- In this video, we're gonna look
at algae magnets and show you guys how
to choose the right magnet for your tank.
(upbeat music)
Hello folks, Robert from Marine Depot here
and thanks for tuning in.
An algae magnet is essential and probably one
of the most frequently used tools on your reef tank.
This is the exact reason you want to choose
an algae magnet that is suitable for your tank,
made with strong, high quality magnets
and can safely be left submerged
so it is always available for you
to quickly clean the tank walls,
maintaining that HD quality viewing you desire.
Let's face it, a razor blade or some other algae scraper
is always going to be the most effective way
to scrape your tank walls, but this method alone
does have some pitfalls.
Getting your hands, and likely your sleeves,
wet is typical with a scraper because
this is the only way to apply enough pressure
to effectively employ the scraper.
Long handled scrapers are nice
for hard to reach areas, but the longer the handle,
the harder is it to apply a suitable amount of pressure.
A scraper blade also increases the chance
of leaving scratches and damaging your silicone sieves.
I don't want to paint a negative picture
of algae scrapers, because they're very useful
and certainly something that you should have.
However, with proper use of an algae magnet
you can drastically reduce the frequency
that you need to dive in and use a scraper.
Using an algae magnet daily or a few times per week
will slow down the growth of very difficult to remove algae
and relieves the need for frequent scraping.
The simple fact that an algae magnet
is much easier to use means your less likely to neglect it.
I find myself using the algae magnet daily,
pretty much every time I feed.
Then I only need to scrape the tank about once a month.
Not all algae magnets are created equal.
And with so many options, choosing the right magnet
for your tank can get a little confusing.
Most importantly, you want to consider the material
that your tank is made from, glass or acrylic.
As well as the thickness of this material.
The tank construction is important
because some algae magnets are going to be designed
specifically for use only with acrylic tanks
and others strictly for tanks made from glass.
Some magnets include a suitable option for both.
The difference between an algae magnet for glass
and one for acrylic is the material
at which the scrubber pad is made from.
Algae magnets for acrylic tanks are made
of a softer material compared to magnets made
for glass tanks so as not to leave
behind scratches on the acrylic.
It is quite obvious to the touch as you
can feel a glass scrubber pad is hard or rough
like the hook side of Velcro and the acrylic pads
are soft, more like the loop side of Velcro.
The same case applies to algae scrapers as well.
Scraper blades for glass tanks are metal
and scrapers for acrylic tanks are plastic.
A metal blade on a soft acrylic tank
will leave behind unsightly scratches
that are very difficult to remove.
Next, look at the thickness of your tank walls.
This is important because algae magnets
are rated for tank size based
around the strength of the magnet.
Larger tanks with thicker walls
will require a stronger magnet compared
to smaller nano tanks with thinner walls.
Even if the magnet cleaner holds
onto your tank wall securely, if it is not strong enough,
it is not going to clean effectively because the magnet
cannot create the necessary pressure for cleaning.
You can easily measure your tank walls
with a ruler or a micrometer.
Just look at the corners of your tank
and measure the wall thickness where the panels meet.
Be sure that you measure all panels individually
because it is not uncommon for the panels
to be different sizes.
For example, the back wall may be a little different
than the side and front panels.
So once you've narrowed down your search to magnets
that are only suitable for your tank size and material,
you next want to consider your budget
and any additional features that you might be interested in.
Filter the selections down to only those
within your budget and then start comparing the options.
Are you looking for a magnet with a scraper attachment?
Are you looking for a cleaner that will float?
Does it need to be thin or small enough
to fit in tight spaces between the rocks and tank walls?
What about aesthetics?
If you're keeping the algae magnet
inside of your tank at all times,
you likely want something that won't become an eye sore.
Our customer reviews online are a great resource
because you can hear what others have
to say about the magnets as well
as get insight on some unfamiliar features.
At Marine Depot, our most popular algae magnet
is the Flipper.
The Flipper is designed as a versatile solution
with both a scrubber and a scraper integrated
into its design with a very thin profile.
The flipper includes two blades.
One for glass and the other for acrylic.
So, it is a great option for households with multiple tanks.
What makes the Flipper unique is its design.
It can quickly be flipped back and forth
between the scrubber pad or scraper blade
without getting your hands wet.
The classic Mag-Float brand is another excellent option.
As the name implies, this magnet's claim to fame
is that it floats to the water's surface if the magnet
on the inside of the tank separates from the outer magnet.
This way you can easily retrieve it.
Mag-Floats are priced affordably, come in a variety
of sizes and they offer different options
for both glass and acrylic tanks.
You can also take advantage of the scraper blade accessory
which is sold separately and allows you
to add a scraper blade to the inside magnet.
The unique Care Magnets from Tunze
are equipped with very strong magnets,
an ergonomic handle and combine the convenience
of a magnet with the cleaning power of a scraper.
The integrated blades are made
of a very durable plastic material
to maintain a sharper cleaning edge
for long lasting performance.
The Tunze's magnet's primary feature is the low profile
which makes it less visible in the tank
and also keeps sand and other debris
from getting caught between the magnets while cleaning.
Algae Free is another unique magnet to consider
because they pay extra special attention
to the aesthetics of the dry side magnet
which is encased in solid wood.
For most of us, an algae magnet will not be removed
from the display in between uses.
The wood grain finish on these Algae Free magnets
is far better looking than other cleaners.
In addition to looking nice, Algae Free
employs high power magnets, includes pads and scrapers
for either glass or acrylic tanks and they float.
I hope this guide to choosing algae magnets
will make your shopping experience a little
less stressful and please share it
with your friends if you found the video helpful.
I appreciate all of you for watching.
And until next time, take care and happy reef keeping.
(upbeat music)