Taking a wirebrush to overflow baffles?

N8MAN1068 · 04/02/2009, 04:54 AM

I've got a good bit of algae buildup in my overflow baffles. Weekly, I have to clean the cutouts to allow water flow. If I slack, then they get clogged and the water level rises in the tank.

Anyone see anything wrong with taking a wirebrush to the baffles? I figure that'll clean more out than me yanking with my fingers. I haven't had a chance to go to Lowes to get some black pvc to fashion a sort of shade for the overflow to keep light out.

thanks

surge19us · 04/02/2009, 05:12 AM

I use a toothbrush occasionally. I'd be hesitant to use wire. A stiff nylon or plastic bristle brush would be safer. Use a filter sock or something to catch the debris so you reduce the risk of spreading the algae.

faze07hd · 04/02/2009, 05:43 AM

ya wire brush may do harm in the long run. I use a glass scrubber pad that i cut up. I think the pad was like $3 and i cut it up into like 10 different pieces. Every other week i use one and then toss it.

04/02/2009, 04:54 AM	#1
N8MAN1068 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Caroline, VA Posts: 183	Taking a wirebrush to overflow baffles? I've got a good bit of algae buildup in my overflow baffles. Weekly, I have to clean the cutouts to allow water flow. If I slack, then they get clogged and the water level rises in the tank. Anyone see anything wrong with taking a wirebrush to the baffles? I figure that'll clean more out than me yanking with my fingers. I haven't had a chance to go to Lowes to get some black pvc to fashion a sort of shade for the overflow to keep light out. thanks __________________ 65gallon, 29L sump Outter Orbit T5/150w MH fixture Coralife 125 super skimmer 1 bright orange Zoa 1 Bright green+yellow poly frag 1 Pink-Green hammer coral 1 Crocea Maxima clam 1 Yellow Tang Current Tank Info: 65g mixed

04/02/2009, 05:12 AM	#2
surge19us Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Willard, Oh Posts: 656	I use a toothbrush occasionally. I'd be hesitant to use wire. A stiff nylon or plastic bristle brush would be safer. Use a filter sock or something to catch the debris so you reduce the risk of spreading the algae. __________________ Sean Current Tank Info: 120 gal 30 gal sump/fuge, ATB Econo 840 skimmer, 2 Vortech MP40w, AC Jr., 2-250watt MH 20K Radiums, Lumen Max 2 reflectors, 2 tek T5 retro actinic, Prime chiller, ATO/kalk reactor, drews dosers on two part.

04/02/2009, 05:43 AM	#3
faze07hd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Utica, Ny Posts: 914	ya wire brush may do harm in the long run. I use a glass scrubber pad that i cut up. I think the pad was like $3 and i cut it up into like 10 different pieces. Every other week i use one and then toss it. __________________ Harry Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef tank