DIY Frag Rack

[eddybabyhd]

I recently ordered some frag plugs from Boston Aqua farms, and in light of them curing. I decided that I wanted to have a place to put them until i get my frag system up and running. I read a couple of threads here about how to make these. And I had a couple of Tunze Magnets laying around, so i gave it a try. I think it worked out well

Has anyone ever heard of curing your frag plugs in the tank of the toilet for a few weeks. I have read countless threads of people doing this?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Re: DIY Frag Rack

That looks great. I never thought about using a magnet. I had one made for a while that I made hang over my tank, but it was bulky and limited to where I could put it. That looks great and has lots of potential.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8333109#post8333109 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eddybabyhd
Has anyone ever heard of curing your frag plugs in the tank of the toilet for a few weeks. I have read countless threads of people doing this?

Yes. I do that with my frag plugs, disks, and plates. It works great. The largest problem is forgetting that they are in there though.

 

[captbunzo]

That is a really stinking cool idea...

 

[eddybabyhd]

I have to admit, I am thinking of ordering some magnets and making these for a few of my friends as they have requested. The tunze magnets are way to expensive. So i am thinking of using the algea free magnets. Or maybe ordering some rare earth magnets and fabricating a mount for the egg crating. I really like the ability to move it all of the tank without much effort

 

[captbunzo]

Yeah, don't order anything prefabbed for this. With some Rare Earth Magnets and all, this should be easy to DIY. I'd seal the magnets in with silicone before you put anything in the tank. And on the outside, the same might be nice to avoid the magnets themselves from breaking, or from scratching the tank.

 

[eddybabyhd]

they way i am planning is using simple pvc fittings and sealing the magnets inside them using silicone and using a pvc cap ont he outside of the tank with the magnet sealed in one end. The way I got around from the straching is i used the soft side of velcro and glued it to the sides that touch the tank.

Check out these magnets. It says in the description that they have hundereds of pounds of pull and can affect tvs for several feet away, That is amazing

http://www.gaussboys.com/ndfeb-magnets/D7626.html

these are the ones i am ordering to try and make a mount for it

http://www.gaussboys.com/ndfeb-magnets/D2506.html


I will keep the thread updated with the results

 

[captbunzo]

I'd order a sampling of a couple different options (strengths). Seriously, you don't want something strong enough to damage your tank.

 

[eddybabyhd]

I ordered several different sizes. And am going to experiment with the different type of mounts

 

[mskohl]

bump. getting lost in the donor threads

 

[eddybabyhd]

Well a quick trip to Doug's (lazyreefer) house, and the rack is now in use. My frag plugs are still curing, and will have to wait a bit before getting put in the tank. Awesome frags, cant wait to see them get going.

thanks again doug.

 

[pwhitby]

EBHD.

When you get a set up you are happy with, would you care to do a demo construction for the club to view, and maybe make a few for themselves.

I really like the idea.

Paul.

 

[eddybabyhd]

No problem. I ordered some magnets to try and construct a simple design basically using 3/4 inch PVC caps as the magnets. I plan on cutting PVC sheeting and sealing the magnets inside them. The magnets i ordered are epoxy coated (figured it couldnt hurt in saltwater). And they have 42 pounds of pull each. So if all goes to plan, they should grab anything short of 1inch think material. I will post my progress as i work on it. What I am working towards with the mounts would basically allow the builder to have any length of platform they wanted.

 

[pwhitby]

How about some custom bent acrylic brackets, thin so help with attraction, holes in so they can be zip tied to the rack. That way you can make the rack any size you want.... ??

Just an idea.

 

[scott0615]

Has anyone ever heard of curing your frag plugs in the tank of the toilet for a few weeks. I have read countless threads of people doing this?

I have noticed a lot of strange/problematic algae that grows only on frag plugs...from wholesale vendors around the world as well as locals. I have been wondering is it the material the plugs are made from or the curing process or ???????

 

[eddybabyhd]

Thats a great idea, I had been tossing around the idea of using acrylic. Just need to make a trip to regal and get some. And as far as the zip ties. I was actualy thinking of those nylon bolts with wing nuts, would make it removable and reusable. The idea of the pvc caps was just a rough idea for the outside magnets. The magnets in the tank i like the acrylic idea much better. Maybe i should run this by chris at heartland

 

[pwhitby]

EBHD....thats where that was going. Chat with Chris, get a working model together. Im sure you will get a lot of takers on it.

Paul.

 

[chris4693]

EBHD...That site also had Epoxy coated Magnets, these may be ok for Water.

I do have an idea for a holder that wouldn't require any gluing or tieing of the egg crate.

Ya'll keep talking about having to cure your frag disk, just by them locally pre cured.

 

[eddybabyhd]

Those are the ones i ordered, the expoxy coated ones. I think the major thing as i am running into with this rack is that the magnets need more stabillity verticle as well as horizontal. My rack is working great. But i think if someone loaded it with frag mounts it would need some more support

Almost like a tee shape, having two magnets horizontal and one veritcal. What do you think Chris?

 

[chris4693]

I think if the Magnets are strong enouph you wouldn't have a problem. Frags and Disks have very little weight, I think there would come a point in which the size of the rack would make a difference. Also the Weight of an item in water is less then if out.

I may have to get a couple of those Magnets and play around, I will see what I can do about making a holder this week.