Adhesive for Wet Rock?

[stepho725]

I have been trying to get a decent aquascape in my Biocube 32 but am having a heck of a time. My rock is wet because I changed from a 35g to the biocube. The footprint is way smaller. I tried using the Instant Ocean putty, but it didn't stick at all and fell apart. I tried the super glue plus baking soda which I had preciously been successful with, but it didn't work as well on the wet rock because of course the baking soda dissolved. So I currently have an unsteady pile of rocks in the Biocube. I want to make it look decent, but I need a really good adhesive that will work while it is wet and maybe work despite my impatience. I'm so frustrated with this build for a hundred reasons but this aquascape had really put me over. I don't know what to do! The pieces are pretty small and lightweight so the weight isn't stabilizing the rocks. I'd be ever so appreciative of some suggestions.

 

[WvAquatics]

Superglue and fine sand. Layer the 2 over and over with as much contact of superglue to fresh rock in every layer. Fill gaps with ruble then fill with sand and superglue over and over.

 

[WvAquatics]

Accelerater is life saving. You can layer the superglue and sand. Once you have a good bond quick spray and it will be solid. I wasted 40$ in superglue until I learned that you have to cover the gaps and need contact to both rocks in each layer. This made bottle 2 go much more smoothly. It's a pain in the butt


This was all done dry. I am going to be gluing the other 2 feet with wet rock.

 

[JTP424]

Maybe try the sandwich frag process? Super glue/Epoxy/superglue? At least to get it started? Then add the fillers?

 

[Srfnhooker]

I second the superglue and fine sand. I used a hammer and smashed reef saver dry rock from BRS to create a semi-fine powder/sand to use in all joints. Like Wv said, fill gaps with rubble prior to sand and glue. The glue I used is called "2p-10" by FastCap. It has a nice long spout with multiple tips to choose from and be found on Amazon.

 

[Srfnhooker]

I just re-read your post. I didn't realize it was all wet so I don't think sand and superglue will work. JTP424 may be on to something. It wont be as strong as what I suggested to use but it may keep things from falling over. Hopefully someone else with come along and have a better solution for you. Good Luck.

 

[Srfnhooker]

Accelerater is life saving. You can layer the superglue and sand. Once you have a good bond quick spray and it will be solid. I wasted 40$ in superglue until I learned that you have to cover the gaps and need contact to both rocks in each layer. This made bottle 2 go much more smoothly. It's a pain in the butt


This was all done dry. I am going to be gluing the other 2 feet with wet rock.

Let us know how it comes out with the wet rock and what you use. Good Luck.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I have been trying to get a decent aquascape in my Biocube 32 but am having a heck of a time. My rock is wet because I changed from a 35g to the biocube. The footprint is way smaller. I tried using the Instant Ocean putty, but it didn't stick at all and fell apart. I tried the super glue plus baking soda which I had preciously been successful with, but it didn't work as well on the wet rock because of course the baking soda dissolved. So I currently have an unsteady pile of rocks in the Biocube. I want to make it look decent, but I need a really good adhesive that will work while it is wet and maybe work despite my impatience. I'm so frustrated with this build for a hundred reasons but this aquascape had really put me over. I don't know what to do! The pieces are pretty small and lightweight so the weight isn't stabilizing the rocks. I'd be ever so appreciative of some suggestions.

I use perspex rods - drill holes into the rock for the rods which creates a stable structure.

Then gravel and sand mixed with reef safe epoxy putty to hide any visible rods.

You can get the assembly back in the tank pretty fast

 

[stepho725]

I use perspex rods - drill holes into the rock for the rods which creates a stable structure.

Then gravel and sand mixed with reef safe epoxy putty to hide any visible rods.

You can get the assembly back in the tank pretty fast

These rocks are pretty small and airy so they wouldn't do well being drilled. Ty for the suggestion though!

 

[stepho725]

Let us know how it comes out with the wet rock and what you use. Good Luck.

I'm still a bit lost. Considering JB Water Weld and super glue though.

 

[AKReefing]

Ever consider removing the rock and let it dry a while?

 

[stepho725]

Ever consider removing the rock and let it dry a while?

I have. It is just going to slow my cycle down a bunch but it seems like it's prob the best choice.

 

[AKReefing]

I have. It is just going to slow my cycle down a bunch but it seems like it's prob the best choice.

Patience is worthwhile. I dark cycled my new tank for 2 months after adding 3 sources of bacteria and pods, then an additional 3 months before adding any fish or corals. Still had a small bout of the uglies, but all is good now.

 

[WvAquatics]

Let us know how it comes out with the wet rock and what you use. Good Luck.

Will do. The 180g is wet. Severely underestimated salt i needed. Of course lfs sells IO bags for 30$ hopefully next weekend i slowly move these rocks over and glued them. Ill be so hapy to get a sump back and be able to fill tank fully.

 

[AKReefing]

Depending on your rockwork, if they're large enough, you could also drill and insert rods to pin them together. I used those orange fiberglass driveway marker rods, sanded off the paint, and cut them to length. Nontoxic and super strong.

 

[WvAquatics]

I have thought about e6000 adhesive and use that to glue the rocks. The cure time is why I never tried. It takes about 3 days or more to not stink when gluing the bafflesnin the sump. But I'll post more when I start gluing next weekend.

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

These rocks are pretty small and airy so they wouldn't do well being drilled. Ty for the suggestion though!

I’ve used a fine drill bit and plastic toothpicks for smaller rocks. It’s very difficult to get a decent bond on wet rock with reef safe adhesives.

 

[AKReefing]

I’ve used a fine drill bit and plastic toothpicks for smaller rocks. It’s very difficult to get a decent bond on wet rock with reef safe adhesives.

I think Ryan/BRS made a video comparison adhesive types for dry rock.

 

[stepho725]

I think Ryan/BRS made a video comparison adhesive types for dry rock.

$60 for super glue and accelerant with postage. Ugh!

 

[BryanM]

I have been trying to get a decent aquascape in my Biocube 32 but am having a heck of a time. My rock is wet because I changed from a 35g to the biocube. The footprint is way smaller. I tried using the Instant Ocean putty, but it didn't stick at all and fell apart. I tried the super glue plus baking soda which I had preciously been successful with, but it didn't work as well on the wet rock because of course the baking soda dissolved. So I currently have an unsteady pile of rocks in the Biocube. I want to make it look decent, but I need a really good adhesive that will work while it is wet and maybe work despite my impatience. I'm so frustrated with this build for a hundred reasons but this aquascape had really put me over. I don't know what to do! The pieces are pretty small and lightweight so the weight isn't stabilizing the rocks. I'd be ever so appreciative of some suggestions.

I never glued my rock.

If wet = cycled, I personally would not dry it. I would do my best to stack it where I felt it was solid...