Mag-Float Questions

[misterted]

Does anyone know the difference between the Mag-Floats for Glass aquariums and the ones for acrylic aquariums?

The last one I used scratched the hell out of my tank.

I was thinking of using an acrylic model for my new 265 even though it's glass.


Ted

[joe_jaskot]

The magnetic cleaner did not scratch your glass. You probably picked up some sand on the felt pad, and that is what scratched the glass.

[Heyguy74]

Yep. It was probably sand .

[misterted]

OK, Got it.

But does anyone have any experience with the Acrylic version of this item?

[Flareside]

I dont have any experience with that product- but like you, I scratched some tanks in the past- in my new tanks, I simply dont want to risk it. Even the less abrasive acrylic product can still pick up some sand and do the same damage. Maybe consider using a pair of pleco's- especially on a brand new tank that is such a big investment?

[misterted]

for some reason they don't do windows. Where have I heard that before?

Anyway, I sent an e-mail to Mag-Float and here is the response I received:

"Thanks for letting me know your concern with your tank. Regardless of the mag-float that you have: glass or acrylic safe, if particles are stuck in between the mag-float and the surface, it will certainly cause scratches.

The glass magfloats have a more abresive pad versus the acrylic mag-float which is a rubber base pad. I cannot tell you if this would make a difference in preventing the scratches which I stand by the statement above to be true! Maybe you bring a point that there is a smaller chance of debris sticking to the acrylic pad versus the glass pad due the the material. Nevertheless, I cannot back this up. My advise is to clean the magfloat pad if you notice any debris that is in between the mag-float and the surface of your tank."


Classic non-commital stance. But nevertheless I am going to buy the acrylic one and will try it out very carefully.
BTW, I'd like to add that not once did I see any sand on the pad when scratches did come about. The grains are so small that you cannot see them but they can cause significant damage even at that size.Whenever I can see any sand in there I do get it out.

[joe_jaskot]

At least their answer was honest. Ancistrus work very well at keeping glass clean. I've used razor blades to clean glass and have never gotten any scratches.

[audiko4]

I've used the acrylic version in my tanks and havent had any issues, but I did feel that the magnet was a little weaker than the one intended for glass

[maddog10]

That was a better answer than I would have expected from a company. Shows someone at least read your email and took the time to answer it. That does not always happen.

I do not use my Mag-Float to clean the very bottom of my tank. I clean it by hand. I can still pick up sand, but generally I am going slower when hand cleaning and scratches, if any, would be confined to a smaller area.

I think this is still one of the best inventions ever, makes cleaning a tank go soooooo much faster. I have a Mag-Float in every tank I own.

[TOMMYN3D]

Im glad i saw this thread,i was at work and was going to ask about MAG FLOAT. I've always used a dish sponge with my hand in the tank to clean the glass.:point:(not the sponge that i also use for dishes) but a sponge just for each tank.

My question is MAG FLOAT what everyone use? and is everyone that does ,do you like it? all coments appreciated.. TOMMY

[fischfan13]

Tommy, it is not perfect but for keeping your hands dry and out of the tank it is the best.
A straight edge razor is still my favorite.

[TOMMYN3D]

Tommy, it is not perfect but for keeping your hands dry and out of the tank it is the best.
A straight edge razor is still my favorite.

Thanks Bill, ill invest in one and give it a try.. TOMMY

[Afreakin]

I use it and you do have to watch for sand. I put a sponge/scouring pad in between the glass and mag. overall I like it.

[joe_jaskot]

Invest in some ancistrus and never have to clean the glass again. LOL! I've seen more glass on tanks scratched up by using magnetic glass cleaners. Be careful.

[Tito]

Never never use a mag float if you are using Pool FIlter Sand. PFS is the worst glass scratcher you can put in your tank!

[fischfan13]

Invest in some ancistrus and never have to clean the glass again. LOL! .

Check out my Tropheus tank and my 125g and I will prove this to be untrue.