Tired of All The Algae Scrapers That Don't Work? Try This!

Рет қаралды 32,122

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Everyone,
I've gotten to the point where almost every algae scraper I have tried doesn't work long term. I think I have a better solution.
If you want to purchase this check out the affiliate link: amzn.to/3MQCRf3
Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
Want to become a Prime Timer and see behind the scenes fish room videos? Consider becoming a member: / @primetimeaquatics
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! / @thesmallscape
We would like to thank our channel sponsors for 2022: Flip Aquatics and Fritz Aquatics. For 2022 our fish are being fed Northfin Foods from flipaquatics.com! They help make what we do here possible and are worth checking out!
#aquariumfish #fishtank #fishkeeping

Пікірлер: 157

@johnnygee4206 2 жыл бұрын

I retired most of my scrapers and scrubbers. Too many of them barely worked, and the ones that did would sometimes scratch the glass as an unwanted bonus. Now I usually wear a media bag like a mitt or glove and use it to scrub the sides of the tank. Soft enough not to scratch anything, but still abrasive enough to get the stubborn stuff off with a little extra pressure. Just have to be OK with getting your hands wet.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Nice idea!

@morgan1985uk 2 жыл бұрын

I like it!!!

@manuelmoreno328 10 ай бұрын

Bruh I put my bare hand is that bad ? 😂😂

@JungleJoel845 Жыл бұрын

Hey amazing tip!!! I just wanted to add that it is a good idea to wave a lighter over the razor blade a few times to burn off the machining oil on the razor blade!

@KornOnDaKob69 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man! You don’t even understand how much this video comes at a good time. My bow front has been getting some stubborn algea on the front glass and it’s a pain to remove. I kept thinking to myself “I need a razor blade on a stick” 😂 then I watch this video. Thanks for the heads up. I just ordered one

@macro820 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review

@lindajernigan8924 2 жыл бұрын

One aquascaping/planted tank trick was to use a credit card (old) or similar type plastic card on softer algae on the tank walls. Sometime that stubborn green spot algae takes a little extra elbow grease or a flat razor blade. But I've only ever done that on my glass tanks. Interestingly enough, my large acrylic tank that houses Malawi cichlids only needs a gentle rub down on the interior with some soft filter floss batting.

@iamvictorperez1482 Жыл бұрын

Good to know ✅

@cherylbelott 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Love this type of video.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@BjornUltimatum 2 жыл бұрын

I use the API brand padded brush for acrylic on my glass aquarium. Just ripped off the pad from the stick and scrub by hand. It’s terrible on a stick but the added dexterity and strength in your hand makes it work great!

@johnjwedrall4290 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review. I really need to buy one. Now. ❗️👍🙂

@WatsonsAquatics 6 ай бұрын

I love the flipper scrubber been absolutely amazing, have one on every single tank

@RedeemedSon144 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, what a great video. was going to go to store and get a magnetic one. Am ordering it right now. I got a lot of algae on the front glass of my aquarium. Thanks again!

@wadeb.5509 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@wandaoshiro2014 2 жыл бұрын

Yup, lol, I've tried so many different algae scrapers too. I started using just the plastic & regular razor blades. It has been working great! 🪒👍

@realangiechrist 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It's already in my cart. I get such a cramp in my hand trying to scrape w/ credit cards or the tiny little plastic scraper from Ace.

@christopherpurdy2575 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@laszloszocs7477 2 жыл бұрын

I have a tetra g4 works wonders for me but i see why you are using yours its practical and fast 😀

@richardcolligon4277 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for sharing. I usually just take one of the Grand kid's turn them upside down and dunk them in a tank. They love it. ( Lol )

@feralon9570 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea, I have a small tiny razor scraper and that's great for the smaller tanks. I've been looking for something for the 65 gallon. It's so tall that even on a step stool, I can't reach the bottom of the glass with the razor. So that glass only gets cleaned properly when my husband is home to do it. 💚 🐟💚

@markhunter2244 2 жыл бұрын

Nice idea, it looks pretty sturdy and the 12” extender is perfect for keeping fingers away from the blade if your accident prone like myself 😳

@daveylarson2060 2 жыл бұрын

Ordered !! Thanks Jason

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it makes your life easier.

@dhammaboy1203 2 жыл бұрын

Great tip! 👍🏻 Any tips for not scratching your glass when your aquarium has sand & you are OCD and thus are constantly annoyed by sand made glass scratches? And repeat same for chipping the top edge of your tank while aquascaping with a heavy rock the other week!

