A "Magic" Way To Clean Your Aquarium Glass; Even Green Spot Algae

Patreon: www.patreon.com/danielhiteshew
Melamine Sponges: amzn.to/2rmkryS
Aquatic Plants for sale: [e-mail]
I'm trying melamine sponges, aka "Magic Eraser" to clean my aquarium glass, and I was really happy to see the results. Super easy way to remove stubborn algae, including Green Spot Algae.

[@Muppet92954]

I've never gotten so much satisfaction from watching someone remove algae before :)

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Lol I've never gotten so much satisfaction removing algae before. Maybe I should try those ASMR videos.

[@firefoureffect]

This video helped me solve my problem-thank you!! Ordered from Amazon and the sponges arrived today. I’m amazed how thoroughly and quickly it cleaned my 10 gallon tank. Thanks again for doing this video!!

[@bss6273]

You give better information on Melamine sponges than anyone ive seen on youtube. Really good stuff man. I use to use this on my plant aquarium years ago, but decided to finally see a KZbin video on whether it actually is safe. Fortunately it is 😄

[@melissaamyx2196]

Thanks Dan for this tip!!! Getting some of these tomorrow!!!

[@ManxDaddy839]

Works wonders on interior auto glass also. Gonna do some algae removal with it this fine Christmas morning. Great tip. Thanks and just subbed.

[@sharonbrush2711]

Do you wet and rinse the sponge with tank water before you place it in the tank?

[@ronwise1745]

I have been using these for years. I even use it on my 75 gallon acrylic aquarium with no issues at all, no scratching, nothing.

[@amandawilson8935]

REALLY? ON Acrylic? That would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sherryspranger6342]

@@amandawilson8935 Yes I use it too om my acrylic Aquarium.No issues at all Love these.

[@andreaschmidt9776]

Wow 🤩 this worked so well . I had a problem with algae and worked so easy . Get them and use them

[@raymondmacias6341]

Thank you for sharing this tip. I have one tank that I have had a big issue with the green spot algae, and I cannot seem to get rid of it. I am really excited to try the melamine sponge on the tank now. Thank you again for the video.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Green spot algae is tough, even for these sponges. Sometimes a razor blade is your best bet.

[@joyannkjb4l250]

Wow, that was amazing!! You got me! I just ordered a pack lol I'm SO hopeful now for my turtle tank!! Wow!!

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

Thanks Dan. I just looked them up on ebay. I appreciate the info. Order is in.

[@cosmophire]

thanks bro, glad 2 hear it works w/o removing the fish! lifesaver

[@vickie3443]

Dang!! Works like magic!! I'm going to order from Amazon now!!! Thank you.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Great idea. You're essentially wet sanding the glass, or polishing the glass. Curious to see if this reduces the tendency for the algae to adhere.

[@mrlazli]

Thanks for sharing this great advice!

[@Danios]

Nice tip, i will try it today, greetings from Poland ;)

[@lovinmzre]

Super wow! Thanks for sharing!!

[@vezeris]

I tried it and it works! Now I have a sponge for aquarium glass alone.

[@hannahbelle567]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@sonshinelegacy773]

Thank you so much for this information.

[@SusanneD1806]

Thank you for this tip! I've got this kind of nasty algae and it's really painful to get rid of it because of my fibromyalgia.. So I'm definitely going to try this! Hopefully it will make cleaning the aquarium a lot easier 😃

[@Mykohori]

Thank you for recommending this, my tank look like a mess and I've tried everything to get rid of spot algae but they're too damn tough, hopefully this will help.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It'll still take a bit of effort for the green spot algae, but it does remove it.

[@weebolddavy]

I wish I'd found your video 50 years ago! I've just ordered some. Many thanks.

[@weebolddavy]

Arrived today, can't believe how well it works and very cheap to buy. When I started keeping fish 50 years ago it was a razor blade, so glad those days are gone!

[@waynetodd6740]

Great tip thanks!

