Rusty Magnet in Aquarium

CLM65 · 01/18/2019, 10:02 AM

Last night one of my powerheads fell off the side of the tank. It's just an inexpensive Hydor Koralia, and has served me well for many years. But now the magnetic mount has split open and fallen apart. Obviously I removed it, but I was wondering what affect an exposed, rusting magnet could have on the water chemistry? I'm not sure long the magnet has been exposed to the water, but given the amount of rust, I'd guess quite a while.

mcgyvr · 01/18/2019, 11:30 AM

In general the rusting should not cause any issues in your tank.
Rust is basically "ferric oxide" which is used often in tanks to reduce phosphate levels..
If anything the rust may be beneficial..

CLM65 · 01/18/2019, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

In general the rusting should not cause any issues in your tank.
Rust is basically "ferric oxide" which is used often in tanks to reduce phosphate levels..
If anything the rust may be beneficial..

Dang it! I was hoping the rust was causing my high phosphate levels! I wonder if they are going to go even higher now.

mcgyvr · 01/18/2019, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLM65

Dang it! I was hoping the rust was causing my high phosphate levels! I wonder if they are going to go even higher now.

High phosphate levels are typically caused by overfeeding..

(that or the phosphate came bound up in the rock already..common with pukani,etc.. )

CLM65 · 01/18/2019, 02:47 PM

In my case I would believe overfeeding. I've recently cut back and phosphate is slowly dropping, but is still a bit high (around 1 according to my Salifert test kit).

mcgyvr · 01/18/2019, 07:21 PM

1 is certainly quite a bit of overfeeding..

FSJGUY · 01/18/2019, 09:06 PM

Rust8ng metal isnt good in your tank. you wanting to keep metal at a minimum... ferric oxide can leach heavy metals in your tank... and rust is iron so yea.

I dont think a small magnet will do anything but still

slief · 01/19/2019, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSJGUY

ferric oxide can leach heavy metals in your tank...

Actually, GFO (ferric oxide) is know to remove metals from water in addition to phosphate and silica. It’s regarded as a very safe and effective product for removing Po4 from the water and is widely used in our hobby.

Here is a study on GFO use in our hobby including chemistry testing that showed that it was effectiving in removing some metals from the water.
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/2/chemistry

That said, rusting magnets are never good but it’s unlikely that short term exporsure of a rusting magnet would cause any long term effects.

01/18/2019, 10:02 AM	#1
CLM65 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 46	Rusty Magnet in Aquarium Last night one of my powerheads fell off the side of the tank. It's just an inexpensive Hydor Koralia, and has served me well for many years. But now the magnetic mount has split open and fallen apart. Obviously I removed it, but I was wondering what affect an exposed, rusting magnet could have on the water chemistry? I'm not sure long the magnet has been exposed to the water, but given the amount of rust, I'd guess quite a while.

01/18/2019, 11:30 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	In general the rusting should not cause any issues in your tank. Rust is basically "ferric oxide" which is used often in tanks to reduce phosphate levels.. If anything the rust may be beneficial.. __________________ Who me?

01/18/2019, 07:21 PM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	1 is certainly quite a bit of overfeeding.. __________________ Who me?

01/18/2019, 02:47 PM	#5
CLM65 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 46	In my case I would believe overfeeding. I've recently cut back and phosphate is slowly dropping, but is still a bit high (around 1 according to my Salifert test kit).

01/18/2019, 09:06 PM	#7
FSJGUY Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 45	Rust8ng metal isnt good in your tank. you wanting to keep metal at a minimum... ferric oxide can leach heavy metals in your tank... and rust is iron so yea. I dont think a small magnet will do anything but still