This experiment shall show how magnetic fluid moves in a magnetic field.

The big cone forms the upper end of a cylinder magnet which in magnetized by permanent magnets and an electric coil.

When the magnetic field gets continuously stronger on the way to the top of the cone the magnetic fluid flows upwards. When the field is strongest at the tip of the thread the fluid goes up just at the tip like on a spiral staircase. When the field is strong enough to form Rosensweig peaks the these peaks will move upwards up in a line from the basin to the top.