As beautiful and soothing as aquariums are, without regular tank cleanings it won’t be long before algae and waste start to build up. Algae buildup can create an unhealthy environment for your fish and and be an eyesore for you to look at. While cleaning an aquarium is a less than desirable task, if you are running a high quality filter that’s designed to work with the size of your tank (which goes a long way in keeping the water clean) and also use a high quality algae scraper, it can streamline the cleaning process.
There are two types of algae scrapers (magnetic and manual) and there are really good models available for both types. When trying to decide between a manual or magnetic scraper, it really comes down to a matter of preference of which type is better for you. Below are reviews of several scrapers (both manual and magnetic) that are really good and I have selected the one that I think is the best algae scraper for each type.
Comparison of the Best Algae Scrapers
Model | Dimensions | Type of algae scraper | Works on glass and acrylic tanks? | Starter blades included? | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flipper Max Magnet Cleaner | 1 x 4 x 4 in | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | Check Price Here |
Fluval 3-in-1 Maintenance Tool | 1.3 x 5.3 x 17.9 inches | Manual | No, glass only | Yes | Check Price Here |
Flipper Aquarium Algae Magnet Cleaner | 3 x 1 x 3 inches | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | Check Price Here |
Gulfstream Tropical AGU00400 Mag-Float | Magnetic | No, glass only | Yes | Check Price Here | |
Kent Marine Pro-Scraper II | 5.5 x 1.4 x 27.6 inches | Manual | Yes | Yes | Check Price Here |
KollerCraft TOM Algae Scraper Multi-Tool | Varies based on model length selected | Manual | Yes | Yes | Check Price Here |
Saim® Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnet | 9.9 x 7.2 x 2.3 inches | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | Check Price Here |
Flipper Max Magnet Cleaner
With its ability to provide spotless tank cleans with minimal effort, the Flipper Max Magnet Cleaner is one of the leading algae scrapers there are on the market. It can convert from a scraper to a scrubber making it an excellent tool to tackle the toughest buildup in your tank; even the dreaded coralline algae. This magnetic cleaner does an excellent job in providing a thorough tank cleaning all the way down to the sand / gravel line.
This model works well on both glass and acrylic tanks that are up to 1 inch thick. It comes with two start up blades; a metal blade and a plastic blade. The metal blade should be used for cleaning glass tanks and the plastic for acrylic. To get the most out of the Flipper Max, it’s the blades should be replaced every three to six months, depending on how often you clean your tank. While this product works well on tanks of all sizes, if you have a large tank where manual cleanings are very time consuming, this is well worth the investment and will save you a ton of time!
Fluval 3-in-1 Maintenance Tool for Aquariums
Designed for glass aquariums, this is a multi-purpose fish tank cleaning tool that cuts through even the toughest of algae. It has a telescoping, non-slip handle that can be adjust between 15-23 inches long. It has three interchangeable heads that remove algae and other debris and comes with an algae pad, fish net and algae scraper.
The algae pad swivels which is great for cleaning spots in the tank making it easy to get into tight corners and other areas that aren’t easily reached. The scraper is made out of stainless steel making it able to cut through and remove stubborn, caked on algae. The nylon fish net is handy when you need to move your fish. This scraper will allow you to clean the tank with a lot less effort. One downside to this scraper is that it can’t be used on acrylic tanks. However, if you have a glass tank and don’t mind manually scraping the tank this is probably the best algae scraper sets on the market.
Features
Flipper Aquarium Algae Magnet Cleaner
The Flipper Algae Magnet Cleaner truly makes scraping algae (dare I say enjoyable) okay so maybe not enjoyable but it makes the process super easy and you’ll probably find that it’s so easy that you’ll actually start scraping your tank on a weekly basis. It works on both acrylic and glass tanks up to 1/4″ – 1/2″ in thickness. In addition to the scraper it also can easily convert into a scrubber. If you don’t enjoy the task of sticking your hands inside you fish tank, this algae magnet cleaner is a great alternative to manual algae scrapers.
It’s advertised as two starter scraping blades being included. While it’s true that it comes with 2 blades, one is made of metal which can only be used on glass tanks and the other is plastic which can only be used on acrylic tanks. So unless you have both a glass and acrylic aquarium you’ll only have one starter blade that you can use. The frequency that the blades needs to be changed will vary based on tank size and how much algae it has to scrape, but a good rule of thumb is that it will need to be changed about once per month.
