What are some good cleaning supplies?

[UkrainianReefJunky]

Wondering what people use to clean there tanks. I have a mag-float and a kent scrapper for glass cleaning. But what about vacuums and syphons for rock and substrate? If I have a good "cleaning crew" is anything else necessary? Thanks!

[JennM]

Python makes good siphon tools. Kent scrapers are the best, IMO. A hand scrubber is also handy for corners - don't scrape your silicone seams with a sharp scraper.

I buy a lot of goodies at the dollar store - I find the sponge dish mops are great for cleaning out skimmers, bottle brushes for intake tubes - and Penn Plax and Blue Ribbon both make a set of 3 brushes that will clean all sizes of tubing and the brushes are flexible. Dollar store toothbrushes (never use a used toothbrush for your tank - flouride is deadly), nail brushes - these are great for scrubbing new live rock or scrubbing hair algae off existing live rock.

Also handy to keep a PolyFilter pad on hand in case of emergency... they absorb ammonia, phosphates, medications, toxic metals - a good thing to keep on hand.

Spare impeller for your pump is also good to have.

HTH

Jenn

[UkrainianReefJunky]

Thanks Jenn! Is the spare impeller for if a pump goes out? Also where do you get polyfilter pads?

[JennM]

Yes, the impeller in case your pump breaks one. That's the most common failure in a pump, that and depending on the type of pump, an impeller housing. Mag Drive pumps commonly have impeller shafts break and housings - both are easily available to replace.

Poly filter pads should be available from your LFS or wherever you buy your supplies. It's a polyester pad treated with adsorption resins that remove toxins. Looks like this:



HTH

Jenn