Reef Safe magnets?
 

I was thinking of using magnets for a few in-tank uses. Does anyone know if there are "reef safe" magnets to be had?

I think ceramic magnets may be the type I want, but I want some feedback and additional information on them.

I tend to agree with you, ceramic magnets would likely be the safest *if its the magnet type i am thinking of*, but if its that problematic take some paint or something and triple coat the magnet.

Check these out. Plastic coated, SHOULD be reef safe. You could always add a layer of epoxy to be sure. Or, cover any magnet in epoxy.
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/products.asp?cat=164

I was thinking that anything I got should be covered in epoxy as extra insurance.

Nice link! Thank you. I'm thinking that the one at the bottom of the page is the best size, but I worry about the rubber. Would I just cover over the rubber with epoxy, or remove it, then cover the magnet?

Kind of related, is the external magnet for a Koralia safe to put inside? I was thinking of mounting one low on my internal overflow - the magnetic disc would be in water inside the overflow

I would say yes, because its covered, but beyond that, I don't really know.

I would try to cover the rubber with a thin coat of epoxy. It might not stick to the rubber very well. They also sell uncoated magnets, which might be the way to go. You just need to be carefull not to drop or allow the non coated ones to smash together. Apperently they chip and break easily, thats why they rubber coat them.

I may go that route then. I want to make magnetic frag plugs for propagation purposes. I want to see how well they work.

Any recommendations on the type of epoxy? I would probably try something like SweetWater or another aquatic friendly brand.

Maybe this is a better choice (http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RX054E) it says its epoxy coated and appropriate for seawater.

Now how do I go about figuring out what size/strength is appropriate for which glass thicknesses?

I don't really know for sure. I was thinking of doing the same thing as you, but havn't tried it yet. It might be really easy to cover it with a thin layer of putty-deltec or something similar.

just a thought, been using them for frags for a while
 

http://www.beanfarm.com/store/html/i.../magcliplg.jpg

they even have cradles for plating montis etc...

I guess I may just order a bunch of magnets and try it out. I suppose I should order some different sizes, coat them and see what happens.

It would be worth while seeing how much dry weight you can hang off a powerhead magnet. You can get an idea of what size is needed for what thickness of glass. Then you won't waste money on magnets that are too small. As well, there's no need to buy them any bigger than needed. Just a thought.

Shaun

You could also use a mag float. There are three on the back wall.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_1194.jpg
And a close up os a cap and frag on one.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_1334.jpg
Was in King ed one day they had four or five sitting at the front counter for 3 dollars each. I did drill holes in a few so I could put frag plugs into them. Ended up filling them partially in with silicone.

You might want to look at these if your going to coat them anyway. I bought 25 of the 1/2 ones but they are still sitting waiting for me to complete the 100 other projjects. !/2 inch rare earth are very strong.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...=1,42363,42348

You can google "lee valley rare earth" to get this link in case it wont work.

Scott

Which size are those magfloats? The smallest ones?

Did you just use Super Glue to bind the frags to the magnets?

Yes they are the smallest magfloat but you can use up to the medium I believe. I used frag glue but super glue should work. Just beware though if you do drill holes to fit the small boston farm frag flugs into them the magnet inside is not covered by anything. That is why i put silicone inside to cover the magnet.

Good to know. I would probably just glue stuff straight onto the magnets. Now here is hoping the price is right for the smaller magfloats.

From the horses mouth, Via email that is.

"Hi Tim,

Thank you for contacting us. The plastic coating we use on our magnets is polypropylene, which is often used in the food industry. This coating should be inert in any aquarium. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Best Regards,
Kevin Stayer
K&J Magnetics, Inc.
www.kjmagnetics.com "

Sweet! Thank you.

I should also say to those thinking of using these to mount power-heads.
Power-heads have magnetic engines, So if you get a to powerful magnet can interfere with your power-heads motor.

Did you ever buy some? I need some reef safe magnets for a project I would like to do as well. Pm me with your results?