[@RockPileTanks]

"Tonight were gonna try something new...(suspense) ... Cleaning the glass." That had me lol so hard it hurt. The delivery was epic. Video should cut into a montage for your channel right there lol.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Lol The "new" thing was the sponge.

[@RockPileTanks]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly I know but the annunciation made it seemd like cleaning the glass was an new thing you were going to try for the first time lol.

[@lupitaservin1994]

🤣

[@paulhowell8661]

Works amazing

[@richardirving7385]

you superstar, worked a treat, thanks for sharing

[@vickie3443]

Amazing!! Incredible!!

[@sasfishadventures9729]

Amazing!

[@1lapmagic]

Very important, sometimes these can be filled with soap from the factory, make sure to wash and wring it thoroughly beforehand even if product says no soap.

[@aquariumfunthejoyofaquariu6060]

Wow! That is cool Thanks

[@gurky2hart6566]

Thanks for the tip. I will be searching for these for sure!

[@AussieAquatic]

THANKYOU Internet!!! Great algae removal hack........ Makes me wonder now about shower screens?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It would probably do wonders on it.

[@tyrone4ya837]

Thank you soooo much!

[@jackanddan]

Coolness....we dig the steel wool....we get huge bags at Marc’s for like a buck and they last a year or so....this stuff seems to work great though...happy holidays dude....

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It's good for cheap fireworks too. Lol

[@Phoniq]

So good.

[@dancemusicorganisation]

Thanks for this video. The green spot algae was starting to annoy me and I was wondering how I could safely remove it, the magnetic glass cleaner even when used with my hand in the tank like a scourer was doing nothing and I was worried I might have to remove the fish and gravel and do a deep clean on the tank, which apart from being a major PITA, could also disrupt the fish and the bio-cycle potentially causing fish loss. Knowing it is safe to use the 'magic sponge' type product and seeing how well it works has put a big smile on my face and made keeping my son's tank in tip-top condition so much easier, nice one, much appreciated. 👊

[@dancemusicorganisation]

PS, got any tips on how to easily remove those pesky white nerite snail eggs, dunno how they manage to place them in some of the locations, let alone the fact they seem to attach them with super-glue! Wish I had never bought them from the pet shop and won't be buying them again, but don't have the heart to simply 'get rid', so will have to wait for them to die naturally, which I believe is only 2-3 years. Currently I have to get a screw-driver and dig them out the bog wood, one at a time, and they lay hundreds of the damn things, drives me nuts during water change tank maintenance, as well as very time consuming!

[@MimzyKuppycakez]

​@@dancemusicorganisationget an assassin snail or 2!

[@dancemusicorganisation]

@@MimzyKuppycakez Why, do they eat the nerite snail eggs?

[@susanburd1398]

Would this remove the algi on the seal inside the glass ?

[@loavesfishes6268]

I even use these on my acrylic aquarium with no issues. Didn’t know about the generic version though!

[@SoulNSucculent]

Loaves & Fishes Good to know. What brand did you use? I have a new acrylic aquarium but scared to scratch it. How much pressure did you apply?

[@loavesfishes6268]

Soul Sugar Succulent I used the Mr Eraser brand, and just light pressure. I can’t guarantee that it doesn’t scratch, I bought my acrylic aquarium used, so it had lost that shiny new look years before. I haven’t noticed any new scratching though.

[@irishpat9]

I just struggled for an hour scrubbing that algae off the inside glass and it wasn't a fun job. Now I see there's a solution. Thank you!!! BTW, what is that bright neon green plant (not the java fern) in your Gourami tank? It's so beautiful.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Probably looking at Water Sprite.

[@randomant4909]

Mind blown 😳

[@THolzAquariums]

Thanks for this tip Dan! I just bought a lifetime supply (70 for $13.59) at Amazon.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I slice each pd into 6 pieces. Once down the middle, then slice each side like 3 thin slices of bread.

[@THolzAquariums]

Dan Hiteshew I saw that on the video Was wondering What do you use to cut them so evenly with ?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@THolzAquariums One of those disposable utility razors that you slide out and can break the tips off for new blades. Slide it all the way out, and you've got a 5 inch scalpel.

