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melev

The Magic Eraser

Rating: 3 votes, 5.00 average.
21 Comments
by
melev
, 10-21-2011 at 08:00 AM (9995 Views)
This product has been discussed by aquarists, debating the value versus risk to the tank. The Magic Eraser can be purchased at super markets and places like Walmart. I found a larger box one day and bought it to try out. I think this box cost around $5.50 and came with four sponges, for lack of a better word.



About three months ago, I saw some chatter about the Magic Eraser on Facebook and how those people liked using it to keep the glass clean. Later, I saw more talk on DFWMAS and how those users felt their glass cleanings had reduced in number. One even pointed out that he cuts the material with a razor blade to sandwich it between his cleaning magnets. With that, I had to try it out myself. I had some razor blades that were the perfect size for this application. It cut through it easily like styrofoam. The white stuff is semi-soft, and apparently contains no chemicals.



I've been using this slice of the product between the magnets for about two weeks. It really cleans the glass well, which slows the film algae from growing since it erases every trace of the stuff. Some state it does well with coralline, but I don't really agree. Stubborn algae comes off with a few quick passes.

I'll probably flip the pad over to use the other side, or maybe just insert a new one. When turning a corner, the inserted pad doesn't move with the magnet so that is two-handed job but I don't mind getting my hand wet for that.

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Categories
‎ Equipment

Comments

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  1. Skamin's Avatar
    Hey Marc,
    do you recall any mention of use on acrylic? If not I could try it out.......
  2. chuck's Avatar
    Thanks for sharing this Marc. I will have to pick me a box up
  3. melev's Avatar
    I've not tried it on acrylic yet. It states on the box not to use it on polished surfaces, so you probably need to test it somewhere inconspicuous. I'll try it out on my QT since it is old and replaceable.
  4. chuck's Avatar
    Look forward to hearing the results of that test.
  5. dlandino's Avatar
    What a great idea. I may have to give this a whir! We love the stuff and clean many things in our house with them now. Thanks Marc!
  6. debdp's Avatar
    Interesting. I always thought there were some sort of chemicals in the sponge that made cleaning easier. So I would've never thought to use inside a tank.
  7. debdp's Avatar
    Interesting. I always thought there were some sort of chemicals in the sponge that made cleaning easier. And some quick research led to this interesting link if anyone's interested. Based on the article I'm sure not gonna try it on my acrylic tank. http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesi...ic-eraser.html
  8. Reggie's Avatar
    Marc, are you sure it's reef safe? I always use it (original and not scented) to clean my macbook and everytime I use it I get like tiny soap-like bubbles -- makes me a bit nervous to use inside the tank.

    EDIT: just saw debdp's link above. From the article:
    Magic Erasers clean by a physical process, not a chemical one. When you rub a dirty spot with a Magic Eraser, you're essentially sanding away the dirt. As you rub, the foam disintegrates.
    If it disintegrates, I wonder if the skimmer can pull it out.
  9. Shawnanthony's Avatar
    Thanks Marc,
    Who knew the Magic Eraser could be used for so many uses. I'm Definetly going to try it
  10. spllbnd2's Avatar
    THx for the great info Marc. I'll have to give these things a shot on my tanks.
  11. spllbnd2's Avatar
    After reading some info on this, I am curious if there is a lot of foam produced from the eraser that enters the tank when cleaning the glass.
    http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov...ds&id=16003845
    Under First Aid it states the following;
    If foam is ingested, contact a physician or veterinarian immediately. Intestinal blockage may be life threatening to some household pets.

    Things that make you go Hmmm. :0)

    Cheers,
    Alex
  12. Sisterlimonpot's Avatar
    I remember reading about this a few years ago and it was in debate as to whether or not the material it's made out of was bad for the tank or not, apparently it's fine. It was first introduced as a way to prevent scratching the acrylic tanks while cleaning. So it must be fine for acrylic as well.
  13. mhowe9's Avatar
    Cool Marc! I have used the it in outside, never thought of using it on the inside.
  14. Midnight's Avatar
    Definately would like to know the acrylic question also.
  15. fishtal's Avatar
    Marc,

    Any updates? Still no ill affects? Just purchased some and plan on using them this weekend.
  16. spllbnd2's Avatar
    I picked up a box of these and plan on giving them a try. I'll see if there are any ill effects on nano sized tanks.
  17. fishtal's Avatar
    I used it on my TOM Aquatics pico last night and it worked great. As you know, those tanks are plastic and scratch if you look at them harshly but the ME didn't scratch at all.
  18. debdp's Avatar
    I finally remembered to pick one of these up and used it on my acrylic tank last night (under blue LEDs). LOVE IT! I've been using blue bonded filter pads to clean the acrylic and usually have to scrub to get it clean. I cleaned the tank in 1/4 the time needing only one or two swipes. I did it by hand but will slice up a piece to put in the magnet.
  19. melev's Avatar
    Tal, I'm still using it when needed. Very handy and simple to use.
  20. saxerphoner's Avatar
    Do you leave it attached to the magnet (in the tank) between cleanings or take it out?
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