Knowing When Magnets Start To Corrode

[Forsaken77]

Just wanted to get some feedback on how you determine when you think a magnet may be corroding under the cover. Is there any telltale signs, beside visible rust outside the magnet? Or is icp testing the only way?

How do you know if your Vortech or return pumps aren't corroding under their covers? Once you remove the outer covering, the magnet gets ruined, correct?

For example, I use a Zoo-Med Magclip for multiple things that would've had suction cups originally. I never see rust, but Zoo-Med isn't known for being top notch (even though those darn Magclips are expensive )

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Just wanted to get some feedback on how you determine when you think a magnet may be corroding under the cover. Is there any telltale signs, beside visible rust outside the magnet? Or is icp testing the only way?

How do you know if your Vortech or return pumps aren't corroding under their covers? Once you remove the outer covering, the magnet gets ruined, correct?

For example, I use a Zoo-Med Magclip for multiple things that would've had suction cups originally. I never see rust, but Zoo-Med isn't known for being top notch (even though those darn Magclips are expensive )

im not sure if there’s anything you can do, but you may find this article interesting.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/magnets-and-your-tank.233/

 

[LouieP]

The only way to know is to inspect them.

 

[Gareth elliott]

On purchase examine the magnet. See if can determine the type. Need to watch the rare earth magnets much more than the ceramic ones. If its tiny and strong, most likely rare.

If seal doesnt look up to snuff to begin with dip in epoxy.

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, I think you have to do manual inspections; not just for observable rust but also the start of cracks in the coatings.

 

[Forsaken77]

I am going to assume the Zoo-Med Magclips are the Ferrite ones then because they don't have a lot of pull force, which are corrosive resistant.

 

[Forsaken77]

On purchase examine the magnet. See if can determine the type. Need to watch the rare earth magnets much more than the ceramic ones. If its tiny and strong, most likely rare.

If seal doesnt look up to snuff to begin with dip in epoxy.

Should you just automatically dip any magnet cover in epoxy? What type do you recommend?

 

[Gareth elliott]

I used plastidip, 100% plastic, less expensive than traditional 2 part epoxies, and easily applied since it sprays on.

Spray outside though it smells before curing.

The ferrite magents are not as much of worry as they can not oxidize. Rust you see is often the magnet just pulling iron out of the water column to it. As they are already iron oxide(rust) and well cant “rust” any further.

Neodymium magnets on the other hand can corrode into some nasty compounds when exposed to saltwater.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I am going to assume the Zoo-Med Magclips are the Ferrite ones then because they don't have a lot of pull force, which are corrosive resistant.

i would assume most likely ceramic. other companies do you neodymium. but read my article and see what happens when their cases leak!