Best Magnetic Algae Cleaners For Glass And Acrylic

Whether you’re a new fish keeper or you’ve been in the hobby for years, one thing is certain – you’ll inevitably find algae growing in unwanted spots, such as on your tank walls. In addition to being unsightly, algae can also have a negative impact on water quality and the health of your fish. This is where the subject of our article, magnetic algae cleaners, come into play.

Magnetic algae cleaners aren’t just a gimmick – they’re a very effective way to remove algae from your tank without using harmful chemicals. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of magnetic algae cleaners available and their pros and cons. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best algae cleaner for your needs.

Comparison Table of the 7 Best Magnetic Algae Cleaners

Understanding How Magnetic Algae Cleaners Work

We get it – most cleaning tools don’t require a masters degree in physics to understand how they work. But magnetic algae cleaners are a little different. In order to choose the best one for your needs, it’s important to understand how they work.

Put simply, magnetic algae cleaners use the power of magnets to remove algae from your tank walls. Typically, high-quality rare earth magnets are used in constructing these cleaners, consisting of an external and an internal piece. The internal piece comes with a sponge or scrubber attached, which is used to remove the algae from your tank walls.

The external and internal components come with powerful earth magnets, which attract and connect the two pieces. This allows you to easily move the internal piece around your tank without getting your hands wet. The scrubber side of the internal piece is what actually comes into contact with your tank walls and removes the algae.

This basic overview of how magnetic algae cleaners work should give you a good understanding of how they can be used to effectively remove algae from your tank. In the next section, we’ll discuss how you can pick the best one for your needs.

Buyers’ Guide: Factors To Consider When Buying A Magnetic Algae Cleaner

Now that you understand how magnetic algae cleaners work, it’s time to discuss how you can pick the best one for your needs. Learn how to make an informed decision by taking the following factors into consideration.

Tank Material

The first factor you’ll need to consider is the material your tank is made of. This is important because not all magnetic algae cleaners are compatible with all types of tanks. For example, if you have an acrylic fish tank you may need to purchase a different type of algae cleaner than someone with a glass fish tank.

Acrylic tanks are easier to scratch than glass, and frequent scraping with an abrasive magnetic algae cleaner can cause these scratches to become more visible over time. As a result, we recommend that you purchase an algae magnet that uses a softer material for its scrubbing pad. It’s hard to keep your acrylic aquariums completely safe, but you should still avoid using an abrasive cleaner if possible.

If your fish tank is made out of glass, you have a bit more flexibility when it comes to choosing an algae magnet. This is because tank glass typically comes with a coating that helps to prevent scratches, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your tank if you use a slightly abrasive cleaner. However, their thicker walls require stronger magnets, so make sure to keep this in mind when making your purchase.

Tank Shape

Strange as it sounds, the shape (and by extension, size) of your fish tank can also have an effect on which magnetic algae cleaner you should purchase. For example, curved edge tanks may require a different type of algae magnet than square edge tanks. Using an algae cleaner that’s too large and flat may result in layers of caked-on algae depositing in hard-to-reach corners.

Similarly, bowfront tanks may seem like some of the coolest fish tanks around, but they will require custom-made cleaners with adjustable handles for the curved aquarium wall. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a separate cleaner for each tank section. This is because the curved shape of bowfront tanks can make it difficult to reach all areas with a single algae magnet.

The tank shape factor is something that’s often overlooked, but it’s important to consider nonetheless. Given that uniquely shaped tanks are often used as display tanks, it’s even more important to use a high-quality algae magnet that won’t damage fish tanks with sensitive surfaces.

Magnet Strength

As we briefly alluded to in the previous section, magnet strength is another factor you’ll need to take into consideration. This is because different types of fish tanks require different levels of magnet strength in order to be properly cleaned. For instance, someone dealing with calcified algae would require a tougher magnet than someone who’s only dealing with a light film of algae.

