replace problematic/inaccessable suction cups with magnets

[Sploke]

Alright, I'll go along with that. You've alleviated all my concerns except the one about scratching the tank, which is enough reason for me to prefer them coated. Most of my tanks are scratched to heck and it makes it a lot less enjoyable to look at them. In any case, its a great idea, I've been thinking about using these for powerhead mounts for a while, nice to know that it will actually work.

 

[injunear]

Alright, I'll go along with that. You've alleviated all my concerns except the one about scratching the tank, which is enough reason for me to prefer them coated. Most of my tanks are scratched to heck and it makes it a lot less enjoyable to look at them. In any case, its a great idea, I've been thinking about using these for powerhead mounts for a while, nice to know that it will actually work.

I've got some more on order that I'll use for the heater. These already have a center hole to accomodate the barb.....RX032

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RX032

 

[Hurley]

I know this is an old thread but I just got around to doing this myself. I haven't put them in the tank yet but I thought I would add some comments I have, particularly because they are from someone who has never soldered anything before.

You really do have to use rare earth magnets for this because solder doesn't stick to the magnets you find at the store. However, if you cover them in epoxy and stick the wire loop in that I would imagine it might work.

The biggest problem I ran into is that I started by using 18 gauge aluminum wire to create the loops. This is really too thick and I had trouble getting the solder to cover the wire.

If you can find a second person to help you, do. Creating a solder puddle then reheating it to stick the wire into works but I there were several times I wished I had a third hand. It would have been much easier.

Finally, if you are going to do it by yourself, get tweezers, or needle nose pliers, or something to hold the wire loop in place that's not magnetic. This seems obvious but I thought I would mention it because I just figured I would use my wire working pliers to hold the loop in place but the magnet kept sticking to them. I ending up using plastic which worked ok but the tips did melt a bit.

Also, maybe someone can answer a questions I have. The OP said to clean the finished product in acetone or alcohol. Why? And is just rubbing it down with a q-tip enough or do I need to soak it? Afterwords, is rinsing it enough to remove the acetone?