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API Algae Scraper

Filter Media & Cleaning

API Algae Scraper

Glass tanks onlyLong handle

The API Algae Scraper is a simple tool that solves a weekly annoyance. Its 18-inch — roughly 46 cm — handle reaches the bottom of a deep tank without submerging your shoulder, and the pad shifts green spot and film algae off glass quickly. Use it as often as you like; rinse the pad under the tap before and after each use, and never scrape a dry surface, which drags grit across the glass. Replacement pads are sold separately. It is for glass aquariums only, as the pad will scratch acrylic.

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Live pricing and stock on jungleaquatics.com — purchase through Jungle Aquatics, with delivery across South Africa.

Technical details

Product typeAlgae scraper with pad
Handle lengthAbout 46 cm (18 inches)
Suitable forGlass aquariums only — not for acrylic
How oftenAs often as needed
In the boxScraper with one pad fitted
Replacement padsSold separately
Made byMars Fishcare, USA

Rinse the pad under the tap before and after every use, and never use it on a dry surface.

Can I use it on an acrylic tank?

No. The pad is made to bite into algae on glass and will leave permanent scratches on acrylic, which is far softer. Acrylic tanks need a pad specifically sold as acrylic-safe. On glass, the two rules that matter are: never scrape a dry surface, and rinse the pad before and after every use — a single grain of sand caught in the pad will score the pane in one stroke. If algae keeps coming back within days, the tool is not the problem: cut the light period, test phosphate and nitrate, and feed less.

A handle long enough for a deep tank

At about 46 cm the handle reaches the substrate in most home aquariums from outside the water, which keeps hands, watches and hand cream out of the tank and makes a weekly clean a two-minute job rather than a soaking.

Wet only, glass only

The pad is designed to work against wet glass; on a dry surface it drags whatever is caught in it across the pane. Rinse it before and after use so no sand grain gets trapped, and keep it away from acrylic tanks, which scratch far too easily.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the handle?

About 46 cm (18 inches), enough to reach the bottom of most home aquariums without putting your arm in the water.

Can the pad be replaced?

Yes. The scraper comes with a pad fitted and replacement pads are available separately.

Will it scratch my glass?

Not if the glass is wet and the pad is clean. Rinse the pad before and after use so no sand or gravel is caught in it.

Is the API Algae Scraper available in South Africa?

Yes — Jungle Aquatics in Fourways, Johannesburg stocks the scraper and its replacement pads and delivers nationwide; live pricing and stock are on jungleaquatics.com.

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South African flagAvailable in South Africa

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South Africa's leading pet and aquarium store since 2007 — with the API range on the floor in Fourways, advice from people who test water every day, and easy ordering from anywhere in the country.

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