evolved
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My Tank Thread
I recently replaced my Eshopps probe holder with the new Neptune probe holder. Here's why:
DSC_2226 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2222 by evolvedx, on Flickr
As you can see, one of the magnets was clearly exposed to water, oxidized, expanded, and this was the result. I had used this holder continuously for about two years, and it was always above, but near, the water-line in the sump. I speculate the occasional splashes and/or the water which was wicked along the sides of the sump (minor salt creep) was enough for water to find its way into the "sealed" magnet area.
You can see in these comparison photos of the good side to the failed side of the holder how the magnets are countersunk and then epoxyed into place. It seems that last step did not provide a water-tight seal:
DSC_2227 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2228 by evolvedx, on Flickr
From the probe side:
DSC_2231 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2230 by evolvedx, on Flickr
Top and bottom views; you can see how the magnets are installed a bit better in the bottom view photo:
DSC_2223 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2225 by evolvedx, on Flickr
On the plus side, this unit was still functioning as a probe holder...
I am now quite please with the Neptune unit acting in its place. I can't attribute these rusting magnets to anything "bad" in the tank, but I also am not willing to rule out the possibility. Heavy metals and inverts are never a good thing.
DSC_2226 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2222 by evolvedx, on Flickr
As you can see, one of the magnets was clearly exposed to water, oxidized, expanded, and this was the result. I had used this holder continuously for about two years, and it was always above, but near, the water-line in the sump. I speculate the occasional splashes and/or the water which was wicked along the sides of the sump (minor salt creep) was enough for water to find its way into the "sealed" magnet area.
You can see in these comparison photos of the good side to the failed side of the holder how the magnets are countersunk and then epoxyed into place. It seems that last step did not provide a water-tight seal:
DSC_2227 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2228 by evolvedx, on Flickr
From the probe side:
DSC_2231 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2230 by evolvedx, on Flickr
Top and bottom views; you can see how the magnets are installed a bit better in the bottom view photo:
DSC_2223 by evolvedx, on Flickr
DSC_2225 by evolvedx, on Flickr
On the plus side, this unit was still functioning as a probe holder...
I am now quite please with the Neptune unit acting in its place. I can't attribute these rusting magnets to anything "bad" in the tank, but I also am not willing to rule out the possibility. Heavy metals and inverts are never a good thing.
