Cleaning glass = Feeding tank!?

[scubadude]

I have noticed my fish get excited when I clean the glass w/my magnet, and have also noticed that some of the corals have more polyp extension when I clean the glass too. I know I am scraping off algae, and possibly pods? worms? that arent really seen to the naked eye? Zooplankton in other words. Not to mention the added current to stir up the water column from the agitation of the magnet....So i guess there are possibly more then one reasons to use a magnet on a tank cleaning and feeding. I also notice that some of the pods congregate in the mesh of the magnet pad. Just curious to others thoughts, views, and experiences w/this...also any special DIY type cleaning/feeding tools they are using would be nice....I was thinking of putting a thin piece of filter floss inbetween the mag and the glass for more pod congregation? Of course clean every once in a while to prevent from becoming a nitrate factory

[Barry N.]

scubadude,

I notice when I feed DT's the glass will start to have a film on it later so when I use the magnet to clean, the really like it as it puts more planton back into the water.

Barry

[Mr Neutron]

I've noticed amphipods like the magnet as well. Be careful not to let those tube worms attach and grow on it tho if you have acrylic tank or it will scratch it like crazy. I let a good film build up over a week then brush it off. Putting this diatomic film into the water column is an added treat for the microfauna and the corals.

[reddhaus]

Thanks Scubadude! I guess that's just another example of looking at something from someone else's perspective. I have only thought about cleaning the glass as just another one of those up-keep things that you have to do to make your reef look nice. I have never saw it as being feeding time for the critters .

One of the great benefits that comes from being a member of Reefland! I have only been on here for a short time but I have picked up alot of useful information. Keep it up everyone.

By the way Scubadude, your greenhouse project looks great. I would love to have the chance to do that someday.

[PerryinCA]

Yup....all those diatoms floating aroung have to feed something!;)

-Perry

[NaCl-H2O]

I can see that. I can also see that messing around in your tank stirs up food for corals.