Description
Algae cleaning pads quickly remove unsightly algae from your aquarium glass or acrylic.
There are four types of cleaning pad available:
- Algae pad for glass (green, handheld)
- Algae pad for acrylic (white, handheld)
- Algae pad on stick for glass (green)
- Algae pad on stick for acrylic (white)
The API Algae Scraper (pad on stick) is the version with a handle. It is about double the thickness of the API handheld algae pad. The handle has an extra long reach and strong handle construction allowing you to keep your hands dry or to reach into the deeper aquaria and has a highly durable scrubbing pad for long lasting use. The pad scrapes and removes algae quickly and easily, and may be used as frequently as needed.
Some amount of algae growth within the aquarium is quite natural. Over time small amounts can grow on the surfaces of your aquarium. In this situation use an algae pad to keep your glass aquarium sparkling. It is a good idea to keep on top of cleaning the glass and we recommend going over it at least once a week to stop hard algae from growing. Soft algae is far easier to clean away than hard algae! If however you find that you are constantly cleaning and scrubbing away at your aquarium or experiencing rapid algae growth there could be a separate issue that may need to be addressed.
There are many causes of nuisance algae in the aquarium, here are a few:
Too many hours of light
Most aquariums only need around 6 – 8 hours of light. If you are getting excessive algae growth, you could try dropping the amount of hours that your light is on for.
Unsuitable aquarium lighting
Make sure that you are using a light that is designed for the type of aquarium that you keep. Also, how old is your light? If you have tube or halide lighting and the bulbs are older than 6 months – 1 year it may be time to change them. Old bulbs give a spectrum that is better for algae growth.
High waste nutrients
If your nitrate or phosphate levels are high this could also be causing algae to grow.
We recommend frequent testing to ensure happy livestock and a healthy environment.
If you are unsure of what your water parameters should be, you can book in with one of our aquarists for a health check service.
Be careful when using this product not to accidently pick up objects such as sand and gravel whilst carrying out maintenance as this can stick to the pad and scratch aquarium acrylic.
Instructions for algae cleaning pads:
- Always rinse pad before and after use with tap water
- Do not use on dry surfaces
- Be careful not to pick up sand or gravel with the pad (avoid scratches)
- Do not use the glass (green) algae pad to clean an acrylic aquarium
