Yeah I'm not sure if the roots need to be in the magnetic field itself (like the milk kefir video above magnets were right on the quart jars) but I'm getting some POWERFUL magnets. I'm going to group some 20 lb Neodymium magnets and have about 80-120 lbs pull force per side of bucket. There are places on the web I can get them for about $2 each.Make sure to get ~ 1/2" diameter hole
These can also be used around water pipes under kitchen sink...
Measure the pipe coming out of the wall in the shower and place 2 there as well
Placing them around a 5 g bucket may be too far apart, which is why I placed them around the 1/2" water tubing this time
Let me know if you need to see a pic
Another note: to achieve the most pull force, opposing magnets should be parallel to each other, so a 5 gallon bucket will have a slight curve if you're grouping magnets side by side.
I was in the water treatment biz for a decade and no magnets won't soften your water or help with scaling at least in that regard. As for vortex water treatment I think it's also supposed to help with DO levels at least - http://www.vortexwatertech.com/c_5.asp I just use a venturi air pump (Penguin powerhead) and it makes millions of tiny microscopic bubbles that stay in solution longer too.
Just for fun:
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