[@THolzAquariums]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly Good idea Thanks!

[@altodomino7859]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@soraiasilva4271]

Hey thank you for the tip!!but can you tell me what fish is in the second tank?the gllitery white ones they are beautifuuuuul!!thank you in advance 😊😊

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I'm guessing you saw the Diamond Tetras.

[@samanthamorristhecat8131]

Oh wow! I got to find that sponge in Australia.

[@amandatuner4677]

Samantha Morris I’m pretty sure you can find them in the sponge section of coles or woollies called “magic eraser” I’ve read you use the ones that say they are chemical free though so you don’t add anything nasty to your tank.

[@samanthamorristhecat8131]

@@amandatuner4677 thanks I found some on ebay and bought those will see what they are like.I also had a look in Coles today and found them so bought one. Will see how they go.

[@JolliBliss]

You may find one in your kitchen

[@qifry5367]

holyshit men i am traumatize of scratching my tank and i found u

[@delcy28]

Trying now.....

[@jeremyrichards1085]

Someone advised me to use a plastic credit card to clean green spot algae. It actually worked a treat.

[@Manathern]

Have you tried nerite snails? They do wonders for me in my tanks with green algaes. They won't bug fish or other invertebrates and won't reproduce like rabbits in fresh water (they need brackish).

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes, I have them in several tanks. They're about the only thing that eats green spot algae.

[@Dannydaballer]

Does this remove crusty tanks?

[@blkicemike4857]

good to know,..👍🏼👍🏼.

[@jenniferdelgiudice4452]

Hillel I what plant is floating on top of your tank? Would do great for my small fry to hide

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Water Sprite

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

Omgggggg so smartttt

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

An one more question I took out a aggressive fish he was messing wit my old fish can that cause stress or anything

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes, aggressive fish will stress out other fish.

[@AlbertZora]

Is there a way to prevent the green spots from appearing? Or just regular cleaning when they appear?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

You have to clean them or they'll grow.

[@weebolddavy]

Empty the water out of your tank, problem solved!

[@swc91274]

What is the brown or red algae looking stuff on the wave maker from the first tank you showed . I have this stuff in my tank also and would like to get it out of there

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Probably red cyanobacteria

[@jetroar17]

Try Phosguard. Dark algae often like phosphates and silicates. Phosguard removed my dark algae in 7-10 days. If it works, replace the phosguard at least every two months or solve your phosphate/silicate problem (mine was caused by decaying plant debris).

[@JolliBliss]

Similar effect on normal kitchen sponge but cheaper.

[@Hill4More]

Put a magnet on one side of glass and other on sponge to use from outside of tank.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

That seems like a lot of hassle just to avoid getting my arm wet.

[@jetroar17]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly It would help short people with larger tanks that can't reach the bottom of the glass....

[@WaseemMuhammedIlyas]

Old credit cards or any such plastic id cards are what I use. They are very effective too

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

They are effective, but they just scrape all the algae into the water. The sponge holds onto most of it so you can remove it.

[@WaseemMuhammedIlyas]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly ya that's true.

[@oceansea5]

Just a question.. after you do that should you do a water change ? ( I am new to all of this )

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

You can, but it's not necessary. Most people do it during water changes anyway.

[@oceansea5]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly Thanks very much !

[@apolloravindran]

so is that cut piece reusable, once you are done can you wash the algae off the sponge?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I've squeezed them out and used them again.

[@apolloravindran]

Dan Hiteshew thank you for the tip, ordering mine right now

[@Shaden0040]

I wonder how microfiber cloth would do against this algae, too?

[@rochenmeister]

That's what i use for my acrylic tank

[@leegray4999]

This is the same stuff used in the Mr. Clean magic erasers but like pencil erasers they wear down as you use them , might there not be a worry of the particles irritating the fish's gills after all we can't breath glass particles without problems , maybe i am off base but it is worth considering just to see what may or may not happen because the stuff works and using a razor blade for it is a bit of a pain in the butt !

