Are magic eraser sponges really reef safe?

mpatterson42 · Aug 8, 2025

https://scitechdaily.com/magic-cleaning-sponges-found-to-release-trillions-of-microplastic-fibers/

I've seen the magic eraser cleaning sponges recommended quite a bit, both for saltwater and freshwater aquariums, especially for cleaning the corners of the inside of the aquariums so as not to damage the silicone with a metal scraper. I myself use them for this, as well as scrubbing any equipment I pull out during water changes to get any algae off of them if I'm not doing a full citric acid bath.

I came across this article today that states that they are releasing microplastic fragments as they are used. Are we releasing microplastic into our aquariums? Given that this material is abrasive, are we also damaging the glass and acrylic of our tanks?

The material behind this cleaning tool is melamine foam, made from a type of plastic called poly(melamine-formaldehyde). This polymer forms a web of rigid plastic strands that, when shaped into a sponge, becomes both lightweight and highly abrasive—ideal for scrubbing. But as the sponge is used, the foam gradually breaks apart, shedding microplastic fragments that can be carried into wastewater systems.

edd59 · Aug 8, 2025

i read that also a long time ago and i dont think they clean that well.
i use my old kitchen sink scotch brite sponges and they dont scratch the glass

WhatCouldGoWrong71 · Aug 8, 2025

I used them exclusively on an old tank I had. I thought they were like made from gold. I was blown away how well they cleaned my glass and got the algae out of the scratches in my glass. My old LFS they I don’t bother with anymore (for other reasons) turned me onto them. Then I drained that tank and I was even more blown away at how badly they were scratching my glass. I have a couple of boxes if anyone wants to risk it. Not me.

mpatterson42 · Aug 9, 2025

WhatCouldGoWrong71 said:
I used them exclusively on an old tank I had. I thought they were like made from gold. I was blown away how well they cleaned my glass and got the algae out of the scratches in my glass. My old LFS they I don’t bother with anymore (for other reasons) turned me onto them. Then I drained that tank and I was even more blown away at how badly they were scratching my glass. I have a couple of boxes if anyone wants to risk it. Not me.

Interesting, it seems like it's hard to find anyone who has had a bad experience, the general advice seems to be that they're fine to use as long as you're not using any of the scented ones that have extra chemicals in them.