Magnets in a reef

[Bob 1000]

Can Neodymium(or rare earth magnets) be used in a reef?? Or will it rust??? Or does it even matter??

 

[Josh]

You can seal them up. Jim showed me how he puts them into tiny plastic cases (like those little square boxes) and fills it with glue to make sure it never opens. It also makes handling the magnets easier and less likely to scratch your tank.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Seal them in a little box like josh said because they will rust and yes it does matter, everything matters doesn't it?

 

[KathyC]

Good question Tobin..

I found 2 interesting links...

I had no idea this was what made the Vortech work..did you?
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical/articles/33572.aspx

The other interesting pieces were these:
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical/articles/33572.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare-earth_magnet

Only speculating here but if they could be used with a SW environment, I'd think that Vortech would have come up with an internal pump that could do the same as the current models.

The other big issue seems to be they are prone to corrosion. When they do coat them to reduce corrosion they use a plating of nickel - copper - nickel. That would knock it out of contention to use in a SW tank right there...

..so a very semi - educated guess

 

[House of Laughter]

I actually used silicone and have a few of them holding pumps on the tank as well as a small frag rack which you'll be able to see at MACNA I pick up the boxes at the container store on Mamaroneck Avenue in WHite PLains - I thik they are .89 each and come in a variety of colors.

House

 

[Bob 1000]

I want to make rocks with them in it or attached to it.. I'm tired of the glue not lasting that long on glass... Thanks for the reponse Josh, Brendan, Kathy, and Jim.. Ordering from Ebay maybe tomorrow,,lol.. I might be on to something,,lol..

 

[Domboski]

I want to make rocks with them in it or attached to it.. I'm tired of the glue not lasting that long on glass... Thanks for the reponse Josh, Brendan, Kathy, and Russ.. Ordering from Ebay maybe tomorrow,,lol.. I might be on to something,,lol..

Jim = House of Laughter :lol2:

Russ - masterswimmer

Next time you are over I'll show you the magnet covers I have and the rock with the magnets embedded You could definitely make something better but at least you can see what the rock I purchased from Deepwater Rock looks like.

I need to pick your brain on making my own rock too I can't seem to find a large piece of Tonga Branch the way I want it.

 

[Bob 1000]

Damn Guess I'm a lot slow, but I at least I know I was influential,,lol.. Sorry Jim.. I'm so used to seeing Russ post I automatically thought it was Russ...

 

[TOTAL AQUARIUMS]

Tobin, just use some fiberglass epoxy if you have any left over, or get a new can. If you're encasing them in the rocks you make, just make a hole drop the magnet in and fill with the epoxy. That way you know there is no chance for the magnet to come in contact with the water. Shouldn't effect the rock construction since it sets in minutes.

 

[Bob 1000]

Sounds good, I'll try that..

 

[jrobbins]

liquid latex also works...

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks I'll look into that liquid latex.. I got enough chemicals going here,,lol..

 

[SevTT]

Thanks I'll look into that liquid latex.. I got enough chemicals going here,,lol..

Whatever you go with, you want to make sure that you completely encapsulate the magnet, or it'll slowly poison your tank.

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks SevTT..