Cleaning Glass on Bowfront - Any Suggestions

[fkbsar]

I am now the proud owner of a 72g Bowfront and have found cleaning the glass to be a challenge. I mean the scraping the magfloat takes care of the usual daily swiping but I mean for the hard core glass cleaning.

Yesterday I used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with good results yesterday with quite a bit of manipulation but there has to be an easier way. I sandwich the Magic Eraser between the magfloat and got pretty good results but wanted to know what everyone else was doing or using.

[Henry Parsons]

I'm not sure about this but I would assume that that mr clean magic eraser has some chemicals in it. I personally wouldn't use it. Even if it doesn't contain any chemicals it is probably very abrasive and may cloud your glass with scratches over time. I just use a razor blade and try to be careful not to scratch the glass.

[alaska clowns]

I have a 26 gallon bow front, and I just use the magfloat, but I suppose I don't have as much glass as you do I haven't been cleaning the back of my tank, just the front and occasionally the sides. I haven't had as much algae buildup lately, but I think that's due to my tank settling in (I started it up in February) and getting my nitrates/phosphates lowered, and shortening my photoperiod. I probably wouldn't recommend the magic eraser, although the package doesn't tell you what kind, if any, chemicals are in it.

[fkbsar]

It was the first time using the Magic Eraser with good results. I was wondering how do you get close to the bottom. It is almost impossible for me to reach the bottom without almost putting my head in the water. LOL I stand a good 5'7 and I'm standing on a bar stool height kitchen chair and still can't reach the bottom.

[reefscape15]

I have a 54gal corner bowfront, and the daily or semi daily use of a mag-float will keep your glass clean for the most part. I use an acrylic bladed scraper every once in a while to get right above my sand bed or any coralline or stubborn spots clean. I never get too close to the sand with the mag-float as it may trap a few pieces of sand and scratch the glass. Also, definately do not use a metal razor blade. If you slip or end up positioning the blade so it is not exactly square with the curve of the glass, you will end up with major glass damage. The acrylic scraper is nice because you can push against the glass as hard as you need, and it will not scrape it.

[fkbsar]

I think part of my problem too is that the way I have my T5s retro'd into the factory made hood. I built a frame inside the hood with PVC and attached my T5 retros to that. I have to leave the manufacturer's hood on the tank which is an extra say....7 or 8 inches added to the tank depth in order for me to see what I'm doing. If I take the hood off I can't see into the tank. lol

[ogden10]

I have a 72g bowfront and honestly I don't have any problems. I use the magfloat and it works great. Are you letting stuff build up to much before you clean it? What size magfloat are you using.

Also in the past when I have had real stubborn stuff I have just used a clean razor blade and reached in and scraped it clean. People worry about it, but I have used this method for years with no issues. Just be smart and go slow.

I agree that I would not put a magic eraser in my tank for any reason...may be ok but it seems to me like there must be a chemical in it and even if not it is made to break down when you scrub -> therefore leaving those pieces in your tank.

[badwrasse]

tell me you didnt use the Mr. clean on the inside of the glass

[fkbsar]

LOL - Yup I did. There are many forum threads (I did a lot of research on the internet before trying it) that say it is doable and I'm a brave one and tried it. It works fantastically - even got that hard coralline off the glass.

I'll have to check on the size of the magfloat - not sure. Not letting it build up because this tank has only been running 2 months. Just trying to figure the best way to go about it without having to stick my hand/arm in the water to get to the bottom.

[badwrasse]

ok just got scared for you for a min,LOL I had to check myself but it looks like the mr. clean original isn't a bad idea as long as its new and only for the tank.

try rubberbanding that to plastic spachula to get to the bottom.

[badwrasse]

one thing that scares me though is the say "it has no HARSH chemicals" not that it doesn't have any chemicals.

you keep using and all check back in a few months LOL

[fkbsar]

Exactly Badwrasse. It must be Mr. Clean ORIGINAL Magic Eraser. None of the others are acceptable. I think I will try the rubberbands and spachula - that might help.

[FirstContact]

Mr Clean, huh. Who would have thunk it.

I use a Kent Marine metal scraper. It's not an actual razor blade, and I've never had any problems with it. Also, I use regular kithen sponges (for tank use only). The kind that have a rougher more durable layer on one side. Got them at Lowes.

[kwws]

for the front and sides just a mag float just a quick wipe every day or 2, for the back I use a scrapper I usally don't clean the back that offten