Project: Building an aquarium scraper

I am going to attempt to build a DIY aquarium algae scraper as shown at http://www.fishlore.com/algae-scraper.htm

The tool claims to work on red marine algae, green algae, brown algae or any others that will grow on the fish tank glass. This scraper can only be used on a glass tank as it will scratch an acrylic tank. This tool isn't very pretty, but should do a good job on that hard to scrape algae!

Materials Needed:
1/2 inch size pvc pipe, comes in 10 foot long pieces - approximately $5
1/2 inch size 45° angle elbow joint - approximately $1
pvc pipe cutter or a hacksaw
razor blade - pack of 100 is $8
Total Cost: approx $14

Directions:

1) Measure off about a 36 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut with your pvc cutters or hacksaw. You could make this piece shorter than 36 inches if you have a smaller tank. You want to prevent having to put your hands in the tank and possibly polluting the tank water.
2) Measure off a 3 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut.
3) Stand the 3 inch pvc on end and use a knife to make a 1/2 inch cut in the middle of the pvc pipe. The trick is to make this cut with the right size blade. You don't want to make the cut too wide or the razor blade won't stay secured. Be careful doing this!
4) Assemble the parts together. Plug the 45° elbow joint into one end of the 36 inch pvc and then connect the uncut end of the 3 inch pvc into the other end of the elbow joint.
5) Place a razor blade into the cut end of the 3 inch pvc.
6) Scrape off that algae! Be very careful around the aquarium sealant that holds the glass walls together. You don't want to compromise the glue that holds your tank together! Take your time and gently use an up and down motion to scrape off that marine algae. Don't push too hard, in fact you shouldn't even need to with the razor blade.

The good thing about this scraper is that you can change out the razor blade easily once it becomes dull. This makes the tool cost effective over time.

I will post an update once I have crafted this tool along with pictures and a review on how it performs.