replace problematic/inaccessable suction cups with magnets

[Lil_Stinker]

Call me stupid, but aren't there magnets in the power-head?

Won't this addition magnet cause issues? perhaps off balance power-head, causing more friction, more electrical usage & a shorter lifespan for the power-head itself?

I am just asking, I could be way off base.

Also, is JB Weld safe in aquariums? I have only ever used it in auto repair, and similar applications.

I love the idea as anchors for other items !!

 

[FluffynTex]

I would cover the sides that touch the glass with felt to keep it from scratching.

 

[injunear]

Call me stupid, but aren't there magnets in the power-head?

Won't this addition magnet cause issues? perhaps off balance power-head, causing more friction, more electrical usage & a shorter lifespan for the power-head itself?

I am just asking, I could be way off base.

Also, is JB Weld safe in aquariums? I have only ever used it in auto repair, and similar applications.

I love the idea as anchors for other items !!

There are commercially available mounts that are sold for power heads that are magnetic using a similar method.

The magnet is far enough away from the motor body and impeller to negate any ill effects.

J-B Weld is an epoxy that when cured properly poses no problem to aquaria, as with most other epoxies........

 

[injunear]

I would cover the sides that touch the glass with felt to keep it from scratching.

Yes, I put a piece of tissue under the outside magnet when I'm "walking" the plant into position.
No need to protect the inside of the tank as long as the magnet is submerged as the water provides lubrication, however, the outside of the acrylic tank needs protection from scratching.

 

[Rbishop]

I would also coat the magnets. I wouldn't worry about the nickel as much as I would the iron. Most plant weights are no longer lead and have not been for years. They were lead, went to coated lead and have now stopped lead use.

 

[injunear]

I would also coat the magnets. I wouldn't worry about the nickel as much as I would the iron. Most plant weights are no longer lead and have not been for years. They were lead, went to coated lead and have now stopped lead use.

The amount of lead in the solder (two puddles about the size of a droplet of water per magnet, and the lead is actually 60% lead, 40% tin) is miniscule compared to what's used in aquaria for plants.......

Rare earth magnets have no exposed iron. They are nickel plated all around....

Our nickel plated magnets are actually triple plated with layers of nickel, copper, and nickel again. This triple coating makes our magnets much more durable than the more common single nickel plated magnets.

Additionally, there's no evidence that I can find that says that lead is harmful to fish, in the concentrations we're talking about.....However, in high concentrations of course it is, as with humans, but it's important to always keep perspective.........

Discussions-
http://theaquariumwiki.com/Lead

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1443174

 

[Rbishop]

Hope they work well for you.

 

[Sploke]

what is the possibility of the copper leaching through the nickel, i.e. if one of the layers was scratched or something? Copper is toxic to inverts even in trace amounts. Its probably a thin chance, but a tank exposed to copper can also remain toxic indefinitely. Call me paranoid lol.

 

[injunear]

what is the possibility of the copper leaching through the nickel, i.e. if one of the layers was scratched or something? Copper is toxic to inverts even in trace amounts. Its probably a thin chance, but a tank exposed to copper can also remain toxic indefinitely. Call me paranoid lol.

Ok, I'll call you paranoid! :lol:

You've got more of a hazard from the copper electical wiring that's routed to components such as heater and power heads that could chaffe.......There's only the insulation covering the copper wire, and exposing one copper lead doesn't necessarily lead to electrocution (if it happens to be the neutral).....

 

[Lil_Stinker]

There are commercially available mounts that are sold for power heads that are magnetic using a similar method.

The magnet is far enough away from the motor body and impeller to negate any ill effects.

J-B Weld is an epoxy that when cured properly poses no problem to aquaria, as with most other epoxies........

you forgot to call me stupid, I was so tired