Coraline algae removal tips

[goathead]

I am trying to get the coraline algae off my glass because it has gotten out of control and interfering with my view. I have been scraping a little bit off the glass every day, but this is very time consuming. Does anyone know of an easier way to do this?

 

[ReefMadScientist]

 

[tyler1503]

Some Urchins will mow down your coraline. But they'll eat it all, not just what's on the glass.

 

[trido]

About once a month I use a stainless steel window cleaner razor to scrape all my front glass.

 

[ethridge78]

[QUOT+1 works greatE=ReefMadScientist;1816084]

[/QUOTE]

 

[goathead]

I have one and its what I have been using. Just a very slow process. was trying to cut corners here, as the coraline is covering the bottom 3" of my tank.

 

[ethridge78]

Sorry that's all I know what to do good luck.

 

[SantaMonica Verified Sponsor]

If acrylic, use a plastic scraper.

Also, if acrylic, an urchin may scratch it.

 

[*SENSI*]

i dont mess with it on the back glass but when its on the front i scrape it off with a good ole fashioned razor blade, im sorry there is nothing time consuming about this hobby in my opinion,

 

[goathead]

@sensi: The reason I was giving the impression that this daunting task of coraline removal was taking longer than I was prepared to spend on it is only because I have a wife that doesn't understand how much maintenance and care goes into this hobby, so, for me, just as soon as my hands get wet or the tank hood comes off, the mental timer in her head begins a tickin'... I am slowly getting her involved enough to understand, but as of right now, I still have to sneak home on my lunch break to do my water changes and testing.. I will try a straight razor and see if that works better. Seems like it would.

 

[*SENSI*]

i took my wife 2 a lfs with an showed her all the colors an types of coral there was an she jus fell in love with it, the whole hobby she wanted a bio cube so i got her a 24 gal JBJ, still working on the lights, she also suggested we get rid of are fresh water an get another tank, so im now putting together a 105 gal rimless, wasnt tryin to bust ur gonads or anything or come across rude, but still need 2 tweek the lights level an afew small things hope to have it up an running this weekend, but yeah if u dont mind getting ur arms wet the box blades work the best imo an u get the cleaning done twice as fast, if u do do be sure to clean off the oil they have on them, lil soap an warm water an a dip in some saltwater

 

[goathead]

So I gave the razor blade a shot and had all the Coraline removed in less than 20 minutes. Perfect! Thanks for the idea.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Razor blades work great on coralline. I use a widget and replace the blades often. Works like a charm.

 

[_sludgefactory]

I got a 3.5" razor blade paint scraper at Lowe's for like $4.
Shop Blue Hawk 3.5-in Steel Paint Scraper with Handle at Lowes.com

 

[Hinecken]

Old credit card can't be beat, less risk than a razor blade

 

[moidol]

this works great...
Easy Blade Algae Scraper Replacement Blades (10 pack) - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[TarHeelReefer22]

Get to scrapping haha you could keep astrenia stars but good luck keeping them just on the glass and not eating all of it off your rocks as well

 

[jrod0505]

Here's my tank with coralline alge. I just scratch it off the front.

 

[sageharmon]

Does anyone know how to get it off rounded corners?

 

[SantaMonica Verified Sponsor]

The edge of a magnet cleaner will get in there. You can wrap it with the outside portion of a scrubby-pad.