Making DIY Aquarium Magnets?

[aninjaatemyshoe]

Anyone know of a good substance to encase a rare earth magnet so it can be used within a tank? I was thinking of using an epoxy like Aquamend, but don't know if it would be waterproof.

 

[not_sponsored]

Plastidip is easy to apply and waterproof. Home depot usually carries it.

 

[MSU Fan]

I think that people have made them with 2 part clear epoxy, but I can't clearly remember. There used to be a thread around here somewhere, but I can't search for it.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13610705#post13610705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MSU Fan
I think that people have made them with 2 part clear epoxy, but I can't clearly remember. There used to be a thread around here somewhere, but I can't search for it.

I think the type of stuff used was the "casing" type of epoxy that you would get at a craft store.

 

[mfinn]

You could always buy the neodymium magnets that are already encased in epoxy.
Or use a ceramic magnet( reef safe) on the inside and a stronger neodymium magnet on the outside.

 

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13608625#post13608625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by not_sponsored
Plastidip is easy to apply and waterproof. Home depot usually carries it.

+1 This stuff is great I use it for all kinds of things.

Spleify

 

[Ehgemus]

what about plain silicone?

 

[dngspot]

These are the supplies that I used.
Magnets are $4.00 each.
My guess is each cost about $16.00 with the other supplies. I will get about 16 magnet mods from the resin.

Here is a pic of the container and parts. I have pored the resin in the pic. The magnets are placed in the container first then the shower head piece is placed on top of them. I filled the compartments with resin to the edge below the threads. The other two magnets are just covered with resin, about 1/2 inch.

After the resin cures, let is sit overnight, they should look like this.

 

[mfinn]

Very nice.

On the piece with just the two magnets,, are the magnets completely coated with casting resin ?


I would think the casting resin would stick to the forms. How did that work?

 

[TanksNStuff]

Dngspot... where did you get the materials (casting resin and the magnets)?

Also, what are you intending to use these for? I'm curious what the shower head is for.

 

[Premiumaq]

There really is nothing better than the casting resin. I tried silicone, but slight movements across the glass and vibration from attached motors pretty well ended it. My resin-coated DIY magnets have held for thirteen months now, and show no signs of deterioration. Last place I found the resin at a great price was actually on eBay... got a whole kit, forms, solution, etc for $6.25 plus $3 shipping...

 

[dngspot]

I used them on AC70 mods that vibrated very much. I had trouble getting the props ballanced. The casting resin came from Micheals Hobby. I first poored a thin layer of resin and let that set up then put the magnets in and covered the rest of the way with resin. This was done only with the inner magnets. The resin when hard pops right out of the forms.
This is what the shower heads were for,

 

[not_sponsored]

^Nice DIY! The shower head looks like it allows the pump to pivot right?

I originally wanted to use casting resin but couldn't find it locally (I didn't try very hard) but ended up using surfboard resin cast inside a small section of PVC.

UV curing resin, cured under my MH's

Then drilled the PVC and painted

Too bad the magnets were too weak (1/2"x1/4")

Upgraded to 1/2" cubes instead-
Here is what they look like with plastidip

The plastidip surface is also kinda rubbery so it grips the glass better.

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

Lots of great responses, thanks!

I think I'm going to try the casting resin and possibly the plastidip.

 

[mfinn]

dngspot
did you have to use a release agent to get the resin covered magnets out of the molds?

 

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13612779#post13612779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dngspot
The resin when hard pops right out of the forms.

 

[dngspot]

No, I did not use any release agents. When the resin hardens, I push from the bottom and it starts to loosen and comes out