Magnetic frag plugs

[seaweed88]

I just bought some Neodymium Magnets which I was going to glue to some frag plugs so I could put some of these frags on the glass. I went to bed and woke up thinking about how the salt water was going to effect the magnets. So my question is what can I glue to the frag plugs which will still work with the magnets on the outside but will not rust in the tank?

 

[Captain Nemo]

I think that as long as the magnets are covered, they should be fine. They use magnets on powerheads all the time, but they have a covering. Just my .02

 

[mdb_talon]

I have been considering the same issue as i want to do the same thing but worried they will harm the tank. I was thinking some sort of two part epoxy. Would love it if others chime in on what they have done?

 

[dakotasreef]

They actally sell epoxy coated ones that you could use. I would worry if I tried to coat some myself that the saltwater could get to them.

Bulk reef supply carries some magnetic plugs that work great.

Sent from my DROIDX

 

[seaweed88]

So instead of using superglue to attach the magnets I use epoxy and make sure I cover the entire disk and it should be all good?

 

[returnofsid]

You'll definitely want to epoxy coat the magnets. If you're planning on surrounding the inner magnet, with a frag disc material, such as a concrete/aragonite mix, I'd still epoxy coat the magnets first. You could easily create frag discs, with the magnets inside of them. Use a restaurant portion cup for a mold. Mix up your concrete, aragonite mix, pour a small amount into the portion cup, place the magnet in the center of the pour and then pour in enough of the mix, to cover the magnet. Keep in mind, if you go this route, the magnetic disc will need to be cured, in fresh water, before adding to your aquarium. A lot of people, who make their own frag plugs, put them in a mesh bag and hang them in the back of the toilet. This way, every time you flush, the curing plugs get a complete water change.

 

[snoopie]

I have magnets in my water without any coating and have had it this way for a year no effects.... Phosphate remover has rust in it and is natural PO2 remove... I may be wrong on this part but I remember reading it a while back.... So do not quote me on it. But I have had magnets in it for long time no effects.

 

[Electrobes]

How would one coat the whole thing without leaving an opening? I mean you could cover the whole magnet.. but what about whatever is holding it up?

 

[fsu1dolfan]

1+ to DakotasReef...Bulk Reef Supply is the way to go...especially for the price. Why bother trying to coat yourself? Rubber Coated Replacement Magnet for N52 MAG Rack - Oceans Wonders - English

 

[CJO]

1+ to DakotasReef...Bulk Reef Supply is the way to go...especially for the price. Why bother trying to coat yourself? Rubber Coated Replacement Magnet for N52 MAG Rack - Oceans Wonders - English

Thanks for the link. I hadn't seen those before. I did make some of my own by coating some magnets from Home Depot with 2-part epoxy (only the ones going into the aquarium). I've been using them for about a year now and have had no issues with them.

CJ

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

I have wanted to take a purple cap monti, and use a method like this to get it attached to the glass...anyone think this would work? Or that there might be a better method?

 

[cdness]

Typical Neo mags have a nickel coating on them. Nickel coatings typically have a small bit of copper in them. Make sure you coat them well. I had mine encased in a pop cap that was sealed with epoxy. It still leaked so if you do it, make sure they are really well sealed.

 

[CJO]

I have wanted to take a purple cap monti, and use a method like this to get it attached to the glass...anyone think this would work? Or that there might be a better method?

They will work for a while, but once they start getting bigger, the magnet will not be able to hold them. Also, you have to glue something to the magnet to support the cap and then glue the cap to the support.

CJ

 

[mfinn]

How would one coat the whole thing without leaving an opening? I mean you could cover the whole magnet.. but what about whatever is holding it up?

You will usually need a mold of some sort.
Mix up a small amount of your epoxy or casting resin or whatever, pour just enough of it in the mold to cover the bottom. Let it harden for a few hours or however long it takes to keep the magnet from going to the bottom of the mold. Mix up more material and cover the whole magnet.
After it's set up, it be difficult to remove the covered magnet with out destroying the mold. If the mold is a plastic material, try placing them in your freezer for a hour or so.

 

[CJO]

How would one coat the whole thing without leaving an opening? I mean you could cover the whole magnet.. but what about whatever is holding it up?

I just painted the sides and top with epoxy and let it dry. Then, I turned it over and coated the other side.

CJ