Weird Question, Filters & Pacemakers

[star4]

My mum has recently had a pacemaker fitted, and she has asked me today about getting her a fish tank. I have one she can have with an internal filter, however she cannot go near magnets?? I presume the impellar of an internal filter (being magnetic) is small enough to be ok.

 

[mbsqw1d]

My mum has recently had a pacemaker fitted, and she has asked me today about getting her a fish tank. I have one she can have with an internal filter, however she cannot go near magnets?? I presume the impellar of an internal filter (being magnetic) is small enough to be ok.

i doubt you're gonna get a 100% proof answer on here mate. Somethin you're best seein her doctor about, maybe even take the filter or some documentation about it with you.

 

[ian]

i actually know this question as i used to work assisting putting pacemeakers in. She would be fine, she would have to physically hold the magnet from the impeller over her pacemaker for around a minute to even bother it. When they talk about magnets, they mean big big magnets. She will be fine! but great question!

 

[elisew]

Not something I think many people would even consider thinking about (if that makes sense?) but it`s a great question

My Dad has a pacemaker and has a 180L coldwater tank, he`s never had any problems

 

[ian]

they actually test the pacemaker with a magnet, just after putting them in. They don't short them, they will set off a beat or 2 to the atrium. They will effect internal defibs, but again a fish filter would bother an internal defib, in my professional opinion.

 

[doresy]

i actually know this question as i used to work assisting putting pacemeakers in. She would be fine, she would have to physically hold the magnet from the impeller over her pacemaker for around a minute to even bother it. When they talk about magnets, they mean big big magnets. She will be fine! but great question!

Great question and brilliant answer.

Not being qualified to answer this myself but common sense tells me that the magnets in something like, say, a loudspeaker in a TV or Hi-Fi is vastly bigger than that of an external filter. Even the strip around a fridge or freezer would offer more danger or. Magnets are all around us

 

[mbsqw1d]

i should never doubt the knowledge of people on TFF!

 

[star4]

Thanks so much for the reply and the answer There will be no chance of her getting that close to the impellar because I will be doing the water changes and cleaning the filter etc.

TFF triumphs again, thanks so much

 

[ian]

It makes me wonder if this question has ever been asked, I'll ask my friends in cardiology tomorrow.

 

[raptorrex]

It makes me wonder if this question has ever been asked, I'll ask my friends in cardiology tomorrow.

its not been asked here. but, those of us old enough to remember, will remember problems with Microwave ovens (1970's). these early (Unshielded) units, sent pacemakers mad. made US airports a problem, to visit, for those with pacemakers.

 

[the biffster]

it was similar to the scare
with pacemakers and mobile
phones as well i don't have a
pacemaker but i do have AF
and it only takes a normal
coffee or two and some stress
to kick it off that's why i drink
decaf