Controlling algae in your aquarium

[willie32]

I've been checking out some YouTube vids on using electric toothbrushes to scrub algae - seems like a decent idea, but my brain's still having trouble wrapping around the whole 'putting it underwater' thing. Has anyone else given this a try? Got any tips on which ones work best?

We're in the middle of a nasty diatoms outbreak in our 300 litre tank... I know I shouldn't stress about it, but it's hard to just leave it like that for too long.

willie32

[barnicle]

For a tank that size, I think you'll need something a bit more robust, to be honest. A standard electric toothbrush might not cut it, especially when you're dealing with a diatoms phase like you are.

[jaguar]

I've had some experience using a non-electric toothbrush for those tight spots in my tank. @barnicle's right though, for a 300l you'll need something with a bit more size to it - I was only working with 5 gallons and it took ages to get everything clean with a regular toothbrush.

[barnicle]

I'm just having a bit of fun with willie32, but I'm assuming it's for spot cleaning certain areas, like getting into those tight spaces where algae likes to hide.

[jaguar]

I'm assuming @willie32 just wants it for spot cleaning certain areas, not the whole 300 litres, that'd be a mission.