for those with acrylic tanks

tripinpn01 · 07/12/2007, 11:32 PM

what do you guys use to clean your tanks? i use a mag float and i am seeing somewhat long hairline "scratches" is this normal? i am thinking of just switching to the brush on a handle method. what do u guys think?

pledosophy · 07/12/2007, 11:38 PM

I use a algae scrubber pad for the inside, I just do it by hand.

I use a cloth diaper with white vinegar for the outside of the tank. IME even paper towels can scratch.

I'm a little paranoid about scratches though.

jdieck · 07/12/2007, 11:41 PM

The issue with most magnets is that the fiber pad is too thin and some of the hooks from the velcro reach the panel and could scratch it.
My recommendation is to buy a magnet one or two sizes larger than the specified for your tank and on the inside use the thick fiber (white) used for manual cleaning cut about 3/8" oversized. On the outside I use an additional square of felp fabric and spray RO/DI water on the outside while sweeping to serve as a lubricant for the felp.

tripinpn01 · 07/12/2007, 11:52 PM

imma try that magnet thing since my magnet is rated for a 130 gallon i think and i have a 50 gallon so that should work and the cloth diapers on the outside.. good idea.

LOL.... i just recently transferred everything from my 40 glass breeder size tank to the 50 gallon acrylic and despite it getting dirty from the transfer... i didnt clean the tank for at least a week from being scared of scratching the tank.

07/12/2007, 11:32 PM	#1
tripinpn01 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: oc Posts: 786	for those with acrylic tanks what do you guys use to clean your tanks? i use a mag float and i am seeing somewhat long hairline "scratches" is this normal? i am thinking of just switching to the brush on a handle method. what do u guys think?

07/12/2007, 11:38 PM	#2
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	I use a algae scrubber pad for the inside, I just do it by hand. I use a cloth diaper with white vinegar for the outside of the tank. IME even paper towels can scratch. I'm a little paranoid about scratches though. __________________ 120g mixed reef 90g QT

07/12/2007, 11:41 PM	#3
jdieck Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maumee, OH Posts: 15,673	The issue with most magnets is that the fiber pad is too thin and some of the hooks from the velcro reach the panel and could scratch it. My recommendation is to buy a magnet one or two sizes larger than the specified for your tank and on the inside use the thick fiber (white) used for manual cleaning cut about 3/8" oversized. On the outside I use an additional square of felp fabric and spray RO/DI water on the outside while sweeping to serve as a lubricant for the felp. __________________ Did I write what I wrote? What the heck am I talking about! Well..... Nevermind. Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef, DSB, 40 g sump w/ LRT100 return, 37 g pre-sump, 3 MH 250 W 15K, 4 96 W PC dual actinic,ETS 1500 Skim.w/LRT70, 20 lb Ca R., 40 W UV, 1/3 HP chiller, two 350 W Htrs, Neptune II Cont., 330 P LR/ 330 P LS. 55 gal Refugium

07/12/2007, 11:52 PM	#4
tripinpn01 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: oc Posts: 786	imma try that magnet thing since my magnet is rated for a 130 gallon i think and i have a 50 gallon so that should work and the cloth diapers on the outside.. good idea. LOL.... i just recently transferred everything from my 40 glass breeder size tank to the 50 gallon acrylic and despite it getting dirty from the transfer... i didnt clean the tank for at least a week from being scared of scratching the tank.