@mk_cichlids 2 жыл бұрын

I have a couple deep tanks so I made a couple of my own like this at different lengths. Pvc pipe with a narrow slot cut into the side at the desired angle. Easy, and free if you already have it laying around like me!

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@bwicked3059 9 ай бұрын

Thanks bud 🤜🏻🤛🏻

@Paul-gq7tf 11 ай бұрын

I use karndean on my curved acrylic tank, as a floorlayer, i always have plenty of it, i just cut it to the size i want and it works quite well

@MasterPhotographer 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea! And best of all, NO HYPE! Thanks for sharing a real-world solution, that actually works!

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Uni0nDirect0r 2 жыл бұрын

I used it all, but since I tried scraper glove I never looked back. BY FAR the most efficient aquarium "tool" I ever bought. You can use it to clean glass, anubias plant leaves, heater, tubes, rocks... Pretty much everything.

@SamuelTol999 2 жыл бұрын

What's a scraper glove?

@Uni0nDirect0r 2 жыл бұрын

@@SamuelTol999 Don't know how you call it im States, but it's literally a glove made for scraping algae. The one I'm using is called 'Cleaning glove for the aquarium' by JBL. It's extremely effective and frankly fun to use.

@marksadventurechannel8471 2 жыл бұрын

I have one that holds a credit card and is really long. Works great. Got it from the guy with the huge display at the MN Aquarium Society's Spring Expo.

@FishRfun 6 ай бұрын

I do have magnetic 1 for the 15g and a bigger one for my 55g. I also have the last item and i also bought it in Amazon super cheap, but you have to put every piece together yourself

@littlemidwestrebornsdolls 2 жыл бұрын

I'm thankful to know what works best. It will keep me from spending money on things that don't work. Gina Hetlage

@stuartcharlton3363 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason! i was actually about to get a mag float scraper but you saved me the 50 bucks it costs now! cheers

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it works well for you!

@stuartcharlton3363 2 жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics it arrived and i absolutely love it! thanks!

@peridot-20 6 ай бұрын

I brought an extension set with an extended handle & it contains one of these & it stripped off a few hard marks of diatoms on the back glass but otherwise i use a dishwasher scrubber, that you fill with washing up liquid 😂 they're brill also for just cleaning glass in general without heavy stains.

@angelas4681 2 жыл бұрын

Yep, I use razor blades on glass tanks and Mr Clean Magic Eraser on acrylic tanks.

@Shade_91 2 жыл бұрын

i like the flipper platinum scraper. its pretty much the same idea but it uses old credit cards instead of razor blades. that way you dont have to worry about grease from the razor blades or a spooked fish getting cut by a razor.

@briant.4618 2 жыл бұрын

I just get the blue scrubbing pad without the handle. Works pretty good for me! Especially with a biofilm buildup.

@JohnWood-tk1ge 2 жыл бұрын

They sell them in auto parts stores for removing stickers from windshield. I like the natural algae removers bristle nose and you know what kind.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Good to know!

@jefffleet9546 2 жыл бұрын

I use a sponge with an light abrasive pad on that people usually use for their dishes and it works just fine . Most algae eaters don’t touch algae after a few years really preferring algae wafers. Jason can you do a video on weather Aquarium water from filters that has been cleaned is safe to use to water outdoor plants . Does joanna use Aquarium water to water her garden?

@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things 2 жыл бұрын

I use one that is metal stainless steal. It has been through saltwater and freshwater many times and has came with many replacement blades. In Amazon if you search up :razor blade scraper aquarium: I use one of those. Mine is a different brand but I don’t think it matters

@TheOfficialSteelReign 2 жыл бұрын

i just use a standard (Non-Detergent) kitchen sponge with the scrubby on one side.

@matthewjbauer1990 2 жыл бұрын

You can actually get extended handles with replaceable razor blades for $8+ on Amazon. I need to replace my long handle scouring pad so I might get one of the handles that has the pad attachment + razor blade attachment + whatever else it comes with (some have a corner scrubber and some have a fork and some have a bottle/tube brush).

@wendihamlett105 2 жыл бұрын

Great Hint. I have tried most the others you mentioned. I like the plastic blades that Joanna mentioned once on the Small Scape as well. I also have found that the Aquarium Co-op algae sponges really do work!

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Those are great!

