Last night one of my powerheads fell off the side of the tank. It's just an inexpensive Hydor Koralia, and has served me well for many years. But now the magnetic mount has split open and fallen apart. Obviously I removed it, but I was wondering what affect an exposed, rusting magnet could have on the water chemistry? I'm not sure long the magnet has been exposed to the water, but given the amount of rust, I'd guess quite a while.
Rusty Magnet in Aquarium
- Thread starter CLM65
- Start date
In general the rusting should not cause any issues in your tank.
Rust is basically "ferric oxide" which is used often in tanks to reduce phosphate levels..
If anything the rust may be beneficial..
Dang it! I was hoping the rust was causing my high phosphate levels! I wonder if they are going to go even higher now.
mcgyvr
New member
High phosphate levels are typically caused by overfeeding..
(that or the phosphate came bound up in the rock already..common with pukani,etc.. )
slief
RC Sponsor
Actually, GFO (ferric oxide) is know to remove metals from water in addition to phosphate and silica. It’s regarded as a very safe and effective product for removing Po4 from the water and is widely used in our hobby.
Here is a study on GFO use in our hobby including chemistry testing that showed that it was effectiving in removing some metals from the water.
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/2/chemistry
That said, rusting magnets are never good but it’s unlikely that short term exporsure of a rusting magnet would cause any long term effects.
