Aquarium Magnetic
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
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 Magnavore 8 Glass Aquarium Magnet Algae Scraper US $205.95 |
 Magnavore 6ER Glass Aquarium Magnet Algae Scraper US $136.95 |
 Magnavore 4ER Glass Aquarium Magnet Algae Scraper US $99.95 |
 1300GPH MARINE AQUARIUM POWERHEAD WAVEMAKER MAGNET BASE US $40.99 |
 Marine Aquarium Twin Wave Maker 6000L H Magnetic 220V US $16.50 |
 Marine Aquarium Twin Wave Maker 6000L H Magnetic F 110V US $16.50 |
 Marine Aquarium Twin Wave Maker12000L H Magnetic 220V US $24.00 |
 Marine Aquarium Wave Maker 3000L H Magnetic Fix220 240V US $8.40 |
 Marine Aquarium Wave Maker 3000L H Magnetic Fixer 110V US $8.40 |
 Marine Aquarium Wave Maker 5000L H Magnetic 220 240V US $13.30 |
 Marine Aquarium Wave Maker 5000L H Magnetic Fixer 110V US $13.30 |
 Fluval Edge Aquarium Algae Magnet US $7.02 |
Tilting a submersible power head.?
I have a submersible powerhead in my 55 gallon tank. I use a tube attached to a sponge to use it as a McGuyvered mechanical sponge filter. This provides very notable filtration inside of my tank, and reduces filter replacements by 50% or more.
The problem I'm having is keeping it in a good place. If I keep it too low to the bottom of my tank, the powerhead sucks up sand, this for me is simply not going to take place. So right now its near the surface of the water, but its ugly and easily noticable. I'd like to hide it behind a live plant that grows about halfway up my aquarium. Though to hide it behind the plant, would again, suck up sand.
Directly my question is:
Can I turn a powerhead horizontally opposed to vertically without seizing the magnetic motor inside of it? Gravity isnt my strong point, and I believe its worth considering in this case...
The impeller assembly consists of a permanent magnet affixed to a multi-blade impeller which rotates on a fixed shaft. The magnet / impeller are suspended in a magnetic field and rotate one revolution each time the AC electrical field changes from positive to negative. At 60 cycles per second (typical US current) you get 3,600 rpm.
Because the magnet / impeller is rotating in a magnetic field, wear due to gravity should be minimal. There is usually a water channel molded into the sump which contains the impeller. This channel uses water to flush any fine debris that might prematurely wear the shaft of the impeller assembly. Clean this channel and the entire impeller assembly as part of your regular monthly maintenance and your powerhead will last a long time.
Finally, you can certainly use a powerhead with an intake sponge as a submersible filter. As you've suggested (and others have already answered) the placement of the unit in your tank will determine how much waste and debris it picks up, and therefore how frequently you need to squeeze out the sponge.
If you neglect the sponge and it becomes impacted with decomposing waste you can create a serious problem. So keep it rinsed as part of your regular maintenance and you'll be fine.
Magnetic aquarium cleaner