How To Remove Coralline Algae On Glass (Or Acrylic)

Image Source: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/coralline-algae.306194/

You can typically find it growing on nearly all surfaces of your aquarium, and if you are reading this article, we’re assuming that it’s most likely beginning to grow on your glass (or acrylic) and you want to remove it before it obstructs your view of the amazing reef you’ve spent months, or years, creating.

Before we show you the easiest way to remove coralline algae from your glass, here is a brief description of what it is and why it exists in your tank!

With more than 1,600 known species, Coralline Algae is a desirable variation of red algae and its growth is an indication of a successfully-matured marine aquarium.

Despite having so many different variations, you’re probably most familiar with the common purple, violet, lavender, pink, and magenta colors, although red, blue, white, yellow, and green also exist!

1. Geniculate (or articulated) Corallines
2. Non-geniculate (or non-articulated) Corallines 

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coralline_algae

As non-geniculate coralline algae matures in your aquarium, it will produce rough protuberances, providing an environment for micro-inhabitants and many invertebrates to flourish.

In addition, these types of coralline algae will produce chemicals promoting the development of certain invertebrates during their larval stage. Some of these invertebrates include urchins, chitons, and limpets.

Image Source: http://www.reefedition.com/spreading-the-goods-giving-coralline-algae-a-kickstart/

Coralline algae tends to develop much more slowly in an enclosed system. The process can be sped up if it has entered your aquarium as a “hitch-hiker” typically from live rock, snails, hermit crabs, or essentially any other material with established coralline algae on it.

If you’re doing regular, frequent maintenance on your tank and maintaining stable water parameters, you are supporting an environment for coralline algae to prosper in your reef.

The fastest, easiest, and most effective way to remove coralline algae from your glass (or acrylic) is by scraping it off. This can be done quickly with our famous Flipper Cleaner as shown by a happy customer in the video below:

Video Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba1i5k_nmdx/?igshid=sg15x58s7x42 (third slide)

When trying to remove coralline algae from an acrylic surface, be sure you are not scraping roughly. This is common practice when dealing with any acrylic aquariums as the material tends to scratch quite easily.

If you would like to save time, energy, and enjoy your reef through a crystal-clear tank, you can access a Flipper Cleaner of your own by clicking the link here: https://www.amazon.com/FL-PPER-Flipper-Aquarium-Cleaner/dp/B008ELIQ4Y

Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba1i5k_nmdx/?igshid=sg15x58s7x42

• CLEAN YOUR FRESH OR SALT WATER TANK IN HALF THE TIME! Quick, Easy and Hands-Dry! 2-In-1 Magnetic Aquarium Tank Algae Cleaner | Scrubber, Scraper, Flipper! For Use On Glass Tanks Up To 6mm (1/4″) Thickness or About 25 Gallons
• PATENTED DUAL SIDED CLEANER provides access to both a large polishing pad on one side and an efficient scraper on the other without ever having to reach in your tank! Reef Safe and ready for your coralline. Blade side has only 3 contact points resulting in a 3mm gap between the cleaner and the glass. This minimizes the chance of trapping sand and reduces the chance of scratching, even when cleaning below the sand
• CLEANS EVEN THE MOST STUBBORN CORALINE ALGAE! Made with rare earth magnets for incredible cleaning strength and durability. UNIQUE ORIENTING BUOYANCY keeps the cleaner upright for easy retrieval. Plus, Flipper is nearly neutral buoyancy so it does not sink like a stone if the magnets are disengaged
• INCLUDES (1) REPLACEABLE BLADE: Stainless Steel Blade for Glass Tanks. It is suggested to replace blades every 3-6 months to maintain optimal algae scraping
• 60 DAY 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We make the best aquarium cleaner in the world! If you aren’t satisfied with your Flipper for any reason, just contact us to arrange for a replacement or refund. Must Be Sold from an Authorized Dealer.

• CLEAN YOUR FRESH OR SALT WATER TANK IN HALF THE TIME! Quick, Easy and Hands-Dry! 2-In-1 Magnetic Aquarium Tank Algae Cleaner | Scrubber, Scraper, Flipper! For Use On Glass Tanks Up To 6mm (1/4″) Thickness or About 25 Gallons
• PATENTED DUAL SIDED CLEANER provides access to both a large polishing pad on one side and an efficient scraper on the other without ever having to reach in your tank! Reef Safe and ready for your coralline. Blade side has only 3 contact points resulting in a 3mm gap between the cleaner and the glass. This minimizes the chance of trapping sand and reduces the chance of scratching, even when cleaning below the sand
• CLEANS EVEN THE MOST STUBBORN CORALINE ALGAE! Made with rare earth magnets for incredible cleaning strength and durability. UNIQUE ORIENTING BUOYANCY keeps the cleaner upright for easy retrieval. Plus, Flipper is nearly neutral buoyancy so it does not sink like a stone if the magnets are disengaged
• INCLUDES (1) REPLACEABLE BLADE: Stainless Steel Blade for Glass Tanks. It is suggested to replace blades every 3-6 months to maintain optimal algae scraping
• 60 DAY 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We make the best aquarium cleaner in the world! If you aren’t satisfied with your Flipper for any reason, just contact us to arrange for a replacement or refund. Must Be Sold from an Authorized Dealer.

• CLEAN YOUR FRESH OR SALT WATER TANK IN HALF THE TIME! Quick, Easy and Hands-Dry! 2-In-1 Magnetic Aquarium Tank Algae Cleaner | Scrubber, Scraper, Flipper! For Use On Glass Tanks Up To 6mm (1/4″) Thickness or About 25 Gallons
• PATENTED DUAL SIDED CLEANER provides access to both a large polishing pad on one side and an efficient scraper on the other without ever having to reach in your tank! Reef Safe and ready for your coralline. Blade side has only 3 contact points resulting in a 3mm gap between the cleaner and the glass. This minimizes the chance of trapping sand and reduces the chance of scratching, even when cleaning below the sand
• CLEANS EVEN THE MOST STUBBORN CORALLINE ALGAE! Made with rare earth magnets for incredible cleaning strength and durability. UNIQUE ORIENTING BUOYANCY keeps the cleaner upright for easy retrieval. Plus, Flipper is nearly neutral buoyancy so it does not sink like a stone if the magnets are disengaged
• INCLUDES (1) REPLACEABLE BLADE: Stainless Steel Blade for Glass Tanks. It is suggested to replace blades every 3-6 months to maintain optimal algae scraping
• 60 DAY 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We make the best aquarium cleaner in the world! If you aren’t satisfied with your Flipper for any reason, just contact us to arrange for a replacement or refund. Must Be Sold from an Authorized Dealer.

If you are on the fence about investing in a Flipper Cleaner for your tank, we encourage you to check out our reviews on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pg/FlipperCleaner/reviews/?ref=page_internal

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B008ELIQ4Y/ref=acr_dp_hist_5?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=five_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar

As well as our posts featuring hundreds of dedicated aquarists just like you on our Instagram Page – https://www.instagram.com/flippercleaner/