@takata98 8 ай бұрын

I'm relatively new to fish keeping, I'm staying away from "Razor Blades" because over time I suspect this is why so many tanks fail because people are over time damaging the caulking sealant. My solution (sure I dip in and get wet!) I keep a block of floral foam handy and slice off a piece no and again to clean the inside of the tank. a quick wipe down with absorbent towels and together with my UV filter I have crystal clear glass and water with no concerns of tank failure.

@davidhess6899 10 ай бұрын

Just ordered one.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 10 ай бұрын

Hope you like it!

@legionaquatics 2 жыл бұрын

have you used the seachem algae scraper I've heard really good things about it and it has a blade that you can flip to sponge.

@MrHominid2U 2 жыл бұрын

I use a razor blade holder which is a long handle, not as long as the one you showed but my tank is only 75 gallon and I can reach to the bottom. It takes everything right off the glass.

@kerrypitt9789 2 жыл бұрын

Jason I've tried all this Scrapers you show here. Thinking maybe we could turn them into modern art? That last one you showed, the one you like, will be great! I've been using a razor blade in my fingers, those heavy three sided blades with the top folded over. They work great but I am starting to put some large aquariums together and reaching to the bottom will be a challenge, thank you!

@slamboy66 2 жыл бұрын

Smaller tanks I use old DL. If you are a car guy like I, use your 18" gasket scraper (new not used on engine).

@rb5337 2 жыл бұрын

I have used the razor blade on a stainless steel rod for a few years. But the cheapest, easiest way is an old credit card. My biggest tank is a 55G so easy to get at. It only takes a few short minutes to do.

@betterthantelevision 2 жыл бұрын

I believe it was Joanne who put out a video a while back about using the plastic razor blade scrapers. I have a handheld one and it works perfectly, takes it all off, and I don't have to worry about scratching anything. They're cheap and effective.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

She did! Those work well too!

@mondogeckosexoticsandoddit5866 2 жыл бұрын

I use razor blades on almost all of my tanks, especially for removing water spots from the reptile terrariums. The downside to razor blades for me isn’t how sharp and potentially dangerous they can be, but that they come covered in a factory grease. I always soak a new blade in soapy water for an hour or so and then let it dry before use.

@neonclouds9295 2 жыл бұрын

Why are you using soap on something that's going in your fish tank? I'd boil it first rather than that

@mondogeckosexoticsandoddit5866 2 жыл бұрын

@@neonclouds9295 Boiling could cause some of the zinc galv to flake off, and a flake of zinc would definitely kill a fish that ingests it. Just make sure the blade gets a thorough rinse after the soap bath.

@daniellesomerville3018 2 жыл бұрын

@@neonclouds9295 are you using something other than soap to wash your hands?

@neonclouds9295 2 жыл бұрын

@@daniellesomerville3018 they should be thoroughly rinsing it off and then boiling it before I put it in his tank if they're doing that. Mans is lucky his fish are still alive

@pondgators 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing video!! Your channel seems really cool!! Just subbed too!!

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for being here!

@ianrawlings2546 2 жыл бұрын

Can't beat a Bristlenose catfish!

@fatherpool Жыл бұрын

It’s also handy from scraping off your old registration to put your new one on your car.😉

@robyd 2 жыл бұрын

For now, my tank is only 3 and a half months old so my algae is still soft and my magnet scrapper is still working appropriately. Used to have the magnet for my old tank before and I ended up using razor blades cause the algae was too tough. Glad there’s a handle for it. Holding the blade with my hand was no fun

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

The handle makes a huge difference!

@rickbarg3980 2 жыл бұрын

I use it all the time ,

@MatthiasRosberg 4 ай бұрын

Best thing to do is prevent it from getting that bad in the first place. I use a pot scrubber once a week and never had a problem with it getting bad

@Silver_Creek_Aquatics 2 жыл бұрын

shout out the the rough-necks out there trying out their floor/tile scrapper on their tanks!.... 😂 😆

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

I thought about it

@jril3982 6 ай бұрын

Flipper is the best

@amymandeville8342 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I've been looking for a new scraper! I absolutely hate the magnet.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

The soft backing fell apart so fast for us!

@amymandeville8342 2 жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics that's what happened with mine, and I had spent good money on the Mag Float. Such a disappointment!

@amymandeville8342 2 жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics for what they cost, you'd expect them to be better made.

@lyrieth8833 2 жыл бұрын

I use a mag float I only have one tank running atm and my other tank is a 5 gallon.

