Aqueon Algae Cleaning Magnet Review: Strong Enough to Be Slightly Annoying

ByMichael

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The large Aqueon algae-cleaning magnet I own has a very strong magnet.

That sounds like an uncomplicated compliment until you are sliding it across aquarium glass and it decides it would rather stick than glide. Glass cleaning is one small part of the same routine that includes Python water changes, AquaClear filtration, and keeping pothos in place above the tanks.

It can be a little annoying.

It also works.

My short version: the Aqueon magnet does a good job removing algae from the inside of my aquarium while I move the outer piece across the glass. My main complaint is almost the opposite of weak performance: the large magnet grips hard enough that movement can sometimes feel sticky.

What I bought

  • Product: Aqueon Algae Cleaning Magnets, Large
  • Amazon ASIN: B004BFI98U
  • Bought: 2023
  • Main use: Removing algae from inside aquarium walls without putting my hand in the tank
  • Overall verdict: Works pretty well
  • Main annoyance: Strong magnetic grip can make it stick as I slide it

How a magnetic algae cleaner works

One part of the cleaner stays inside the tank against the aquarium wall. The other stays outside.

The magnets hold the two pieces together through the tank wall, so moving the outer handle drags the inner cleaning pad along the inside surface.

Aqueon currently sells this same cleaning-magnet line for glass and acrylic aquariums and says the weighted inside scrubber drops downward if the halves separate.

The strong magnet is both the good part and the annoying part

I would rather have the inner pad stay connected than constantly fall away.

The large Aqueon certainly does not feel underpowered to me.

The downside is that when I am sliding it across the tank, the magnetic pull can make the movement less smooth than I would like. It sometimes feels as if it catches or sticks.

That has not stopped me from using it because it still removes material from the inside glass.

It keeps my hands out of the tank for routine glass cleaning

That is the biggest practical advantage.

For ordinary algae film on accessible tank walls, I can clean from the outside instead of reaching into aquarium water with a pad or scraper.

It does not mean I never need other cleaning tools. Corners, stubborn deposits, decorations, and other tank surfaces can still need different approaches.

Would I buy the Aqueon algae magnet again?

Yes, although I would choose the size carefully.

Aqueon sells different sizes, and the right magnetic strength depends partly on the aquarium material and wall thickness.

My large one works. I just would not mistake ‘stronger’ for ‘smoother.’

Aqueon algae cleaning magnet FAQ

Does the Aqueon algae magnet work?

Mine does. I use it to remove algae from inside the aquarium wall while moving the magnet from outside.

Is the large Aqueon magnet strong?

Mine is very strong. In fact, my main complaint is that it can sometimes feel sticky as I slide it across the glass.

What happens if the inside magnet separates?

Aqueon says the inside scrubber is weighted so it drops straight down rather than floating away.

Can it be used on glass and acrylic?

Aqueon currently sells the cleaning magnets with pads intended for glass and acrylic. Use the correct pad and size for your aquarium.

Aquarium-care note: Keep the cleaning surfaces free of trapped grit or sand that could scratch aquarium walls, and follow the manufacturer’s current instructions for glass versus acrylic use.

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