algae scraper that comes in a rectangular or square form either with or without the scraping edge. The classic mag float has a velcro-like surface on the inside magnet to dislodge and clear algae.
Hand Held Scrapers
The second type of algae scraper are long handle scrapers with multiple attachment tips. Hand held scraper are used for getting to those hard to reach places, in the corners, between the edges of the sand, and behind tight fighting aquascapes.
Most algaes are easy to scrape off with a magnet of sweep of a hand held acrylic scraping blade, but every now and then you will get stubborn hard to remove algea. Hand help scraper come with a metal blade when you need to scrape or scratch at algae, just be careful not to scratch your tank.
- Continnum Aquatics AquaBlade
Continuum Aquatics AquaBlade comes in a short and long handle blade version with replaceable blades. Short handle AquaBlades are injection molded, and the long version have a fiberglass handle so no water will get inside the scraper. Long handle design comes in three sizes 15in, 25in or 35in, both with the option of a Cyan Plastic Blade or Stainless Steel Blade.
- Seachem Algae Scraper
The 3 in 1 Seachem Algae Scraper comes in two sizes, short and long handle with three blade options for different aquarium tanks. The handheld short verison is 12” with the longer handle version 18” long.
Be Careful Not To Scratch Your Glass!
Quality algae scrapers are made with specialized coating and materials to avoid scratching your glass, however always proceed with caution when cleaning the glass. Be especially careful with magnetic scraper to avoid sand being trapped between the magnet and the glass.
Some black aquariums sands could contain more volcanic or magnetic sand particles which can be attracted to the magnetic scraper so always make sure you are paying close attention to your scraper. This is where the floating scraper pays off as you can simply remove the magnet and let the inner scapper float around to loosen trapped sand.
Some scrappers will need to come completely out of the water to clean off any sand particles, either trapped in the abrassize inner pad or stuck to the magnet.
