Magic Erasers are known for their impressive ability to remove soap scum, smudges, grime, and other debris from numerous surfaces. Since fish tanks can get dirty fairly quickly, it’s natural to wonder whether or not a Magic Eraser could get the job done. However, the melamine foam construction has some aquarium owners wondering if it’s a safe solution.
Magic Erasers can be safely used with a little water to remove marks both inside and outside of fish tanks, as long as they aren’t used with any additional cleaning products.
In this post, we’ll discuss what Magic Erasers are made of, how to use them to clean your fish tank, and a handful of other solutions. All of your melamine foam questions will be answered today!
Do Magic Erasers Have Chemicals in Them?
Magic erasers have a chemical known as formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer to create the melamine foam sponge. They’re a perfect combination of absorbent and abrasive, making them the ideal choice for cleaning a variety of surfaces. This compound is safe for humans to use and fish to swim near.
According to Family Handyman, Magic Erasers use nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon to create this unique structure. They’re durable and long-lasting. Contrary to what many people believe, not all chemicals are harmful or dangerous to those who use them and live in environments cleaned by them.
Melamine foam has been around for many decades without too many signs of harmful side effects. It’s non-toxic, but it doesn’t biodegrade, which could make it detrimental to the local environment. Magic Erasers can be cleaned and reused dozens of times before showing wear and tear, so they should be used for a long time to prevent a negative environmental impact.
Is Melamine Foam Toxic to Fish?
Melamine foam isn’t toxic to fish, so it’s safe to use near them and to clean their tank. The only potential side effect is the sponge could crumble after many uses, leaving debris the fish and snails might ingest. Changing it regularly will prevent this from happening. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of melamine foam won’t harm your pets.
Melamine Foam EW explains melamine foam products, such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, are perfect for cleaning aquariums because they’re as safe and effective as it gets. Thoroughly wash the sponge with water after each use to remove the dirt and debris; Otherwise, you might spread it around the tank next time you clean it.
Note: While melamine foam won’t hurt your fish, the same can’t be said for the chemicals you might use to clean it. Always check the chemicals in each cleaner before spraying them on the fish tank and wiping them with a Magic Eraser (or any other sponge).
Can Magic Erasers Be Used on the Inside of a Fish Tank?
Magic Erasers can be used on the inside of a fish tank because they won’t harm your fish, the algae, or any other lifeform in the tank. However, it’s important to know that you’re using the original Mr. Clean Magic Eraser because some generic brands use similar names and different chemical compounds.
To clean your fish tank with a Magic Eraser, follow these instructions:
- Drain your fish tank to the desired level.
- Use the Magic Eraser to remove algae stains, watermarks, and other debris from the inside and outside of the fish tank.
- Dry the area with a clean towel to ensure all of the debris was removed.
- Fill the tank with water, not forgetting to add your water conditioner, if necessary.
Looking at the dozens of tropical fish forums and Facebook groups online, many aquarists use Magic Eraser as part of their regular maintenance schedule and are full of praise for how clean it gets the inside of the glass.
I use a magic eraser in my fish tank. This is the one I use. It is not the Mr Clean brand but it has exactly the same components as it.
I have been using it for quite a while now and it is so much easier to get rid of the annoying green algae. I used to spend ages trying to remove the most stubborn marks, and it still never looked 100% clear.
Here is one of my erasers after cleaning the inside of my tank glass. The glass wasn’t even what I would call dirty at the time. It just goes to show how much can come off in a few minutes.
I don’t use anything else with it. I don’t even wet it before use. When I have finished cleaning, I will clean it using hot water then leave it to dry.
Can You Use Window Cleaner on the Inside of a Fish Tank?
You can’t use window cleaner on the inside of a fish tank because it contains chemicals that are toxic to fish, crustaceans, and snails. Popular window cleaners will leach into the water supply, causing your fish to become sick (or worse).
Many window cleaning products contain ammonia and other chemicals known to harm fish and other animals. This means the fish would be trapped in an environment with dangerous additives, which is comparable to filling a home with a window cleaning chemical and breathing it in throughout the day.
When using a Magic Eraser to clean the inside of a fish tank, you don’t need to add anything. However, some people prefer to use diluted vinegar since it won’t harm the fish.
How Do I Make My Fish Tank Glass Clear Again?
To make your fish tank glass clear again if you have really stubborn marks that won’t shift with just the eraser, carry out a partial water change, and dip a Magic Eraser into a solution of 1:4 white vinegar: water and scrub the glass until it’s clear.
Diluted white vinegar is safe to use in a fish tank and will not harm your fish.
Regular maintenance is crucial, so you could use an aquarium cleaning magnet to prevent it from getting too dirty.
The Neptonion Magnet Fish Tank Cleaner mounts on the outside of the glass. Move it around while a magnet connected to the inside of the aquarium scrubs everything it goes over. You can use it daily in between bi-weekly cleaning sessions with a Magic Eraser.
Are Magic Erasers Safe to Use on Acrylic Fish Tanks?
Magic Erasers are safe to use on acrylic fish tanks because they won’t damage the surface. You can use it on glass, plastic, and any other aquarium material without worrying about toxicity, abrasive scrapes, or anything else.
You can also scrub the lid and all other aquarium equipment with a melamine foam sponge, such as the previously mentioned Magic Eraser. Remember not to use toxic chemicals, though.
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Conclusion
Now that you know all about Magic Erasers and melamine foam, you can safely and confidently clean your fish aquarium with peace of mind. Once the sponge looks dingy or discoloured, it’s time to switch it out with a new one, so it doesn’t crumble and leak bits and pieces all over the tank. Good luck!
