Caryl Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 I have received the following comment from barrie after he read my article in the Aug Aquarium World about using the scrapers from the $2 Shop for cleaning aquarium glass... "as a glazier, the hard scrapers that you show in the AW mag bring me more business than storms do every year. Whereas scrapers are needed at times, the razor blade with a hard back are far better (and a lot cheaper) as the type that you have shown are far too strong and scratch the glass very easily." I am not sure what he means by 'blades with hard backs' so will wait for a reply. I have been using these scrapers for years with no problems but am careful not to get gravel or sand under them or they will scratch - but then, so would anything! Look forward to a fuller explanation please Barrie and maybe pics if you have them. What do the rest of you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billaney Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 I still think it was a great article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wok Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 I think what barrie means are one of these You can buy them at your local hardware store. i only have one because I use it on my ceramic cook top. scape all the hard burnt stuff off the stove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 My glass cleaner in action Other than that I use a plastic cleaning pad, taking care not to get sand in it. A single edge razor blade should be safe and effective for removing really tough crud though. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted August 10, 2007 Report Share Posted August 10, 2007 Thats the one Wok the top photo thanks as it saves me a bit of photo work Beware of the plastic type scrapers as to be honest, the use of them by people, especially comercial cleaners, is worth more to my bussiness every year than storm damage. the problem with them is that they have a blade that is so strong that when they get damages with even the smallest nic or bump, the blades are so strong that they scratch the glass. The razor blade type as per the top photo in Woks photo is by far the best as they are a lot sharper and will clean a lot easier and the blades are thiner and therefore not as strong so they will bend around any dents/nics. I hope this is not taken as being critical of the artical, it isnt I assure you but is meant to help you keep your tanks (or any other glass) in better condition. The first plan of attack must always be for soft pads but if all else fails and as a last resort, if you relly need to, use a razor stiff back blade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted August 11, 2007 Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 I always use an eftpos card and that works sweet for me, mind you im am careful and its really bendy etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted August 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 I never took it as a criticism of the article Barrie, I took it as a helpful tip and good feedback. People need to know these things and if one thing is considered better than another, by a professional who knows, then we need to hear about it. Thanks for bringing it to our attention 8) A lot of people swear by credit cards, especially for getting off those hard green dot algae bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markoshark Posted August 11, 2007 Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 i've currently got chronic alge problems, possibly caused by crappy lights, over-feeding, high phosphates, or bad beach haven water. Credit cards ++ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted August 11, 2007 Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 credit cards are good but they dont remove all the build up andin order to stop rapid regrowth, you should use a scrubber of some sort Glass is not quite as smooth as most people think and the minute holes on the glass's surface allow "things" to get a foot hold. If you have a glass shower, it needs to be squeeged after every time its used and that allows a build up of white lime on the surface. Not quite the same in a tank as the water never evaperates to allow the lime to build up. I have a product that we use but things like RainX for car windscreens are great on a new shower... note SHOWER not tanks. I would recomend giving it (the tank) a scrub every week with a scrubber of some sort although in breeding tanks, I think a certian amount of build up is usefull. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted August 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 We're supposed to clean the shower? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted August 11, 2007 Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 Maybe I should also put a photo of a purchase I made today as well? an ironing board :oops: :lol: I told the checkout person that it was a birthday pressie for my wife (Brenda), she didnt bat an eyelid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted August 11, 2007 Report Share Posted August 11, 2007 I have an old card I use too. Works perfectly, haven't run into anything it won't take off. I'd imagine the perfect one would be an icescraper for car windows. Usually have a softish copper blade that won't scratch glass. But, won't find many of them around NZ> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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