Best Magnetic Glass Cleaners for Aquariums
A magnetic glass cleaner lets you scrub algae off your tank glass without getting your hands wet. The inner scrubbing pad follows the outer handle through the glass via strong magnets. This best magnetic cleaner aquarium guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park reviews the options and helps you avoid scratched glass.
How Magnetic Cleaners Work
Two magnetic halves clamp onto opposite sides of the glass. The inner half has a scrubbing pad; the outer half has a smooth surface or handle. Moving the outer magnet slides the inner pad across the glass, removing algae. The magnet strength must match your glass thickness — too weak and the inner half falls off; too strong and it is difficult to move.
Sizing for Glass Thickness
This is the most important factor. Glass thickness varies by tank size: nano tanks use 4–5 mm glass, standard 60 cm tanks use 6–8 mm, larger tanks use 10–12 mm, and custom large tanks may use 15+ mm. Buy a cleaner rated for your specific glass thickness. Using a cleaner rated for thinner glass on thick glass results in weak grip and constant dropping. Using one rated for much thicker glass than yours makes it nearly impossible to move.
Top Magnetic Cleaner Options
Flipper ($25–$50): The most versatile option. It features a dual-surface design — flip the inner pad to switch between a felt cleaning surface for daily maintenance and a plastic blade for stubborn algae. Available in Nano, Standard and Max sizes covering 4 mm to 19 mm glass. The blade edge is plastic, so it will not scratch glass (but avoid using it on acrylic). The most popular magnetic cleaner among serious hobbyists in Singapore.
Mag-Float ($15–$35): A classic floating magnetic cleaner — the inner half floats to the surface if it detaches, making it easy to retrieve. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Super sizes for glass from 5 mm to 16 mm. Simple, reliable and widely available.
JBL Floaty ($10–$20): Compact, affordable and effective for standard glass thicknesses. The smaller sizes work well for nano tanks. The Floaty Shark model includes a built-in blade for tough algae. Good value for basic cleaning needs.
Tunze Care Magnet ($25–$60): Premium German engineering with strong magnets and replaceable cleaning pads. The Care Magnet Strong is designed for thick glass (10–15 mm) and provides excellent cleaning power. Higher price point but built to last.
Avoiding Scratches
The most common cause of scratches is sand or gravel caught between the pad and the glass. Never run the magnetic cleaner near the substrate line. Always inspect the inner pad before use — remove any debris. Clean the pad regularly by rinsing in fresh water. On acrylic tanks, only use magnetic cleaners specifically rated for acrylic — standard pads will scratch acrylic surfaces. Replace worn pads promptly; a deteriorated pad exposes the hard plastic backing, which scratches glass.
Maintenance Tips
Rinse both halves in fresh water after each use to remove algae residue and salt deposits. Store the halves together (attracted) to prevent the magnets from collecting metal debris. Replace cleaning pads when worn thin — replacement pads are available for most brands at $3–$8. A well-maintained magnetic cleaner lasts for years and makes weekly glass cleaning a 30-second task.
Related Reading
emilynakatani
Still Have Questions About Your Tank?
Drop by Gensou Aquascaping — most walk-in questions get answered in under 10 minutes by someone who has set up hundreds of tanks.
5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
