What are your thoughts on my DIY magnet idea?

[Happyschneider]

When you guys say epoxy, what kind of epoxy do you use? I only seem to find the putty epoxy where you need to mix the two components like playdoh.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[billdogg]

I took one of the plastic coated magnets and formed a glob of JB Waterweld around it leaving one side open. The other magnet on the outside holds remarkably well that way.

 

[laverda]

I think your asking for trouble. I say that because, I have encased aquarium magnets from just about every manufacturer that have failed over time. Very disappointing when some of the big names in aquarium supplies and pumps can't make magnet mounts that truly last.

 

[Webmanny]

When you guys say epoxy, what kind of epoxy do you use? I only seem to find the putty epoxy where you need to mix the two components like playdoh.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I might have used the word epoxy incorrectly before. I actually use two part casting resin, which I think it has the same main components of epoxy, but I may be wrong. This is that glaze liquid people use for restaurant tables and such.

This is the same thing pump manufacturers have used for years. Once it fully cures, this thing will never let water into your magnet, but you have to use a think enough layer to make then last.

I failed at first, because I used a thin layer and a simple scratch would cause the resin to crack and water to seep in, but if you use anything greater than 2mm around the magnet, you should be good.

 

[Webmanny]

I think your asking for trouble. I say that because, I have encased aquarium magnets from just about every manufacturer that have failed over time. Very disappointing when some of the big names in aquarium supplies and pumps can't make magnet mounts that truly last.

I agree with you. The ones that aquarium retailers sell use a very thin layer for aesthetics and that fails very easily. I only recommend encasing your own in a thick layer of casting resin. I have been doing this for years now and not a single one has failed. I did have some failures early on when I was trying to replicate what others have done and used a thin layer of resin, but after I learned that lesson, I have not had any issues.

 

[OllieNZ]

Epoxy a type of resin and comes in many forms from casting to putty to high strength adhesive. It's superior to general purpose polyester resin for under water use but tends to be more expensive.

 

[BrettDS]

Thank you, that is exactly what I was thinking. My experiment one in a saltwater tank that is heated has been in there a week and looks good. it is currently held in place by another magnet in epoxy through the glass.

I will keep you updated if it works out well.

I'm not sure that a week (or two or three) will really be a valid test. I was using a Santa Monica HOG algae scrubber, which had magnets covered with silicone to hold the scrubber in place. The magnets eventually started to rust through, but I didn't see any signs of it until the scrubber had been in the tank for at least 4 or 5 months.

The good news is that I didn't see any negative effects from the rusting magnets, but obviously I removed them as soon as I discovered the problem. Santa Monica replaced the bad part for me under warranty.

But if there is just a tiny hole or crack in the epoxy you may not see any evidence of the problem for quite some time. One thing you could try is to leave it in the tank for another week or two and then break it open and see if you see any rust or discoloration on the magnet.

 

[Happyschneider]

Excellent, thank you very much. Will have a look for it.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[Herper]

One thing you could try is to leave it in the tank for another week or two and then break it open and see if you see any rust or discoloration on the magnet.

That was my plan for the test subject. give it some time and open it up to see if any discoloration or anything occurs.

I also set one exposed in a cup of water and it developed rust fairly quickly. so I'm using that as a gauge.

Thanks for your input!