Magnet Cleaners?

[jgoal55]

In my old 90g I used a large MagFloat cleaner w/ an easyblade attachment. It worked well or at least as well as I needed it to with that attachment. Without it, it really wasn't that good.

My question, is that if I'm using an easy blade attachment, is it worth investing in the high end magnet cleaners (ie - hammerhead) for my new tank. Its a lot more glass to clean so if it's worth it and it really does a much better job cleaning I wouldn't mind spending it.

I just find it hard to believe that a magnet could be so expensive. Also, I think the fake wood finish is pretty ugly.

 

[jgoal55]

for the mag float?

 

[weaglereefer]

Jgoal55;458851 wrote: for the mag float?

Yup, they run about $5 a pop, the issue is the s/h is usually more than the cost of the replacement pad, lol. Best to order a few at a time.

 

[jhutto]

tim has the replacement pads for the mag float.

 

[jgoal55]

i love tim and his shop but he's a bit far for a couple of pads......

So are you guys saying that just replacing the pads on the mag floats is sufficient?

What is it that makes these high end mag cleaners so pricey?

 

[weaglereefer]

Well lots of them are for thick tanks. You need lots of magnets. Rare earth magnets are expensive, and you need powerful ones. I think some have interchangeable pads, which I'm sure would add to the price as well.

 

[jgoal55]

True. Hadnt thought about the thickness of the glass. The new tank is 3/8" on all four sides so its pretty thick. Now that I think about it, I wonder iif the mag float will even work well.

 

[james s_]

Jgoal55;459353 wrote: True. Hadnt thought about the thickness of the glass. The new tank is 3/8" on all four sides so its pretty thick. Now that I think about it, I wonder iif the mag float will even work well.

On a glass tank I wouldnt waste my money on a fancy magnet, there mostly for use on thick 1/2"+ acrylic tanks where you cannot use scrapers,etc...without fear of scratching the tank. I would do as others suggest and buy new pads for your magnet, and just keep up on the cleanings to keep hard stuff from sticking... Then use a razor blade for those times when the Mag Float is not cutting it.

Now if you just want to make cleaning easy and are not concerned with saving money, then I would highly suggest the Mighty Magnets, I have two of them and absolutely love them. They have several different grade pads, and Dozer Pads for cleaning coralline and more stubborn algaes.

FWIW, I have a couple mag floats I use for frag racks on my 3/4" Acrylic tank. They hold fine, but not near enough power to clean anything substantial. On a 3/8" tank they will work just fine.