Acrylic tanks

Tracy

How do I clean the algae off the inside surfaces of my acrylic tank without scratching it? It is very stuck on and the snails can't clean it off. I've tried rubbing it with a cloth and still no luck. Any suggestions?

bettababy

Have you tried an aquarium safe scrubby pad? If that still won't take it off, you can try carefully with a PLASTIC scraper. This will usually be the best bet to avoid scratching the acrylic. I would try the soft scrubby pad first.

jones57742

In one word (per Ghost) Magnetron with brushes and then soft pads.

Some diligence is necessary because if you "let it go" animal colonies such as radiolaria will form which are covered with algae and these are a "real pain" to remove.
I believe these colonies are what you are now "dealing with". They evidence themselves as green "patches" on the tank walls.

I had to use some algae scrapers made by Kent (do not remember where I got them but you can google) for acrylic in order to remove some of the infested areas of these "pesky little critters".

TR

crazie.eddie

They do make algae scrapers pads made specifically for acrylic. Typical glass algae scraper pads are blue, while the ones for acrylic are usually white.

If you have a sand substrate, be careful with getting sand between the acrylic and the pad, so you don't scratch the acrylic.

trreherd

I have an acrilic tank now, i will never buy one again.They just scratch to easily.

Gump

Once you go really big acrylic is much easer to move and maintain. If its under 135 i agree with your comment.

Tracy

The tank in question is only 7 gallons, a hexagon. thank you for all your advice, especially crazy eddie. I got one of those white scrubby pads and cleaned it off tonight . :)