Additionally, tanks with thicker walls will require algae magnet cleaners with stronger magnets. This is due to the fact that the algae magnet will need to be able to penetrate through a greater thickness of glass in order to make contact with the opposite side of the tank. If you have a thick-walled fish tank, opt for strong neodymium magnets, as they will be more likely to provide the level of power you need.

The difference between algae magnets may seem like a lot to take in, but once you get past the mumbo jumbo of rare earth elements and Gauss strength, it’s really not that complicated. Just remember to consider your tank type, the severity of your algae problem, and the size/shape of your fish tank. You’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for your needs.

Ease of Use

Last but not least, we come to the most important factor: ease of use. Regardless of how good an algae magnet is, it won’t do you any good if you find yourself fiddling with awkwardly designed long-handled scrubbers or a handle that’s prone to slipping out of your hands. When dealing with algae in fish tanks, you want something that gets the job done with minimal fuss.

Generally speaking, an outer magnet with an ergonomic handle or a non-slip grip will make a world of difference. As for the inner magnet, you want something easy to remove and clean. All the additional features in the world won’t make up for a magnetic fish tank cleaner that’s a nightmare to clean. How else would you be able to reuse it?

At the end of the day, the best algae magnet is the one that gets the job done without any headaches. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best magnetic algae cleaners on the market.

7 Best Magnetic Algae Cleaners For Glass And Acrylic Tanks

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the best magnetic algae cleaners on the market. We’ve scoured the internet and compiled a list of seven of the best magnetic algae cleaners you can buy.

The first entry on our list of recommendations is a tried-and-true product that aquarium enthusiasts have used for years. The NEPTONION Magnetic Aquarium Algae Scraper is one of the market’s most thoughtfully designed algae scrapers. This algae scraper comes in several sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your aquarium.

As a testament to its ergonomic design, the non-slip handles make it easy to grip and maneuver, even when your hands are wet. Plus, the scraper floats to the surface after you remove the external sponge. Those days of sticking your arms into your tank are over! Lastly, the sponges do not scratch the glass, making this one of the safest algae scrapers for your aquarium.

If you’re looking for an algae scraper that will make your life easier, this two-part magnetic scraper is the way to go. However, some reviewers note that the magnet can become detached from the handle after extended use. Otherwise, this excellent product will make short work of even the most stubborn algae.

When it comes to reputable manufacturers, Aqueon is at the top of the list. This company has a long history of producing high-quality products, and this algae cleaning magnet is no different. At first glance, you’ll notice the sleek, modern design. But upon closer inspection, you’ll see that this magnet is built to last.

The Aqueon Algae Cleaning Magnet has both an abrasive pad for stubborn algae on sturdy surfaces and a gentler scrubbing pad for acrylic tanks. The inner cleaning magnet sinks to the bottom of the tank when the external magnet becomes separated, making it easy to retrieve in the event that it falls in.

While this algae magnet is versatile and effective, some reviewers caution against using it close to gravel or substrate. Bits of substrate may become trapped between the magnet and the glass, causing scratches on delicate surfaces such as acrylic tank walls. Be sure to leave at least an inch of space between the magnet and surfaces that you don’t want to risk scratching.

Mag-Float is widely regarded as the granddaddy of aquarium cleaners, and this floating magnetic algae brush is one of the company’s most popular products. As the name implies, this algae brush floats on the surface of the water, making it easy to retrieve if it becomes separated from the external magnet. I personally don’t like to get my sleeves wet, so this feature is a true godsend!

The nerds out there will be thrilled to learn that Mag-Float uses rare earth neodymium magnets, which is widely considered the strongest type of permanent magnet. This gives the Mag-Float superior cleaning power, making it ideal for larger tanks with thicker algae growth. Unfortunately, this does make the Mag-Float less ideal for acrylic tanks, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.

For glass tank aficionados, however, the Mag-Float is simply the best of the best. If you want an algae brush that will make short work of even the most stubborn algae, this is the one you want. Pricey as it may be at $22 for a medium-sized brush, the Mag-Float is definitely worth the investment.

