Aquarium Magnets

Plastic-coated neodymium magnets are waterproof and reef safe can be used in fish tanks and aquariums because they do not leach into the water. The plastic coating completely surrounds the magnet, protecting it from water while providing a softer exterior that is less likely to scratch aquarium glass. Standard nickel-plated neodymium magnets should not be continuously exposed to water because the magnet can corrode if water reaches the neodymium material beneath the plating.

Yes. Magnets can be used to make a magnetic aquarium glass cleaner with one magnet inside the tank and another outside the glass. Moving the outside magnet moves the inside cleaning piece, allowing the glass to be cleaned without reaching into the aquarium. See our Aquarium Magnets article for more information.

The required magnet strength depends heavily on the thickness of the aquarium glass. The glass creates a gap between the two magnets, and magnetic attraction decreases as this distance increases. Thicker aquarium glass therefore requires stronger magnets to achieve the same holding force. You can estimate the force between two magnets using our magnet strength calculator. Also see our Aquarium Magnets article for more details on how strong of a magnet is needed, how to manuever a magnet to clean fish tank glass and more.

Neodymium magnet material is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to water. A waterproof plastic coating isolates the magnet from the water making it water proof and reef safe with no leached chemicals into the water. The plastic exterior is also softer than a nickel-plated magnet, making it better suited for contact with aquarium glass.

Aquarium magnets can be used for magnetic glass cleaners, mounting coral and decorations, positioning water jets and pumps, holding equipment in place and creating removable aquarium accessories. Magnets positioned on opposite sides of the glass can also hold accessories without drilling holes or permanently modifying the aquarium.