Preventing Magnet Scraper Scratches

[tchat]

After a bad experience with the flipper cleaner I am ready to try something new. I’ve been using the flipper platinum long handle scraper with plastic credit cards and it works but it’s a PITA.

I’m thinking either the Tunze care magnet long or strong (I have exactly 0.5” glass) and using the plastic blades. Anyone have experience with these and could recommend one or the other?

In general, what are the absolute best practices to avoid scratching your glass with a magnet cleaner? Took me weeks to get over the scratches I inflicted last time and I really don’t want to repeat that.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Had you been ultra-meticulous about not allowing a grain of sand to get trapped? Just wondering-- because otherwise, I wouldn't think the blade itself would be a problem.

 

[mfinn]

I scratched my 66 gallon tank with starfire glass with a flipper. At the time there was no sand in the tank.

 

[tchat]

Had you been ultra-meticulous about not allowing a grain of sand to get trapped? Just wondering-- because otherwise, I wouldn't think the blade itself would be a problem.

As far as I know yes.. I acquired the flipper from another reefer when I bought the tank. I changed out the blades as well. I did leave it in the tank in between uses so maybe a tiny snail shell got trapped? I was never able to figure out what caused it.

 

[tchat]

I scratched my 66 gallon tank with starfire glass with a flipper. At the time there was no sand in the tank.

Starfire glass here as well. I have heard that the whole “scratches easier” thing is a myth but it makes you wonder. I’m so paranoid about magnet cleaners now

 

[slingfox]

I scratched my prior tank in many spots with the Flipper. I switched to the Tunze Care magnet and am very satisfied after using it for a year. I use the plastic blade to scrape every day or two and it works great. Buy the right version of the magnet for your aquarium glass thickness.

One thing I do now is I store the scraper in a container outside of the tank. That reduces chances of buildup on the unit which could exacerbate risk of scratching.

 

[EricR]

I've been using the Tunze Care with plastic blades for at least 5 years and have never scratched my cheapie Aqueon tank glass.
*I have the nano version since my glass is only 3/16" thick.

I guess I'm a little bit careful not to pick up sand but, other than that, I use it pretty aggressively.

EDIT -- like the last post, I don't leave the scraper in the tank, just to keep coralline from building up on it.

 

[KrisReef]

Magnets that stay in the aquarium become habitat for snails and limpets. No sand needed.

My experience with magnet cleaners is that if I use one enough times I will get a scratch.

I like long gloves and plastic scrapers (Scraperite wide handle!) for safer algae and coralline algae removal. I hate gloves, but magnets are too dangerous for me to operate.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I've been using the Tunze Care with plastic blades for at least 5 years and have never scratched my cheapie Aqueon tank glass.
*I have the nano version since my glass is only 3/16" thick.

I guess I'm a little bit careful not to pick up sand but, other than that, I use it pretty aggressively.

EDIT -- like the last post, I don't leave the scraper in the tank, just to keep coralline from building up on it.

I use the same thing for my tank and have never scratched my glass using it

 

[BryanM]

I use a care magnet with ceramic blades.

But I did scratch my glass, which is super annoying, and it was due to a piece of sand getting caught near the blade. :(. I just live with it. Its pretty low on the glass, and if you don't know about it you probably wont find it.

 

[areefer01]

Keep it out of the aquarium. Use once to do the job, take it out, rinse, and put away. Do not leave it in the display.

 

[James CNM]

Used a magfloat for over 30yrs with a blade. Sure i have scratched the glass. Switched to Tunze due to reviews. The tunze works great when you dig near the substrate. However I always go back to the magfloat. Closer contact with the glass, stronger magnetic connection. Just be careful near the substrate. I remove, rinse under tapwater until the next use