With scant lighting of the aquarium or improper care of it, algal accumulations begin to form, from which you periodically need to get rid of. Otherwise, the water will get a murky green shade, which will affect the health of fish. The best way to clean it of dirt is a scraper for the aquarium. The obvious option with a dishwashing sponge instead of a special tool is not even worth considering as possible: its abrasive spraying leaves scratches on the walls of the container.
Types of scrapers and features of their use
Before choosing a scraper for cleaning the aquarium, you need to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each of the options presented in pet stores. Among them you can find:
- The razor scraper. It consists of a plastic handle, a small machine for fixing the razor and replaceable blades. This scraper is inexpensive, but you need to consider the need for frequent purchase of blades. So that you do not have difficulties with their choice, initially choose a scraper for an aquarium with a narrow blade, as it can be replaced by a conventional safe shaving blade. Needless to say, a wide point will still have to be found at specialized points of sale. Due to the light handle and the retractable blade, the scraper can clean out the most difficult parts of any silicate glass or plastic container;
- Magnetic scraper for the aquarium. In order to use it, you do not have to drop your hands into the aquarium. The scraper consists of two magnetic plates, one of which you move from the outside of the aquarium, and the second automatically moves inside, repeating your movements. A magnetic scraper eliminates the possibility of spilling water on the floor in the event that you select a floating unit. The thicker the wall of the aquarium, the greater the area of the scraper;
- Combined scraper. On the sliding handle are both a safe sponge and a thin blade. It is designed to remove white coating from the glass.
Which scraper for an aquarium is better suited to aquariums with a lot of vegetation and decorative elements? Of course, a razor blade: a cleaning magnet will damage grass and soil.