Description

SuperFish Float Clean Magnet (Medium):

The Professional’s Choice for Glass Maintenance

In the aquarium hobby, maintaining crystal-clear glass is often the difference between a stunning display and a neglected tank. The SuperFish Float Clean Magnet (Medium) is a staple maintenance tool designed to remove stubborn algae without the risk of scratching the glass or, crucially, losing the magnet in the depths of the substrate.

The “M” (Medium) variant is specifically engineered for mid-sized aquaria, balancing a strong magnetic pull with a footprint that can navigate around internal filters and decor.

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1. Physical Specifications and Design

The SuperFish Float Clean is distinguished by its ergonomic “easy-grip” handle and its signature buoyancy.

• Size (M): Optimised for glass thicknesses between 5mm and 10mm.

• Dimensions: Approximately 10cm x 4cm, providing a generous cleaning surface while remaining slim enough for nano-to-medium setups.

• Floating Feature: The internal magnet (the “wet” side) is designed to float. If the magnetic bond is broken during cleaning, the internal piece will bob to the surface rather than sinking into the gravel.

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2. Key Functional Benefits

Prevention of Scratches

The most significant risk when using traditional magnets is “substrate trapping.” If a magnet sinks to the bottom, it can pick up a grain of sand or gravel. When the magnet is reattached, that grain is dragged across the glass, causing permanent, unsightly scratches. By floating, the SuperFish Magnet eliminates this risk entirely.

Ergonomic Handling

The external handle is contoured for the palm, allowing for significant pressure to be applied to stubborn Green Spot Algae (GSA) without causing hand fatigue.

Dual-Surface Cleaning

• The Internal Side: Features a coarse, velcro-like abrasive surface that “shaves” algae off the glass.

• The External Side: Features a soft, felt-like pad that polishes the outside of the glass and ensures the magnet glides smoothly.

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3. Operational Best Practices

To get the most out of your SuperFish Magnet and ensure the longevity of your aquarium, follow these hobbyist standards:

1. Check for Debris: Before every use, inspect both pads for any trapped grit or dried salt creep.

2. Corner Navigation: When moving the magnet around a 90-degree corner, move slowly. If the magnets disconnect, the internal piece will simply float to the top for easy retrieval.

3. The “Safety Gap”: Avoid bringing the magnet within 2cm of the substrate line. Even with a floating magnet, the “pull” can sometimes kick up sand which may get caught between the glass and the pad.

4. Storage: Store the magnets separately or with the provided plastic spacer. Keeping them together long-term can compress the cleaning pads and reduce their effectiveness.

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4. Maintenance and Longevity

Unlike cheaper alternatives, the SuperFish Float Clean is built for durability, but the pads do require care.

• Rinsing: After use, rinse the internal magnet in dechlorinated water to remove trapped algae spores and organic waste.

• Pad Replacement: If the internal abrasive surface becomes “clogged” with algae or starts to feel smooth, it is time to replace the unit. A worn pad will require more passes to clean the glass, increasing the risk of stress to the aquarium’s silicone seals.

• Acrylic Warning: This magnet is designed strictly for Glass Aquaria. Do not use it on Acrylic (plastic) tanks, as the abrasive pad will immediately haze the surface.

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5. Comparative Analysis: Why “Medium”?

The Medium (M) size is the “Goldilocks” of the SuperFish range:

Size	Glass Thickness	Best For
Small (S)	< 5mm	Nano-tanks and Betta bowls.
Medium (M)	5mm – 10mm	Standard 60L to 180L community tanks.
Large (L)	> 10mm	Large 4-foot to 6-foot display tanks.

Using the Medium magnet on glass thinner than 5mm can result in a bond that is too strong, making it difficult to slide and potentially damaging the glass. Conversely, using it on 12mm glass will result in a weak bond that disconnects frequently.

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6. The Verdict

The Pros:

• No More Wet Arms: The floating design means you never have to reach into the tank to retrieve a dropped magnet.

• Strong Magnetic Bond: Easily tackles tough algae films.

• Safety First: Drastically reduces the chance of gravel-induced scratches.

The Cons:

• Bulkier Profile: The buoyancy requires a thicker internal piece, which may be a tight fit in heavily scaped nano-tanks.

• Glass Only: Not suitable for modern acrylic “lifestyle” aquariums.

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The SuperFish Float Clean Magnet M is a robust, well-engineered tool that simplifies the most tedious part of fishkeeping. For the aquarist, it provides peace of mind and crystal-clear views, ensuring that the only thing you see is your fish, not the algae.