Cleaning Pads

SaltBlock · 07-20-2005, 04:47 PM

I have been using a Kent scrapper for the occasional algea on the front pane of my glass tank, however, I have noticed that it can leave a very light residue of algae behind. Is it safe to use a brillo or scotch-brite pad to clean off this residue (are these basically the same as the material on magnetic glass scrapers)?

Also, is it safe to use these materials on the silicone seams?

Thanks,

AEB

Jasontkd · 07-20-2005, 06:05 PM

whatever you do, make sure not to mistakenly use anything anti-bacterial.

tims · 07-20-2005, 09:56 PM

i don't recommend the brillo, maybe the scratch pad after you rinse it for a week or too to take out the stiffnes. but both can and will scatch the glass and if it is a mirrored finish inside the glass... it is done ....

Twitterbait · 07-20-2005, 10:29 PM

you can also use the blue filter media to scrub. then you know it's safe.

jagt48 · 07-21-2005, 08:49 AM

They sell an algae scrubber pad at places like petco/petsmart I know. It's big and blue and very rigid; I would have to use both hands to bend it in half. I had a really bad algae problem myself and got one of these and just cut off a small square whenever I need to scrub so I can just throw that part away after I'm done. Works really well and only like 3-4 bucks.

Joseph

koko · 07-21-2005, 09:13 AM

I used to work in a hardware store, and I've found that pads for floor scrubbers make GREAT tank scrubbers. We used to take out the centers of the circular floor buffer pads and sell 'em for a quarter. The white ones are the finest, and the ones I use for my tanks. The coarser green and black ones are great for kitchen and bath scrubbers.

I have also used these pads as strainer/spreader pads over the bio-balls in my sump to spread the water out instead of a drip pan. Another product that is good for this application is a pad that is intended to go between an orbital floor sander and a 18" x 12" piece of sandpaper. These are cut to the stated size, and when cut in half, fit perfectly over my bucket o' bio-balls.

These pads can be found at most hardware stores that carry floor cleaners or sanders for sale or rent. Go to your locally owned True Value

Peace,
koko

germy · 07-22-2005, 12:12 AM

Be like my mom. Use an antibacterial sponge with a microbial blocker. It'll clean everything. REAL GOOD. Make sure to ring it out in the tank initially and circulate that cloud of power that comes out. Everyone will die.Apocolypse 2005. Just use filter pads or a sponge whose label does not contain these words; DEATH, NOT FOR AQUARIUM USE, MICROBIAL, ANTIBACTERIAL,DETERGENT, SOAP, OR SCRUB. Watch out for the brand "nano erradicator" Goodnight.

Twitterbait · 07-22-2005, 12:15 AM

Um... Im inclined to agree with the second half of Germy's remarks. If the scraper head is goin old i would say the cheaper idea is to move on to an old credit card.

Krux · 07-22-2005, 01:06 AM

i use those fake credit cards that all the companies send to you trying to get you to sign up... they work great for a one time clean up job... all the edges are nice and sharp so the coraline pops right off.