Residue from Powerhead Propeller Magnet

Reef Monster · Jan 31, 2020

Is this normal or potentially the result of leaving my power heads/pumps in water/vinegar for too long during cleanings?

Ron Reefman · Jan 31, 2020

Can't say I've ever had an impeller magnet wipe off dark like that. Lets try for some other help.
#reefsquad

Reef Monster · Jan 31, 2020

Ron Reefman said:
Can't say I've ever had an impeller magnet wipe off dark like that. Lets try for some other help.
#reefsquad

Right? This is the first time I noticed it. Is this cause for concern/potential replacement of impeller magnets?

Billldg · Jan 31, 2020

This is interesting to say the least.

Indytraveler83 · Jan 31, 2020

I had a bad Aquaclear HOB filter that vibrated like crazy and was very loud... And each time I cleaned it, it looked like that.

Is the impeller contacting the inner housing perhaps?

kireek · Jan 31, 2020

It kind of looks like it's breaking down.Probably not good.

Ron Reefman · Feb 1, 2020

Question for everybody that is related to Reef Monster's question.

Are magnets that are in our underwater motors coated with something to keep them from rusting?

I know I've had a couple of magnets for holding things in place (frag plugs and maxi-jet powerheads) that have started to rust and virtually explode over time.

BTW, I do still have an old maxi-jet that I use when I go collecting in the Florida Keys. But I have also used a few of those magnets as part of a frag rack build. But my best has been the magnet from a Jebao Crossflow. The magnets are killer strong, too bad the motors have no torque...

Retro Reefer · Feb 1, 2020

I have never had one of mine do that, I would keep a eye on it or replace asap.

Mical · Feb 1, 2020

Reef Monster said:
Is this normal or potentially the result of leaving my power heads/pumps in water/vinegar for too long during cleanings?

Really don't know what the residue is or the cause, but I stopped using vinegar and use citric acid instead. There's a thread here on R2R by @Randy Holmes-Farley about this. I also use kosher vegetable glycerin to lube parts before reassembly as a light lubricant.

Reef Monster · Feb 1, 2020

Mical said:
Really don't know what the residue is or the cause, but I stopped using vinegar and use citric acid instead. There's a thread here on R2R by @Randy Holmes-Farley about this. I also use kosher vegetable glycerin to lube parts before reassembly as a light lubricant.

I’ve switched over to citric acid as well but it seems like the damage is done. I wonder if my Vectra M1 and NYOS 160 impeller magnets are doing the same? This is probably my fault as I’m sure I just let some of these things sitting in water and vinegar for longer than I should have. I guess the question is whether or not if this is going in the water column and if it’s going to cause problems.