Magnetic Powerhead Holder

[Sweetpea]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_powerheads_pumps_algae_free_sure_grip_hol der.asp
This seems like a really great idea... I am having trouble with suction cups failing, and I was considering getting these. However, at $25 a piece, I am having a hard time justifying the expense. I thought it might be a fairly easy DIY project but I was wondering if it would be okay to have an exposed magnet inside the tank. Would I need to cover it to prevent some kind of reaction with the saltwater?

[Reef_Angel]

Well, considering the mag float have some type of magnet in them varying in strengths, I don't see why not. I do agree though...make sure that the magnet is covered and sealed with aquarium sealant.

By the way girl... my feather duster was in the shape of a heart when I came home from the hospital. Cool huh? Thanks for all your well wishes also!! Stay Sweet! ...Angel :angel2:

[Sweetpea]

By the way girl... my feather duster was in the shape of a heart when I came home from the hospital. Cool huh?

That is VERY cool! What a nice present for you! I'm glad you're feeling better!

[RWalston]

if you are using maxi jet power heads why not just buy a mag float and super glue the power head holder to the mag float and attach the power head from there. You will be able to postion it any where you like.

[dakar]

Wonder if the magnets would effect the powerhead's performance if they are too close to the actual powerhead as in the maxijet mount the picture... I like the idea of using the 90* bracket for the Seios though... price is a little steep, a decent mag-float and some epoxy might be a way around it though.

[Sweetpea]

why not just buy a mag float and super glue the power head holder to the mag float and attach the power head from there.
That was my first thought... but then I got to thinking that the MagFloat wold make the powerhead stick out a little farther into the tank than I would like. I wondered about taking the magnet out of the casing, but then I'm back to covering it somehow...


Wonder if the magnets would effect the powerhead's performance
Good question... I hadn't thought of that.

[PurpleAardvark]

I am using one of those power head holders. They are very nice but the magnet is on the out side of the tank and the metal sheet is o the inside of the tank. Algea free's owner lives right down the road from me and I might be able to cut you a deal if you wanted some. PM if interested. P.S. if not done right the magnet will effect the power head.

[RWalston]

what protects the metal from the saltwater

[lReef lKeeper]

good idea but is a little steep. like Dave said ... maybe a good mag float and a little super-glu or sealant and you could DIY.

[PurpleAardvark]

A ridged plastic that has been molded. They arn't that bad for price and you will be able to use the magnet on a different powerhead with out alot of work. It also supports some one IMO is a very nice guy. I know the owner of algea free very well, he is a good friend and would do anything to help anyone. He is not a big corperation at all. This is run out of his house. To me, I would rather support some one who is like that then magfloat even if it cost me an extra $4-$5. but this is just IMO.

[Dirt4dinner]

Hey Tracy,
I didn't read all the posts, but I just wanted you to know that one of the local reefers here in Phoenix I know has 4 of those magnets, and swears by them. He has them on 2 M820's and 2 M1100's I believe. They look really clean if you can keep the outside magnet away from view. Like if you mount on the back wall of the tank. If you have the magnet on a side of the tank that is visible they are not very attractive. Just food for thought.

[mindy7]

Just wanted to let you know,, i used mag floats and aquarium sealant and they stuck,, BUT the magnets ruined the powerheads,, they have magnets in the motor of the powerheads,,, now if your powerheads dont have magnets then you are good,, but i loved this idea too,, but it didnt work with my powerheads,, good luck!

[Dirt4dinner]

Just in case I caused confusion. I DON'T recommend making your own! I was talking about the $25 ones that you provided a link to. Those work great. Make your own at your own risk. But if you want ones that work well, then those are the ones.

[PurpleAardvark]

Dirt he has runn all the powerheads on them and they are fine. Mine works great on the tunze 6100 that I have on it. Beats the price tag on the tunze mag too by alot.

[Sweetpea]

P.S. if not done right the magnet will effect the power head.
Thanks for the warning, Don!

I just wanted you to know that one of the local reefers here in Phoenix I know has 4 of those magnets, and swears by them.They look really clean if you can keep the outside magnet away from view. Like if you mount on the back wall of the tank. If you have the magnet on a side of the tank that is visible they are not very attractive. Just food for thought.
Thank you for the tip, Tyler! I do have 2 powerheads on the sides... that's something to think about...

Just wanted to let you know,, i used mag floats and aquarium sealant and they stuck,, BUT the magnets ruined the powerheads,, they have magnets in the motor of the powerheads,,, now if your powerheads dont have magnets then you are good,, but i loved this idea too,, but it didnt work with my powerheads,, good luck!
Thanks for the warning, Mindy!

[davejnz]

I also think that a magnet mounted on a smaller powerhead like MJ's would have to interfere with the magnetic impeller.I suppose with proper placement of the "support magnet",the magnetic field produced might be far away enough from the impellers magnet to not cause interference.

[PurpleAardvark]

The first mold did have a problem but the ones Algea free are selling are the new mold which doesn't have that problem. He put alot of time and effort into ths product as he does with anthing he sells. If he put as much time in his golf game as he does his product he would be on the pga. LOL hope he reads that. He is better than me at golf by far.

[Sweetpea]

As far as the magnet/impeller concern goes, I've got an old powerhead I could test it on, and if it screws it up I haven't lost anything.

I'm thinking MagFloat for the outside, and perhaps a metal bracket on the inside? I just have to come up with a way to cover it. Could I "paint" a thin layer of aquarium sealant on it? I've never worked with the sealant before, so I don't know if that would work of not. Any thoughts?

[RWalston]

I just came across this site hope all will enjoy. I think I am going to start a project this weekend.

http://www.cawanee.com/magnetmounts/magnetmounts1.htm

[Whoyah]

That is an awesome little DIY project. I wonder if he experienced any problems with the magnetic fields. I am also curious to know where you get casting resin?

[Sweetpea]

I just came across this site hope all will enjoy. I think I am going to start a project this weekend.

http://www.cawanee.com/magnetmounts/magnetmounts1.htm

PERFECT! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LINK! If you get this done before I do, PLEASE post pics!!!! :-D

[RWalston]

http://www.jgreer.com./

The resign for this project was purchased off of ebay.

[RWalston]

A link for magnets

http://www.magnet4less.com/NB025.html

[Sweetpea]

http://www.jgreer.com./

The resign for this project was purchased off of ebay.

A link for magnets

http://www.magnet4less.com/NB025.html

Wow! Thank you for these links!!! :D