Keeping your fish tank spotless is critical for providing your aquatic pets with a healthy habitat. However, scrubbing algae and wiping away gunk is tedious and disruptive to your tank’s ecosystem. Enter magnetic tank cleaners – ingenious devices that remove grime without ever dipping your hands in the water.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about these game-changing cleaning tools. Read on to learn the science behind how they work, tips for using them effectively, and reviews of the top models available. Your tank will be sparkling in no time!
Introduction
A magnetic tank cleaner is a tool that utilizes magnetism to remove algae and debris from the glass walls of your aquarium. Here’s a quick rundown of how they work and why every fishkeeper should have one:
- What is a magnetic tank cleaner? A set of magnets – one outside the tank wall and one inside – that are drawn together to scrape off algae and gunk.
- How do they work? The external magnet’s pull causes the internal one to glide across the glass, wiping away algae and debris.
- Benefits: Cleans without getting hands wet or disturbing tank. Keeps glass pristine for better visibility.
- Types: From nano models for small tanks to extra powerful ones with blades that seriously scrub.
- How to choose: Consider tank size, cleaning power, ease of use, and safety for fish and decor.
Using a magnetic tank cleaner is the easiest way to get crystal clear water and walls free of unsightly buildup. But not all models are created equal. Read on to learn how to pick the perfect one for your tank’s needs.
The Science Behind Magnetic Tank Cleaners
The ingenuity of a magnetic tank cleaner lies in its use of magnetism to transmit force through glass. Here’s how the science works:
- Magnets have positive and negative poles that attract opposite poles.
- The external magnet pulls the inner one along the glass with this attractive force.
- The inner magnet’s friction against the glass cleans away debris and algae.
- The glass wall separates the fresh and saltwater while allowing magnetic force through.
- Cleaner inner magnets float at the water line for optimal position against the outer magnet.
This physics phenomenon of magnetic force enables the handy external and internal piece design that keeps your hands dry while scrubbing the tank spotless!
How to Use a Magnetic Tank Cleaner
Using a magnetic cleaner takes just a few simple steps:
- Remove top lid from tank.
- Take internal magnet and submerge in water. Make sure polarity matches external.
- Place external magnet on outside glass starting at the substrate line.
- Glide magnets up and down to scrub glass clean. Overlap strokes for full coverage.
- Remove any loose algae and repeat steps for the whole tank.
- Once finished, remove internal magnet and rinse under tap.
- Wipe external magnet clean before storing.
Repeat weekly or when buildup reappears. It’s that easy!
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Magnetic Tank Cleaner
Follow these expert tips for squeaky clean results each time you use your magnetic tank cleaner:
- Work in sections starting at substrate line to avoid missing spots.
- Use overlapping, zig-zag motions to fully scrub every inch.
- Let magnets do the work – no need to press hard.
- Scrub sides first, then scoop up any fallen debris from bottom.
- Remove plants, decorations, and clean around/under them.
- Rinse internal magnet well after each use to prevent algae growth on it.
- Store cleaner neatly to prevent chipping and scratching.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of maneuvering the magnets to efficiently clean every spot!
Troubleshooting Common Magnetic Tank Cleaner Problems
Magnetic cleaners are reliable, but occasional issues can arise:
Cleaner skips or doesn’t fully stick: The magnets need to be realigned. Simply detach and reattach to restore full magnetic force.
Cleaner falls off glass: Tank walls have oily residue. Use blade attachment or scrubber to remove first.
Trapped décor: Carefully detach magnets to free item. Avoid cleaning with loose decorations.
Scratched glass: Replace old blade attachments causing scratches. Use gentle pressure when cleaning.
Fish seem stressed: Work in short intervals to limit tank disturbances and give fish a break.
Thankfully all these problems have easy solutions. With proper care, a quality magnetic cleaner should work like a charm!
Comparing Different Types of Magnetic Tank Cleaners
Magnetic tank cleaners come in a variety of types to suit any size tank and cleaning needs:
- Nano cleaners – Tiny magnets for tanks under 5 gallons. Good light cleaning power.
- Standard cleaners – For 5-20 gallon tanks. Decent strength for regular use.
- Wide-span cleaners – Broad external magnet for larger contact area on big tanks.
- Multi-blade cleaners -Added scrubbing power from several cleaning blades.
- Algae scrubber cleaners – Bristled external brush scrubs badly algae-encrusted glass.
- Heavy-duty cleaners – Maximum magnetic pull for power cleaning extra dirty tanks.
Choose the right cleaner for your aquarium’s size and how much scrubbing ability you need.
Reviews of the Best Magnetic Tank Cleaners
Ready to buy? Here are my picks for the top magnetic aquarium glass cleaners on the market right now:
1. Gulfstream Tropical Aquarium Magnetic Cleaner
This extra strong cleaner handles tanks up to 1⁄2” thick with its rare earth neodymium magnets. The 4” cleaning span and innovative blade design make algae removal a cinch. Its floating inner portion has a unique 180 degree rotational sway to easily scrub every spot. A great heavy-duty option.
2. MagFloat Aquarium Cleaner
The original patented aquarium magnet cleaner, the MagFloat is trusted by fishkeepers everywhere. Its lightweight outer design has incredible contact for maximum cleaning traction. The small and large sizes cleanly tackle tanks up to 175 gallons. A must-have standard cleaner.
3. MarineLand Magnum Magnetic Scrubber
This specialty scrubber is ideal for tackling severe algae accumulation on tank walls. Its stainless steel bristles do some serious scouring. The inner magnet has an on/off lever for quick placement. Designed for 55+ gallon aquariums with acrylic or glass walls up to 1⁄2 inch thick.
4. WWPOW Magnetic Aquarium Cleaner
For nano aquariums under 3 gallons, this mini cleaner is just what you need. The ultra-compact external magnet sticks perfectly on small curved tanks. It comes with blade and scrubber attachments for added versatility. Plus it floats for convenient storage. A great value for smaller tanks.
Conclusion
Adding a quality magnetic tank cleaner to your aquarium maintenance routine makes keeping spotless glass effortless. Pick a model with the right magnetic strength and cleaning span to handle your tank’s size. Read reviews and buy from a trusted brand. Your fish will love their pristine window to swim alongside as you enjoy unobstructed underwater views. Never manually scrub tank walls again with these ingenious magnet-powered tools!