[@greenthumbaquariums1185]

What do you think of the particles released by the pad into the water? You can see them if you watch closely. They're like powder and I've wondered if they could eventually cause problems.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I believe it's an inert material so probably not any problems.

[@nortok00]

I was wondering this myself. There was a scandal here in Canada back in 2006 with a company that made dog and cat food for various companies and some of the ingredients that came from China were contaminated with this stuff. It caused kidney failure and death in a lot of dogs and cats. I don't know if there are different types of this stuff where some might be safe and others aren't but until that's confirmed I'd be wary of any of these particles floating around in my tank that the fish might consume.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@nortok00 I looked into that. You don't have anything to worry about. www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/recalls-withdrawals/melamine-pet-food-recall-frequently-asked-questions

[@silkqueen8498]

That was my concern😕

[@jackgutz]

I wonder if this would work on hard water stains. Emptying the tank and using chemicals just wouldn’t be possible

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It takes elbow grease, but it works.

[@infosemenit2561]

excuse me sirr,, permition to download this,and add to my video produck, of course im put the source video

[@mrsoggypampers8398]

Can you use it on acrylic tanks

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I've had a lot of people say they use it on theirs, but I don't know for sure. Maybe test a small area first.

[@Zezhuanth_Irthos]

What about on acrylic will it scratch it❓ Do you think it's safe❓

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I have heard from many people saying it doesn't scratch acrylic, but I have no personal experience.

[@Zezhuanth_Irthos]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly awesome thank you 😁

[@GSP-76]

Won't this disintegrate slowly as you wipe the glass? It works great though.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No. Not that I've noticed.

[@marianamator4171]

😀

[@JustaKarenDiscoveredTheIntrnet]

not toxic towards fish?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No, it's inert. It's non toxic and won't react with anything.

[@marymorris9421]

Will it work on acrylic tanks?

[@ronwise1745]

Mary Morris yes I have a 75 gallon acrylic aquarium that I use it on, no problem at all.

[@marymorris9421]

Thanks!

[@klove7365]

@@ronwise1745 Cool i want to give it a try

[@stanislavstanislav5276]

Formaldehyde?

[@sallyb7472]

Be aware some Mr. Clean erasers do have detergent imbedded in them.

[@patriot4usall]

There's no chemicals in there that hurt the fish?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No, it's just inert melamine foam. The "magic Eraser" says to wet it to "activate" it, which I always thought meant there was something in them that mixed with water, but it really just means you can't use a dry sponge.

[@ChristopherLeeFoto]

i use a razor blade...it's really that simple...and no scratch

[@lilibee3443]

Be careful. When I use it to clean the kitchen, tiny pieces of it break off. The sponge keeps getting smaller and smaller as you use it.

[@suziecharles8933]

That's what i was wondering.

[@jacklawer6389]

I thought magic eraser has chemicals in it,?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No. The instructions say "wet to activate" but that just means it needs to be wet to work properly. (think of a dry sponge vs a damp sponge)

[@yopieputra3783]

I thought you were holding cucumber in the thumbnail

[@user-it4dq9dj9q]

ive been using this for years. it doesnt work on hard water stains that only been there for a few days, still need a razor

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Thanks for the info. I've got soft water, so I'd never had known that if someone didn't tell me.

[@user-it4dq9dj9q]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly im jealous of your soft water lol

[@TheBudgetAquarist]

The magic eraser! Good stuff, but yes, please cut it up and use the heck out of each piece because it is not biodegradable!

[@silkqueen8498]

Do you need to rinse it 1st...? I'm just concerned...

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

No, but you need to get it wet before rubbing the glass. It doesn't contain and chemicals or anything though.

[@LonghornLounge]

I've used this method, and it works, but it spreads algae everywhere. When I first used it, I only had green Dot algae in specific areas.. since I used this ALL OVER my glass, I now have algae everywhere. But!! It works great for a quick cleaning. Gonna get a a couple nirites for the tank.

[@Lflower1Stars]

Dan..can you wash and reuse them? Nice vid.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I guess you could, but they're cheap enough for single use as far as I'm concerned.

