Coraline Algae Growth on Glass

[NoSump]

In earlier posts - about two weeks ago, I expressed concern that my live rock was not showing enough colorful coraline algae growth. I was advised to be careful what I asked for, that it would eventually cover everything in the tank.

I can see that the warning was correct. The good news is that I have very attractive red/pink/purple coraline algae covering my rocks more and more each day. The bad news is that it is also beginning to cover my tank glass.

I have an algae scrubber (a brillo pad on a long plastic stick) that seems to be unable to remove the algae from the glass. The coraline algae appears to be much tougher to remove than nuisance alage.

How do you guys remove the coraline algae from the tank glass? I don't want to let it get too far out of control. Thanks.

Chuck

[Ninong]

The most effective way to remove coralline algae from glass surfaces is with a razor blade. I got one of those cheapy scrapers from the local hardware store that holds single edge blades.

I also have two Kent scrapers, one long-handled and one short-handled. Both have the plastic blade. They work reasonably well but they can take forever. I recently purchase the stainless steel Kent blade (there're replaceable in the various handles) and it is much more effective but not safe on acrylic.

When using razor blades or stainless steel blades on glass surfaces, you must exercise care. Metal blades of any kind are not safe to use on acrylic.

[NoSump]

The most effective way to remove coralline algae from glass surfaces is with a razor blade. I got one of those cheapy scrapers from the local hardware store that holds single edge blades.

I also have two Kent scrapers, one long-handled and one short-handled. Both have the plastic blade. They work reasonably well but they can take forever. I recently purchase the stainless steel Kent blade (there're replaceable in the various handles) and it is much more effective but not safe on acrylic.

When using razor blades or stainless steel blades on glass surfaces, you must exercise care. Metal blades of any kind are not safe to use on acrylic.

Ninong:

Thank you - It sounds like the ability to clean algae from the tank is a major drawback of an acrylic tank? I still consider this to be a "good problem', but I don't want it to get out of hand. I'll procure one of the Kent steel blade scrapers (the brillo pad is useless).


Chuck

[Ninong]

Thank you - It sounds like the ability to clean algae from the tank is a major drawback of an acrylic tank?

It is the major drawback to acrylic tanks. If acrylic tanks didn't scratch so easily they would probably put the glass tank manufacturers out of business.