I don’t know about you, but personally, I love a good bargain. If you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for a great deal, then you’ll love the Carefree Fish Aquarium Mini Super Magnetic Cleaner. This little guy is only $9.99, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. Tiny as it may be, this magnetic algae scraper is still mighty, thanks to its super-strong magnets.

Because this algae brush is so small, it’s ideal for nano tanks. The fact that it’s completely round makes it perfect for those of you with unique curved glass tanks. It’s also great for getting into hard-to-reach places that larger algae scrapers simply can’t reach. Plus, the fact that it comes with great rubberized grip means that you won’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hands and into the tank.

The only downside to this algae brush is that it won’t clean sharp edges or corners as well as some of the rectangular options on the market. Plus, if you own an acrylic tank, you’ll need to invest in a separate brush that’s easier on delicate surfaces. If you don’t mind these tiny drawbacks, the Carefree magnetic scraper will live up to its name and make your aquarium cleaning carefree.

You know what? As much as functionality matters, style matters, too. And the Hygger Strong Magnetic Algae Cleaner definitely has style. This algae scraper is sleek, modern, and has a wooden handle that looks like a high-end kitchen utensil. But don’t let its good looks fool you – this algae brush is tough.

The Hygger Strong Magnetic Algae Cleaner is one of the strongest on the market, so much so that it comes with a warning not to use it on acrylic tanks. But when it comes to glass surfaces, this algae brush can do some damage. It’s great for getting rid of tough algae, and even comes with separate metal and plastic blades so you can choose the right one for your needs.

The only downside to this algae brush is that it’s a little pricey. A medium-sized cleaner retails at $29, while its larger counterpart will set you back $38. But if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line algae scraper, the Hygger Strong Magnetic Algae Cleaner is definitely worth checking out. It’s beautiful, and sleek, and most importantly, it gets the job done.

Based in Santa Barbara, California, FL!PPER is a company that takes pride in making high-quality aquarium products. And their Flipper 2-in-1 Magnetic Aquarium Glass Cleaner is no exception. This algae brush is gentle enough to be used on acrylic and plastic tanks, while still being tough enough to take on stubborn algae.

The FL!PPER Flipper Cleaner comes with both a scrubbing pad and a sturdy blade. One satisfied bowfront tank owner said that this algae brush allowed him to clean every surface of his tank, something that can be quite difficult to do with a rectangular scraper. To put things in a nutshell, this is a scraper that’s incredibly effective while also being gentle on your tank.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the FL!PPER Flipper Cleaner is no exception. One downside to this algae brush is that its magnet is not as strong as some of the other options on this list. Considering that you’re paying over $40 for this scraper, that’s something to keep in mind. But overall, the FL!PPER Flipper Cleaner is a high-quality algae brush that’s definitely worth checking out.

The KEDSUM Magnetic Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaner is worth checking out for those of you with large tanks. This algae brush is extra-large, making it perfect if you want to make quick work of cleaning your tank. Not only will its large surface area save you time, but it will also help you avoid missing any spots.

This magnetic algae cleaner is designed with a hand-grip design, which makes it comfortable to use, even if you have large hands. And its floating design means you won’t have to worry about losing it in your tank, or getting your hands wet when you’re cleaning.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the KEDSUM Magnetic Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaner is no exception. The neon green color of this algae brush may not be to everyone’s taste. And its plastic construction means that it’s not as durable as some of the other options on this list. But overall, the KEDSUM Magnetic Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaner is a great option for those of you with large tanks.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right magnetic algae cleaner for your tank may seem daunting. But with our list of the best magnetic algae cleaners for glass and acrylic tanks, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your needs. Once you’ve found the right algae brush, you’ll be able to keep your tank clean and clear without fuss.

Did you find this article helpful? If you know someone who’s looking for the best magnetic algae cleaner for their tank, please share this article with them. And be sure to check back soon for more helpful articles about all things aquarium-related. Thanks for reading, and happy fishkeeping!