An aquarium is not only a home for fish, but also an interior decoration. However, even the most beautiful underwater world loses its attractiveness if the glass is covered with green plaque, algae or lime deposits. In this article I will tell you how to keep your aquarium glass perfectly clean, what tools to use and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why does glass get dirty?

Glass contamination is a natural process. Algae is caused by light and excess nutrients in the water, lime scale is caused by hard water, and cloudy spots can be caused by fish or snails. If not kept clean, it not only spoils the look, but can also harm the aquarium's inhabitants by upsetting the balance of light and oxygen.

Glass Cleaning Tools

There are several handy tools for glass care. The choice depends on the size of the aquarium and the type of dirt.

1. Magnetic scrapers
Two magnets - one inside the aquarium, one outside - allow you to clean glass without getting your hands wet.

• Pros: convenient, fast, safe for hands.
• Cons: does not cope with thick plaque, can scratch the glass if sand gets between the magnets.
• Example: Tetra Magnetic Cleaner or Fluval Razor - reliable options for aquariums up to 200 liters.

2. Sponges and scrapers on the handle
These are long sticks with a sponge or blade on the end.

• Pros: effective against stubborn dirt, affordable.
• Cons: you need to immerse your hands in water, blades require care.
• Example: the JBL Aqua-T Handy with safety blade is my personal favorite.

3. brushes or sponges
Regular aquarium sponges without a handle are fine for small aquariums.

• Pros: cheap, simple, suitable for corners.
• Cons: inconvenient for larger volumes.

4. Fish and snails
Some inhabitants like otocinclus, Siamese algae-eaters or nerstin snails clean algae from the glass themselves.

• Pros: natural method, no effort required.
• Minuses: do not cope with strong plaque, may be incompatible with other inhabitants.

How to clean the glass: step-by-step instructions

Preparation: turn off the filter and heater, so as not to accidentally damage the equipment.
Assess the contamination: a sponge or magnet will remove light scum, while a blade or special tools may be needed for the lime layer.
Cleaning:
For a magnetic squeegee: move the outer magnet smoothly, avoiding sudden movements.
For a sponge or blade: work from top to bottom so that dirt settles to the ground rather than floating in the water.

Water removal: after cleaning, collect the debris from the bottom with a siphon or leave the filter to do the job. Final touch: wipe the outside of the glass with a soft cloth and a small amount of water or glass cleaner (no ammonia!).

How to prevent contamination?

Cleaning glass is easier if you don't let dirt build up. Here are a few tips:

• Control the light: 6-8 hours of light per day is enough for plants, but does not provoke rapid algae growth.
• Keep an eye on the water: regular water changes (20-30% once a week) and nitrate testing can help avoid nutrient overload.
• Do not overfeed your fish: leftover food is the main cause of plaque.
• Use a UV sterilizer: it is effective against free-floating algae.

 

My experience

In my 60-liter planted aquarium, the glass used to be overgrown with green every two weeks. I bought a Tetra magnetic scraper and added a couple of otocinclus. Now it is enough to wipe the glass once a month, and I clean the outside with a damp microfiber - the result is perfect. For lime scale (we have hard water) I sometimes use vinegar, but only on the outside and with caution.

• What not to do
• Do not use household chemicals or soap - it is fatal for fish.
• Don't rub glass too hard, especially acrylic glass - it scratches easily.

Summary

Clean glass is not only about aesthetics but also about the health of the aquarium. With the right tools and a couple of simple habits, the process becomes easy and quick. Try different methods and find your perfect way. How do you keep an eye on your aquarium glass? Share your experiences in the comments!