Magnet dust from PH's reef safe?

[AlgaeMan]

Randy,
Every now and then when I clean my power heads I see tiny dust size shavings from the magnets inside. This seems to be caused by abrasion from too much kalk build up. Should I be concerned about this dust getting into the water column? Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A white powder? Not a concern. It is mostly just calcium carbonate, like fine sand.

 

[AlgaeMan]

This is black powder which I think is from the magnets.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Oh, that's certainly unusual. I'm not sure what they make the magnets out of, but I guess I'd try to keep them clean enough to reduce the amount.

What brand?

 

[AlgaeMan]

This has happened with my Tunze 6200's and a maxijet that is used in a kalk reactor. I would think this is very common since most powerheads use magnets. If there is friction between the positive and negative then they could wear.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Could be. I've never noticed any wear on my powerhead magnets, Hagen 802, for example, but other brands might be differentor perhaps I didn't look close enough.