@sergeiz.5815 2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully my fish doing ok traveling in the east coast for 10 days brother racing at lemons 🍋 race in new jersey this weekend so much fun

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Have fun!

@grayaquatics852 2 жыл бұрын

I use dish washing pads lol Jason, have you gotten any 60 breeder tanks yet? Have you seen those? Aqueon makes them

@haitch04 4 ай бұрын

I have the exact same scraper ( or looks the same) here in UK and can vouch, it beats all the scrapers I ever tried. Replacement blades cost peanuts too. Just one warning, take care around the silicone as the razors are very sharp and could damage.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 4 ай бұрын

Good point!

@dansturt 2 жыл бұрын

I use no name brand Magic Erasers. I bought around 100 for $20 on Amazon. Great on all algae. They just start to fall apart after a little use.

@Jerry-lj3cf 2 жыл бұрын

Jason have you ever tried a out of use credit card or gift card, I love mine and you have 8 different sides to us and yes they work for acrylic tanks to, try it you will never be disappointed.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Yep - they work ok, but not great with the really hard green algae.

@kfuhrman2008 2 жыл бұрын

I agree the blades work the best. I have one that is similar with a bit longer handle. But you do have to be careful. Last year I was moving and reached into a box without thinking and and ended up with stitches.

@chrisstephens9113 6 ай бұрын

I have throw all my scrapers away. My go to now is the Mr Clean Magic eraser, you do have to get your arm wet but it takes anything off the glass.

@jasonwalls3484 5 ай бұрын

Ha!! I've discovered 4inch professional stainless window razor works with a quickness..handle even has spot for an extension..don't use for acrylic

@disneyfan2875 Жыл бұрын

It works great! Just don’t let it fall and cut you. I’m battling Mycobacterium marinum. It’s a bacteria from tanks. The bacteria entered through the cut. I have multiple ulcers and am on antibiotics. Still love my fish, however I am sure to wear waterproof gloves now when interacting with the water.

@PrimeTimeAquatics Жыл бұрын

Good point! Hope you get better soon!

@disneyfan2875 Жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you!!!!

@keepamerica2astrong280 2 жыл бұрын

Having a 100 gal acrylic tank I use a micro fiber cloth, the best...

@rickzamojski4646 7 ай бұрын

Great video. I have a film on the inner glass or hard algae and nothing will get it off. I do water changes weekly and all my levels are perfect. It’s a heavy planted tank. So I will gonna try using and buying that scraper. If it’s a film would you still us the scraper? Thank you

@PrimeTimeAquatics 7 ай бұрын

For the thin films I use a traditional algae pad.

@catfishcave379 2 жыл бұрын

I only use razor blades on glass tanks and love the idea of a long handle. How well does the plastic work on acrylic? Is it a similar material to credit cards?

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

I haven’t tried it so I’m not sure?

@mk-xh8rm 2 жыл бұрын

You can also buy those at any hardware store or Walmart. Usually less than $17. Razor blades can scratch glass if you don't use new ones. Razor blades are VERY SHARP!!! Be careful.

@bonnieeden228 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jason Can you use the plastic blade that comes with it in acrylic tanks? Or will it scratch the acrylic tanks? My Nano tanks are plastic like which may not even be considered acrylic. Thanks Jason

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Great question - I haven’t tried it?

@CR-Z24 2 жыл бұрын

Do you recommend the Virgo pea pebbles gravel for Betta fish just purchased from home Depot

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

I haven’t used it. As long as it isn’t coated with anything and you wash it well it’s usually ok.

@josephquinton990 2 жыл бұрын

Haha,being a mechanic by trade that's what I use.😁

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Nice 😀

@Joes_Aquatics Жыл бұрын

What’s your opinion on acrylic tanks? Talking to a custom builder rn trying to get a 300 gal

@PrimeTimeAquatics Жыл бұрын

Very nice - lighter, clearer and seams last longer - downside is the cost and they scratch easier.

@tijamir4998 2 жыл бұрын

Well, i use toothbrush trapped on a stick to clean my tanks.

@tacospiderrr 2 жыл бұрын

Kept watching, hoping you'd mention the actual best long-term solution against algae - snails & a timer for your light.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Not to worry - we’ve covered those too. 😀

@MoreChannelNoise Жыл бұрын

I just use a bristle brush with a long handle so I don't have to get my hands wet.

@JACCO20082012 Жыл бұрын

Seems like a good way to scratch the glass.

