Another question about cleaning acrylic. What to use on magnet cleaner for gentle wiping?

[dochou]

Hello Reefers, I have a 150 Midwest Customs mixed reef tank with oolitic fine sand bottom.
I have been using Algae Free acrylic safe pad and it's worked well. But I want to see if there is anything better to put on my magnet cleaner. I've experimented with Dobi Pads and Magic Eraser Pads and they both scratch acrylic. I know many people use them and don't see any scratches when looking in at a wet/filled tank, but If they drained their tanks, then they'd see tons of fine scratches or swirl marks. I want to prevent that. I think it affects the clarity of the tank.
I used to use Dobi and Magic Eraser on my previous tank and when I took it down I could see it was covered in fine scratches.

I took some spare clean, new acrylic and used dobi on one section and ME on the other section, after using them I definitely saw the scratches, on the new acrylic.

My main goal is to use something gentle on the acrylic that does not cause micro scratches and swirls when I do the daily wipe off of the film algae. For anything more adherent, I'll use a credit card scraper. I want to avoid putting my arms in the tank, so I like using the magnetic cleaner but I just need to put a padding on it that's gentle on the acrylic but strong enough to remove daily film algae.

Any suggestions?
Has anyone tried lining the inside magnet with a microfiber towel? Would that work?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[nuxx]

I had 1" acrylic and bought a $$$ magnet, but can't remember the name now.

It came with acrylic pads that never scratched anything.

I would take the magnet out after cleaning and make sure no sand / etc... got between the pad and the tank.

I did notice overtime light swirling on the front side of the tank. But mainly only pictures where direct sun was hitting the tank and the lights were off.

 

[Stevesw718]

Would snails replace the need for cleaning the acrylic…?

 

[TheSheff]

Would snails replace the need for cleaning the acrylic…?

Snails definitely help, but they won't clean enough to have a clear panel.

 

[dochou]

I had 1" acrylic and bought a $$$ magnet, but can't remember the name now.

It came with acrylic pads that never scratched anything.

I would take the magnet out after cleaning and make sure no sand / etc... got between the pad and the tank.

I did notice overtime light swirling on the front side of the tank. But mainly only pictures where direct sun was hitting the tank and the lights were off.

I believe you're talking about the Mighty Magnets and you're right, they are expensive!
I'd like to avoid swirl marks.
Thanks for your input.

 

[nuxx]

I believe you're talking about the Mighty Magnets and you're right, they are expensive!
I'd like to avoid swirl marks.
Thanks for your input.

Sounds right

I was blown away with how badly magic markers scratched btw...

I did do the least aggressive novus on the outside of the tank from time to time to remove the swirls.

Interior swirls, you'd never see.