Features
Gulfstream Tropical AGU00400 Mag-Float Glass with Scraper
This particular Mag-Float algae scraper is designed to clean glass aquariums. This magnetic tank scraper has a feature that not all magnetic scrapers on the market have; it floats. Since it is able to float should the magnets come apart the magnet that’s inside the tank will float to the surface of the water, saving you from having to stick your hand into the bottom of the tank to fish it out (which is kind of the whole point of having a magnetic cleaner in the first place.)
The magnets are protected by a toxic free plastic so they are never exposed to water so it doesn’t rust which means you can keep it in the tank for easy storage. Weighing in at 0.3 ounces it is also very lightweight making it simple to maneuver around those hard to reach corners. One of the most noteworthy features is that the magnet is made from earth neodymium magnets. In layman’s terms it has extremely strong magnetic power that doesn’t lose it’s force over time.
The only downside is that it is a bit pricey compared to other models. However in my opinion with its superior cleaning power, super strong magnets and the convenience of being able to keep it in the tank so it’s always ready to go, it’s well worth the price. Hands down, of the scrapers that are magnetic this is my pick for the best algae scraper.
If you don’t want to spend the money on this model, a close second to it is the Gulfstream Tropical AGU350LG Mag-Float Glass Aquarium Cleaner. Overall the AGU350LG is a good scraper that costs a fraction of what the 400 does. However, one downside to the AGU350LG is while it does do a good job as is, for optimal cleaning power it works best with the optional Mag Float scraper accessory.
Features
Kent Marine Pro-Scraper II
This algae scraper is made out of durable fiberglass and has an adjustable handle designed to not to corrode regardless if it is used in a fresh or salt water tank . It comes with three interchangeable scraper blades. It includes one metal blade, one plastic blade and and one that is padded which is really more of a scrubber than blade. However, just like with the Flipper Aquarium Algae Magnet Cleaner mentioned above, while it does come with starter scraper blades, one of the blades is metal so it only can be used on a glass tank and the other is plastic and is meant for acrylic tanks. I just wanted to point that out so you’re not expecting it to come with 3 blades that can be used on any tank.
Features
KollerCraft TOM Algae Scraper Multi-Tool
The KollerCraft TOM Algae Scraper is a multi-tool, manual scraper that can be used on glass or acrylic tanks. It is available in three different lengths; 14 inches, 22 inches and 34 inches. The scraper comes with three different attachments. It includes a plastic algae scraper, stainless steel scraper and a shovel / rake attachment to help you pick up anything that has fallen in the tank without needing to stick your hands in it. The blades are durable and strong enough to even tackle the oh so stubborn coralline. The width of the scraper blades are 3 inches and the width of the shovel is 2 1/2 inches. The handle of the scraper is made of fiberglass so it doesn’t corrode even when used in salt water aquariums. One downside to this algae scraper is that it doesn’t include a scrubbing pad like the Fluval scraper. The other thing that could be improved is the flexibility of the handle.
Features
Saim® Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnet Glass Aquarium Cleaner
Just like the name implies this a magnetic algae scraper. Unlike other scrapers this model comes in many different colors. It is available in orange, black, red and blue. It can convert from scraper to scrubber and can be used on either glass or acrylic aquariums that up 0.20 – 0.79 inches in thickness. While works on both types of tanks, a major downside is that the plastic blade that needs be used if cleaning an acrylic tank is very strong and doesn’t do a good job removing corraline algae. So if you have an acrylic tank, I wouldn’t recommend this model and would instead recommend the Flipper Aquarium Algae Magnet Cleaner.
Types of Algae Scrapers
There are 2 main types of algae scrapers; manual and magnetic. Manual scrapers somewhat resemble a car ice scraper and just like the name implies, require you to stick it in the tank and manually remove the algae that has accumulated. Because they require you to do all the work they are ideal for smaller tanks. The advantages of this type of scraper is that it tends to cost less than magnetic scrapers.
Magnetic scrapers on the otherhand do a lot of the work for you. It works by using magnetic force. These scrapers are made up of two separate pieces. One piece is submerged in the tank (this is the part with the scraping blades) and the other piece stays on the outside of the tank. The part of the outside of the tank is what is what you move by hand, guiding it around the tank and it removes the algae that’s in it’s path.
These are a great option if you have any type of health problems with your wrist, neck or back as it doesn’t require you to bend and reach in a repetitive motion like manual models do. This is also a good option to consider if you simply don’t enjoy sticking your hand in your fish tank.