@PrimeTimeAquatics Жыл бұрын

Can't say I have ever scratched the glass with a razor blade, but I have with the store bought algae scrapers when they get bent.

@Ekster77 2 жыл бұрын

For curved glass this doesn't work I gues, but it looked good👍.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Ya not as good for a bowfront

@sergeiz.5815 2 жыл бұрын

I left those disolving food things supposed to be good for 10 days

@ressork Жыл бұрын

How about the max flipper edge ?

@PrimeTimeAquatics Жыл бұрын

It's not too bad but still not quite as good as the old fashion razor blade. :-)

@dtw1622 2 жыл бұрын

Aw man this video came out 2 days too late. I just ordered a sponge scaper from Amazon. It was only 7$ though, glad I didn't invest in any of the other products! Do you have any advice for scapers that work well on a Bow Front tank? Thanks for the great video yet again.

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Don't worry - probably not a good option for a bow front.

@andystokes8702 2 жыл бұрын

Scraper will work on a bow fronted tank but you have to be working horizontally rather than vertically. If you try using it in the usual up-and-down mode it won't work, you'll only be making contact on the sides of the scraper.

@Cheesedream Жыл бұрын

Bristlenose catfish is the best; 1 in each tank.

@PrimeTimeAquatics Жыл бұрын

Me too!

@billymacktexasdetective5827 2 жыл бұрын

Razors aren't allowed in my tanks. One little slip while prepping a tank for set up cost me a days worth of work, had to reseal the tank. Not worth the risk, in my opinion...

@RH_01779 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 120 gallon tank that’s been running for 2 years. I never got green algae but still get loads of brown algae. Appreciate any advice or suggestions

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

This may help kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hNeEiNJyksnLn3U.html

@RH_01779 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip, really appreciate it. Don’t think its the lighting because mine is on for only 3-4 hours a day. But nutrients could be the culprit. Although I have medium stock with a FX6 and Oase 600 running.

@Gfysimpletons Жыл бұрын

I fitted the razor blade to my gravel cleaner. Scrape and suck at the same time. Saves your filter bag for sure. 🚩🕴

@noramcv 4 ай бұрын

Do you use the plastic blades or the carbon steel blades?

@PrimeTimeAquatics 4 ай бұрын

I use steel

@noramcv 4 ай бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you!

@AquariumHobbist Жыл бұрын

Does the glass thins out over time?

@PrimeTimeAquatics 11 ай бұрын

Nope!

@jmsadms 2 жыл бұрын

Please pls pls, I need help with a BBA problem! This stuff does not go away, no matter how much I reduce the lighting, and it's so hard to manually remove! I'm at my wits end here

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

It’s in some of our tanks. I generally control it with light, keeping nitrates at less than 20ppm and using liquid ferts if I can avoid it. Also, hornwort will compete with it.

@jmsadms 2 жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks, I did try hornwort, but that made a mess in the tank as well 😤

@gregjonesonline 2 жыл бұрын

best algae scraper: ancistrus pleco =)

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

Holy Cow - you're here! :-) Use lots of those too - haha

@tonyguarini6140 3 ай бұрын

Mag Float is garbage, it scratched the outside of my tank.

@WiseOlFart 3 ай бұрын

Is there a very big risk of scratching a round corner - bow front - is glass but not flat so ...

@PrimeTimeAquatics 3 ай бұрын

It can happen. Bowfronts are definitely more of a pain to clean.

@jhenry489 2 жыл бұрын

Scrappers and their empty promises!! I now just grab my biggest fish and use him to scrub the glass.

@speckledjim_ 6 ай бұрын

Save your money, an old bank card is one of the best things you can use

@elfpuncher 5 ай бұрын

Just don't sheer your silicone seams off with that thing 😂

@PrimeTimeAquatics 5 ай бұрын

Now that would not be cool! 😀

@JN-vp1mx 2 жыл бұрын

Seriously forget all these scrapers and get Melamine foam sponges. I use them once a week and my tanks are spotless. Removes algae and anything else that's stuck on the glass and it's crystal clear after. Also another bonus there's absolutely no risk of scratching your glass. Only downside is you do have to get you hand and arm wet 😄

@PrimeTimeAquatics 2 жыл бұрын

I like those, but they don't work for us with the really hard green algae - I hate that stuff! :-)

@JN-vp1mx 2 жыл бұрын

@@PrimeTimeAquatics yes they won't tackle the "baked" on stuff but I try not to let it get like that. It's so much easier cleaning regularly with the sponges 🙂