Mag Float getting heavy, barely floating

[pszemol]

Hi, I am using Mag Float scaping magnet for many years now.
I got it about 2002, so it will be around 8 years.

I have noticed it is getting heavier than normal.
The internal part is getting easily unglued from the wall and stay in the water column or be blown by the powerhead streams.
At first I thought that the layer of the coraline algae is causing it to be heavier, but I removed coraline algae mechanically (knockning gently on the surface with a small hammer) and chemically (submerging the magnet in the vinegear acid).

It does not work as it used to... I see the magnet being weaker and heavier than normal.

Do you observe similar thing with yours Mag Floats? What do you think could cause it? Is it possible to be fixed somehow or I should get a new one?

 

[T Diddy]

Sounds like it is full of water. The magnetic domains of the metal itself can be knocked into a more random polarity over time, but that wouldn't explain the lack of bouyancy. The increase in mass due to the likely influx of water would however give a reduced cleaning efficiency IMO

 

[sslak]

Agreed, it probably sprung a leak and it's full of water. Take it out or you'll have metal rusting in your aquarium.

 

[pszemol]

What do you guys say "leak" - it is not fully filled up inside? It had an air pocket or something?

In this case I am going to get my drill...

On a second thought... it is old and ugly, time to buy a new one!

 

[jason12345]

yeah, just buy a new one theyre cheap...

 

[sslak]

Right, it's hollow, they have an air pocket in them...that's why they float.

 

[Porcupinepuffer]

I have noticed my mag float is weaker then it was when I first got it. It's almost 3 years old. Mine floats just as good as it did from day one.