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Re: Algae Magnets
Folks,
In marine aquaria, algae magnets are frowned on because they can
potentially leach iron into the tank. This usually happens where the magnet
is left permanently in the water; as the water seeps in, the magnet
corrodes.
Although iron corrodes much more slowly in marine aquaria, be aware that
some fish and many invertebrates (like shrimp) are intolerant of iron.
Incidentally, the iron released by the magnet is not usable by the plants,
as far as I know; for the same reason a rusty nail won't fertilize the
tank!
All the best for 1997,
Neale.
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From Neale Monks' Macintosh PowerBook, at...
Department of Palaeontology, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD
Internet: N.Monks at nhm_ac.uk, Telephone: 0171-938-9007
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