This Review has been updated 11 times since it was first published in October of 2016. If you can’t see your beautiful tropical fish through that hazy green film, it’s time to break out one of these algae scrapers. Built to remove nasty deposits quickly and easily, they are available for use on both acrylic and glass and come in a range of designs that require varying amounts of effort from the user. None are terribly expensive, however, so there’s no excuse not to clean. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review.
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Top 10 Algae Scrapers
10. API Algae Scraper
The API Algae Scraper provides virtually nothing in the way of fancy features, but that just means there’s no complicated learning process and, when compared to more extravagant models, there’s less to break. Note that it is designed for acrylic aquariums only.
- Replacement pads available
- Sturdy and durable handle
- Better in corners than on flat panes
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9. Atlantis Aquatics 5-in-1
If you don’t have tons of money to invest and need the most bang for your buck, the Atlantis Aquatics 5-in-1 is an option to consider. As you might have guessed, it offers a range of functions, thanks to its five attachments, which include a gravel rake and a scraper.
- Scrubber rotates 360 degrees
- Better for glass than acrylic
- Nifty aquascaping fork
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8. Koller Products Multi-Tool
The Koller Products Multi-Tool is a handy device for a range of cleaning applications. The corrosion-resistant fiberglass handle comes in three sizes to keep your hands dry in deep tanks, and the ergonomic grip optimizes comfort during the process.
- Shovel attachment for fallen items
- Budget-friendly price
- Flexible so you can’t push too hard
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7. Continuum AquaBlade P
The Continuum AquaBlade P is a convenient option that won’t scrape too much green from your wallet. Its solid, one-piece, plastic build keeps water from entering it while in use, plus the acrylic blade makes it safe for kids to handle.
- White body is easy to see in water
- Resists bacteria and odors
- Best for light duty
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6. AroPaw Tools Set
Chances are, you’ve got two pretty good scrapers on you right now — your hands — which you can put to use with the AroPaw Tools Set. It includes waterproof gloves that cover much of your arms, as well as two beefy scrubber pads that are 6.5 inches tall.
- Gloves are bpa-free
- Keep slime off your skin
- Requires more elbow grease than many
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5. Fluval 3-in-1
For the price, the Fluval 3-in-1 is a fine value, with three interchangeable heads for all your cleaning needs. The pad is ideal for removing daily buildup, the nylon net works perfectly for handling fish safely, and the scraper makes it a snap to remove deposits.
- Head swivels to multiple positions
- Telescopic handle with comfort grip
- Hard to store due to its large size
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4. Kedsum Floating
With its compact size and versatile design, the Kedsum Floating makes a great choice for both fresh and saltwater environments with walls between 12 and 20 millimeters thick. It’s also quite user-friendly, as it can clean at any angle.
- No trouble to move back and forth
- Cleaning pad has ample felt
- Sometimes leaves behind streaks
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3. Gulfstream Tropical Mag-Float
The Gulfstream Tropical Mag-Float is a must-have for hassle-free maintenance of your prized fishes’ habitat. This magnetic option is buoyant, which makes it easy to operate and retrieve, and it glides effortlessly in order to save you time and energy.
- Potent against stubborn algae
- Brush stays free of gravel and sand
- Three available sizes
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2. MiguCo Stainless Steel
You’ll want to treat it with respect, as the blades are definitely on the sharper side, but the MiguCo Stainless Steel is so powerful and effective that the additional caution is worth it. As a bonus, it arrives with 10 spare blades.
- Angled for corner cleaning
- 25 inches when extended
- Uncomplicated design
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1. Flipper 2-in-1
The Flipper 2-in-1 is by far one of the most versatile models on the market. It can easily flip from scrubber to scraper when you rotate the handle, and it has an ultra low-profile design that allows cleaning in hard to reach areas of the tank.
- Can use on glass or acrylic
- Safety gap prevents sand trapping
- Blades are replaceable
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