Algae magnet

[babyduke]

Does the algae magnet that either sticks on the glass or floats really work controlling algae?

 

[morgan]

It does take it off the glass. I don't have much algae as my pleco and Apple Snail eat it. If the bit in the tank gets separated from the outside bit be very careful. The magnetic pull is very strong on the larger ones, I am very careful to make sure the fish are not in the way. By large I only mean 3".

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

yeah they do a good job of getting off the glass, also with thsoe big un's if tehy get stuck togetrh they can be awful to get apart again

 

[leafs]

They do work good, but as long as the algae isn't too thick. The magnets are fun to use.

 

[Fiori]

The trick to separating the bigger ones is to twist and pull and hey presto - no probs

 

[LoachLover]

Yes it works, but I hardly ever use it because my pleco keeps the whole tank so clean of algae.

 

[abstract]

...don't let sand get between the two pieces

 

[LoachLover]

Tell me about it, I've had that happen once, WAS NOT good.

 

[rdd1952]

...don't let sand get between the two pieces

Very important on an acrylic tank. If sand gets between the magnet and the acrylic, you will have a very scratched tank.

I prefer to use one of the mitts. That seems to work better for me. I also have one of the algae scraper/pads for the back of the tank.

 

[StarOrbs]

...don't let sand get between the two pieces

no kidding lol, I learned that the hard way.. I made a few scratches and one long one the first week I had the thing lol.

 

[rvm]

It's also worth noting that it's worth getting the magfloat ones as if the two pieces fall apart when you are cleaning the tank, the bit inside floats, and is easy to recover whereas with most other magnet cleaners, it will sink and you have to put your arm in to get it back. Not good for people like me whose tank is 2ft deep!!!!

 

[keane]

Does the algae magnet that either sticks on the glass or floats really work controlling algae?

Forgive me if I am wrong but it seems to me that babyduke is asking whether these magnets actually CONTROL the algae in tanks.

The answer to the question is NO they don't babyduke.

They are used simply to CLEAN algae that forms on the inside of the glass/acrylic.

To simply leave one floating in your tank or stuck to the glass will not prevent an algae build up .

Sorry, but thought I best clear that up .

steve

 

[OohFeeshy]

LOL, these algae magnets got me really confused when I first started. Own up, how many people thought there was only one magnet and that attracted the algae? . I prefer to scrub it off, you can get in all the nooks and crannies then.

 

[Bloo]

LOL, these algae magnets got me really confused when I first started. Own up, how many people thought there was only one magnet and that attracted the algae? . I prefer to scrub it off, you can get in all the nooks and crannies then.

uh....no
but yes, I prefer to just scrub it off too every now and again. If done with a very fine abbrasive sponge it tends not to scratch the glass

 

[OohFeeshy]

Any sponge works well, I find. Well, for brown algae anyway. Plus you can also use them to smush snails with.