[@loavesfishes6268]

Lflower1 Stars they start to disintegrate fairly quickly. I actually cut mine up and slice them into thinner pieces so that I’m wasting less.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@loavesfishes6268 That's what I'm doing. Cut in half like in the video, but slice that edgewise to get 4 pieces from each sponge. It gets the cost down to $0.05 per sponge.

[@bebebutterfield7699]

Gasp....they are swimming in both tanks. If those are fry they are the smallest I've ever seen. Course I don't see so much since I got old.

[@ezwaters5847]

Wonder how it would work as biological filter media...

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

It's pretty dense. I don't know how well water would flow thru it.

[@ezwaters5847]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly perhaps similar to a block of ceramic media. I've got some on order to experiment with in 3-4 weeks... Otherwise we'll have lots on hand for cleaning!

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@ezwaters5847 It's open cell, so water will pass through it. I just think it would do so pretty slowly.

[@chumanji9]

Be careful with these. Not all are made the same. I had one leave micro scratches on my tank.

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

Acrylic tank? That's a no brainier......

[@chumanji9]

Nope it was glass. It was like a really fine grit sandpaper

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

I was worried that when cleaning my fish would be breathing the algae in the water but it’s collets it all

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Algae in the water won't affect a fish's "breathing". water just passes over their gills and out the other side. They do just fine in cloudy, silty, or even green water.

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly how long do Tetris usually live ? Btw

[@dailydoseofrips8482]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly would algae affect the fish I have it on my back an front not a lot less then this video does I need to clean it I have some old fish I love them lmao

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@dailydoseofrips8482 No, algae won't bother the fish at all.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@dailydoseofrips8482 depending on the species, tetras can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years. (most are probably around the 5-7 range. you can google it)

[@Shaden0040]

I wonder how this sponge would work as a sponge biological media in a filter?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Probably not very well. It's too dense to allow water to flow through it.

[@frankpierco8826]

I was asking myself the same question. Not so much as a sponge though, but instead of the pipes/biomedia . Decided to buy some of that stuff as cleaning material, and test it in one of my hobs as biofilter material. Worth the try I think.

[@amandatuner4677]

I’ve used one as a prefilter on my filter when I first got cherry shrimp it worked out good. Not very long lasting though.

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@amandatuner4677 did the shrimps die ?

[@amandatuner4677]

sdq sdq no they were fine, it just disintegrated when I rinsed it at water change. So not a durable product.

[@alexandergalliano1460]

invest in a melamine pleco

[@peters.1085]

Hmm noticed that the heater is still on while your hands are in the water. Dangerous practice and bad example

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

You unplug your filter before you put your hands in the tank? Every time?

[@communityfish9803]

Peter Searle lol sure if there was an issue the fish would fry well before u felt it b

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@communityfish9803 Not necessarily. If the tank isn't grounded, the electricity wouldn't flow. But if I was standing on the floor (in bare feet or conductive shoes) I'd complete the circuit and the juice would flow through me. It's very unlikely, but is possible.

[@Mimi-fr8gf]

😂

[@communityfish9803]

Dan Hiteshew not sure we’re in the world you are but here in the UK it would be grounded by the power cables earthing wire so the fish would fry, but before that happens fuse would blow or RCD trip so no risk at all of this and not dangerous at all.

[@alwayswondering4051]

I allow algae to grow anywhere. Provided it does not impede the growth of my decorous plants and the front panel of glass is clear, 'any' plant will remove otherwise deleterious compounds from the water colomn. Remember however that when a plant dies those self-same constituents are re-released back into the environment. But hopefully by that time your environment will have grown to make the event insignificant.

[@5822huron]

Is this guy wearing nail polish?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

Yes. Look up "polished man"

[@5822huron]

@@DanHiteshew-oneandonly no thx

[@warrenbrowne9648]

Just buy the right” feeding” fish and snails - they will balance the tank and it’s natural

[@TwentyStackz]

Wtf is that nail lmaoooo...