Fix a mag-float?

[count dracula]

I've got a mag-float 350 that I've been using daily for 5+years and the "scrubby" pad inside the tank is just about smooth now. Anybody have some ideas about a replacement pad material that would work? Call me a cheapskate, but I have a hard time with shelling out another $30 for a whole new deal.

Thanks,

Brian

90 gallon fowlr

 

[Dirtsquirt]

Glass or acrylic?

-Dan

 

[count dracula]

This is only used on glass. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

 

[Dirtsquirt]

You could go buy one of those hand held scrapers and cut the pad to fit, then glue it in place with fragging glue (CA glue, also available at any hobby shop)

Because it's glass I'm almost tempted to say that it would be possible to take any scouring pad and cut to fit. If the common 'green' variety is too harsh then visit your local autobody supply house and pick up something with a finer ratings. I have some stuff that is equiv. to 2000gt sandpaper, it's a light gray color and made by 3M.

Might also check the supermarket in the paint section.

 

[Beakerbob]

Here is another trick:

Find the dish/pot scrub pad that has the mesh covering the sponge. Cut open the mesh bag, throw the sponge away and slip the magfloat inside. Use this for scrubbing the inside of the tank glass.

 

[count dracula]

interesting suggestions. I like the dissected scrub sponge one alot. The 3m pad worries me a bit with the colors dyed in the plastic, but I might just be paranoid on that. I'm thinking the "hook" part of hook and loop tape aka velcro might be a good solution. I think that after scraping the remnants of the old pad, I could use ca glue to stick the new one on. I can't seem to find any that is wide enough though. I guess as last resort I could try like 3 strips side by side. Anybody have a source for extra wide velcro that would fit a mag float 350?

At anyrate, thanks for the suggestions.

Brian

 

[Dirtsquirt]

You can get thick velcro at a fabric store like Michaels, Joann, or Hancock fabrics.

-Dan

 

[Dirtsquirt]

Another thought is how well would an old filter pad work? If it was cleaned up after being used for it's intended purpose in the tank it might be alright as they don't leach colors.

-Dan

 

[DonW]

Why not just buy a replacement for one of the Algea free cleaners. They are only like $8 no worries or hastle.

Don

 

[fishoutofwater]

here are some awesome magnets. they all have replaceable felt and shrubbers. I have one and they are great. a little spendy but well worth the price. Each side of the magnet is velco so the pads just stick and you replace as needed. Plus they are super strong. works on glass or acrylic. check out there web site. www.mightymagnets.com. they are located in oregon. i have tried them all and these are by far the best and well worth the price. none are stronger.

 

[count dracula]

Mag-Float Rebuild SOLVED

I checked out the local Hobby-Lobby and found some 2" wide heavy duty indoor/outdoor velcro strips. The hook part looks just like the original scrubby material.

The repair was super easy as I was able to peel the old stuff off with the help of a single edge razor blade. The heavy duty velcro has hooks right up to the edge so even though there is a seam down the middle of the scrubber block now, you can't hardly even see it. I found the self adhesive to be very strong so for now I'm not ca gluing it down.

Since there was excess material around the edges of the block, I just put it face down on a plastic cutting board and traced around it with the razor blade. Now I've got the scrubby block magneted to the fridge door to clamp the material and let the glue cure a bit overnight.

So for $2.99 my $30 mag-float appears to be like new again.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[crizzleb]

is just 30 bucks.