suction cup alternatives

[DNickell]

I assume others have also found that you can pay large money for a good powerhead, or other equipment, and they provide chintzy suction cups to hold it in place. I have had suction cups that would not hold the powerhead they came with when new. All others will fail eventually. You can get a bit more use out of them by cleaning with vinegar, but that won't work for long.

I have a fair amount of money invested in my powerheads and can't justify buying all new powerheads that come with magnets to hold them up (though I will probably replace them as they die with the magnet type). I have bought Mag Floats and tried super gluing the powerhead to the magnet. The magnet wasn't strong enough to hold a large powerhead in place, and then I had a large magnet glued to my powerhead

I have a couple that came with the hanger thingies, but the clip for over the tank rim isn't wide enough to fit over the rim of my tank.

I have even resorted to clamping the electrical cord to the stand to adjust the length and then let the powerhead dangle from its own cord. That can't be good.

SO: WHAT ALTERNATIVES HAVE YOU USED TO HOLD POWERHEADS IN PLACE? LETS SEE THOSE CREATIVE IDEAS!!

 

[coral diver]

DIY magnet mount is what i did

fiber glass resin
4 X 30lbs full magnet
2 plastic mold what i used are those plastic box 3"L X 2"W X 1"H
and the power haed mount that came with it

i will try to get a picture of the finish product tonight

 

[Entropy]

What kind of powerheads are you using? I have Koralias (four of the 4 model) and the magnets work great. I think magnets are probably your best option, like these:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquar...rheads_pumps_algae_free_sure_grip_holder.html

but at that price you might as well upgrade to newer powerheads with magnets (Koralias can be had for $25 used).

 

[DNickell]

I have older Hagen 802 powerheads in the tank right now, but have had others and the suction cups always fail.

The Hagans are still far too good to just chuck, but they are big and heavy. When these go bad, or even just get weak, I will be making the leap for something more "practical." I hate to think I might get lesser powerheads just because they have better mounts.

I checked on the after market magnet holders but couldn't find any that looked like they would work on the Hagens.

Coral Diver: Can you give me some more info on where you got the magnets and how you constructed them to be saltwater safe/resistent?