Newbie Question #1

[cobaltblue]

Just wondering how you all "wipe down " the tank. I am not experienced with wiping the inside of the tank at all? Do you use any products or just wipe with paper towel or what?

Also, i have been getting an increased amount of spot algae. My water parameters have been the same. ( ph 6.8, 1 gh and 1 kh) I added 5 amazon swords recently after dipping them in hp. would the extra plants cause an increase in green spot algae. What fish\snails are good at removing this. I do use a mag float to brush it off, but the back of the tank is very hard to get to.?? any suggestions?? thanks

[Mughal]

Do you have the tank in sunlight? If so that could be your problem. A large apple snail would be good and a piar of clown loaches too. The sanil would clean and the loaches would make sure the snails reproduction (they are mostly capaple of being hermaphrodites) doesn't get out of hand.

[ronrca]

I wipe down my tanks once a week and use green scrubbers that are commonly found in kitchens.

[dishpanhands]

i uses Viva brand paper towels they cost a little more then regular paper towels, but they don't fall apart in the water. I found useing them the stuff sticks to them and I can get it out, and when i use anything else i get it off the glass but its in the water then.

jmo.

[markwill]

Maybe I am not as paranoid as I should be but I just bought a 10-pack of small hand towels at Target for about $3. Use them for all sorts of fish-related things, including cleaning the inside of the tank. Never had a problem...

Mark

[Carol_Roberts]

I use white paper towels like VIVA too. One problem with using rags is that soap residue could remain from the washing machine . . .

[Kindredspirit]

Soooooooooo......that COULD be a problem then? I often think of that, when i pick up a washcloth to use, then i remember we use downy in the final rinse and what if it rinses out in the tank..... so now i have a batch of cloths we do not use downy on!


I thought i was paranoid~


good to know im not alone! lol


Marie~http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_1_217.gif

[RyanH]

When it comes to soap, I don't think most people are paranoid enough. Personally, I like those white Python algae mitts that you can buy at some online petstores. They're cheap and last a long time. I just rinse them in hot water after each use.

http://www.petsolutions.com/Algae+Mitt-I-94001313-I-C-37-C-.aspx

hth
-Ryan

[markwill]

I use white paper towels like VIVA too. One problem with using rags is that soap residue could remain from the washing machine . . .
I wash 'em in tank water :-) These are little cheaper (12" square) things that were a grand total of 30 cents each. I'm on my first one (of 10) and have been using it for at least 3 months.

Mark

[Kindredspirit]

Great ideas, the Mitts! I was using a old ankle sock and put it on top of a long algae scraper but it always came off!


I like the mitt idea! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_13.gif


Thanks guys!!


Marie~

[korbi_doc]

:D I use those blue "shop" towels, get'm at Sam's or any auto store. They are extremely durable & can be rinsed & reused, all my tanks have sev'l in use for wiping everything...JMO, Dottie

[oodi]

Yup... Dottie turned us on to those blue shop towels!! They work great!!I've ended up using them for other things around the house! :thumbsup:

Judi
:)

[cobaltblue]

Lots of good suggestions here friends, Thanks alot.;)

[KIWI13]

I use one of those algae magnets that you can clean from the outside. i also use white tissue paper towels to wipe down. i wipe down the front glass twice a week and the rest only once.

Jas

[Kindredspirit]

Soooooooo .........you use a magnet, Jason? From the outside and it cleans all the stuff INSIDE? wow....or am i too blonde and it is too early???:confused:



Learn something new everyday~


Marie~

[KIWI13]

OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH MARIE

here you are.... go check it out.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_maintenance_algae_magnet_cleaners.asp?Car tId=

Its the only one I ran into that shows pretty much all the types

Jason

[Kindredspirit]

WHAT????????????????? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_67.gif




thanks, Jason!

[cobaltblue]

Hi Jason,

yeah , i have a mag float which works good at getting the algae off. Is wiping the inner walls with the mag good enough, or do you need to wipe with rags as well. I have a hard time getting to the back wall with the mag float ...very hard to reach.

[Carol_Roberts]

I also use a sponge attached to a 9 inch long plastic handle or a toilet scrubber for my deep tanks