cracked magnet cause coral problems?

tjnorthdakota · Mar 9, 2017

I have a aquamaxx cone-2 skimmer with a cracked impeller magnet, skimmer runs just fine with it but I'm wondering if this can cause problems with the tank and coral?

Oscar47f · Mar 9, 2017

The components inside the magnet once they start to oxidize can be back for the tank depending on the type of magnet in the pump.

cromag27 · Mar 9, 2017

They're generally ceramic magnets, which shouldn't oxidize.

Engloid · Mar 9, 2017

cromag08 said:
They're generally ceramic magnets, which shouldn't oxidize.

A ceramic magnet? I didn't think there was any such thing as magnetic ceramic. If it's just coated, and cracked...it will likely have metal inside that will rust badly.

Engloid · Mar 9, 2017

another thought... when the magnets crack, they typically start to expand. This will wear the housing of the pump, and can cause it to wear to the point it has to be replaced also. If you caught the magnet quick, and the housing isn't worn yet, you may want to replace the impeller before it does. Also, check for voltage in the tank. I had a cracked magnet and I wondered if it was the cause. I know the tank didn't have much voltage until the pump was turned on.

tjnorthdakota · Mar 9, 2017

Engloid said:
another thought... when the magnets crack, they typically start to expand. This will wear the housing of the pump, and can cause it to wear to the point it has to be replaced also. If you caught the magnet quick, and the housing isn't worn yet, you may want to replace the impeller before it does. Also, check for voltage in the tank. I had a cracked magnet and I wondered if it was the cause. I know the tank didn't have much voltage until the pump was turned on.

I will have to do that, I ordered a new impeller, cheaper than a brand new pump thats for sure

Homer Allman · Mar 9, 2017

GFO is also rust. Rusty metal in the tank may not be such a big deal or we wouldn't be using GFO.

cromag27 · Mar 9, 2017

commonly called ceramic magnets, but they're made from ferrite.

Engloid said:
A ceramic magnet? I didn't think there was any such thing as magnetic ceramic. If it's just coated, and cracked...it will likely have metal inside that will rust badly.

cromag27 · Mar 9, 2017

gfo is iron oxide hydroxide. not the same as rust from steel though.

Homer Allman said:
GFO is also rust. Rusty metal in the tank may not be such a big deal or we wouldn't be using GFO.

cromag27 · Mar 9, 2017

yes, once you have internal damage to the housing, the pump will likely cease on you.

Engloid said:
another thought... when the magnets crack, they typically start to expand. This will wear the housing of the pump, and can cause it to wear to the point it has to be replaced also. If you caught the magnet quick, and the housing isn't worn yet, you may want to replace the impeller before it does. Also, check for voltage in the tank. I had a cracked magnet and I wondered if it was the cause. I know the tank didn't have much voltage until the pump was turned on.