Maintenance tools - what we really use

[Art]

Hi,

One thing we don’t always share is the tools (DIY or purchased) that we use to maintain the work of art that you have put together. This thread is intended to change this.

I will start. This is probably the tool I use the most. Yes, I use scissors but nothing helps me keep algae in check more than the humble toothbrush.

Stiff bristle, natural. I scrub hardscape and swirl it to pull out any hair algae. I scrub the aquarium’s corners and comb it through hair grass.

This is the one I use: https://a.co/d/04hAiPcg

Let’s help each other by posting what we use.

 

[Koan]

These constantly

Post in thread 'Trimming AR Mini and other plants in general'

Jan 16, 2026

using stainless steel curved squeeze scissors

He's not kidding these are awesome

• Koan

• 

One good pair of fine pinsettes gets used for everything but the very fattest plants

Iconic Pro Pinsette - Black Oxide

Hydra Aquatics Iconic Pro Pinsette - Black OxideHydra Aquatics' Iconic Pro line offers the highest precision aquascaping tools on the market. Designed

sevenports.com

Brute rolling bin for water changes

Rubbermaid® Brute® Trash Can - 20 Gallon, White H-1854W - ULINE

Tough trash cans that handle your heaviest loads. Heavy-duty plastic construction resists denting, bending and cracking. Molded-in handles make lifting easy. Vented side channels for easy trash liner removal. Compact size for restaurant storage. USDA compliant. NSF certified. Lid and Dollies...

www.uline.com

And Melamine pads to wipe off GDA

 

[Wet Elbows]

Hi,

One thing we don’t always share is the tools (DIY or purchased) that we use to maintain the work of art that you have put together. This thread is intended to change this.

I will start. This is probably the tool I use the most. Yes, I use scissors but nothing helps me keep algae in check more than the humble toothbrush.

Stiff bristle, natural. I scrub hardscape and swirl it to pull out any hair algae. I scrub the aquarium’s corners and comb it through hair grass.

This is the one I use: https://a.co/d/04hAiPcg

Let’s help each other by posting what we use.

I'm also a fan of toothbrushes. They work well to clean off hardscape or a spray bar, or the corners of am aquarium. Mine aren't fancy, I get them from the dollar store. I always get a 2 pack and I try to get them with a red and green handle. The green handles are fine for inside the aquarium and I only use the red handles with chemicals like H2O2 or bleach.

 

[Art]

Color coding. Very smart.

 

[Capraquaria]

While this isn't for use in the tank directly, I use these trays constantly on maintenance days. They are light but sturdy, with tall enough sides to hold a little water. I originally purchased a set to use for prepping plants for planting out my 150, but I use at least one of these trays every maintenance session. If I'm trimming stems, and need somewhere to set them so they won't dry out, I can just line the tray with wet paper towel. I can straddle a corner of the tank with the tray to have something close to hand to set things on. Wet scissors, algae scrub sponges and scrapers, toothbrushes etc, I just use them as place to set wet tools, that holds enough water so I don't spill everywhere. I also rotate out my prefilter sponges for the Biomaster, and can set them on one of these trays while they dry (which keeps all the aquarium stuff off my kitchen counters in the meantime). Not something I realized could be so handy until I had them.

 

[AquaFarmer]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D6R1F6G?th=1

You can bend the handles of these toothbrushes to get into tight areas.

 

[artandsoul]

I use some older dollar tree trays for plants 2.5" tall 10" wide 14" long great size for plants, Bought this larger set or tools on amazon recently nice for the price 17.00 is hard to beat.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB5Q46WL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title