Need help with glue for Aquascape.

[InDahOcean]

I'm gonna aquascape but I realize I don't have glue (epoxy, gel, etc.) for the job.

• What type of gel, epoxy, glue do you guys recommend for aquascaping?
• How do I know if the gel, epoxy, glue is reef safe?
• Can I use any type of epoxy?
• Will 2 part epoxy work for gluing rocks together?
• Can I use like Home Depot or Walmart brands?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Really depends on how much rock you need to attach together. I have a 90 DT and used epoxy putty. If much larger, I'd consider hydraulic cement. The epoxy I use is found at HD or Lowes.....either Oatey Fix-it-stick or RectorSeal or any other epoxy putty. I haven't found an epoxy that isn't reef safe.

I'd also suggest using plastic rod between the two rocks you wish to join. I actually use plastic clothes hangers cut into short sections. First drill the rock with a masonry bit and use the epoxy and plastic rod to hold the two pieces together. Hope this helps.

 

[InDahOcean]

Really depends on how much rock you need to attach together. I have a 90 DT and used epoxy putty. If much larger, I'd consider hydraulic cement. The epoxy I use is found at HD or Lowes.....either Oatey Fix-it-stick or RectorSeal or any other epoxy putty. I haven't found an epoxy that isn't reef safe.

I'd also suggest using plastic rod between the two rocks you wish to join. I actually use plastic clothes hangers cut into short sections. First drill the rock with a masonry bit and use the epoxy and plastic rod to hold the two pieces together. Hope this helps.

Is the putty like white or gray? My rocks are like white, I don't like the red putty. So I can use any epoxy, right? ok ill tried with a plastic rod.

 

[BummersReef]

Is the putty like white or gray? My rocks are like white, I don't like the red putty. So I can use any epoxy, right? ok ill tried with a plastic rod.

We used the red putty and sorry we did. Stands out like a sore thumb. We used a "driveway marker" made of fiberglass that has one of those light reflector things on the end to put together pieces of reef saver ... Cut the rod into useable sizes. Worked real well. We found the glue stuff to be icky to work with sort of ... Got strings of it floating around the tank

 

[redfishbluefish]

The putty I use is brown/grey and quite honestly, you shouldn't be seeing much of the epoxy, and even if you do, it should be covered by coraline or coral within a couple months. I can't see any epoxy from my rock work.

 

[cracker]

Is there a safe cure time involved for two part epoxy? Thanks

 

[redfishbluefish]

You can put it in right away. However, if you have a skimmer, it might run wet for a day or two...so keep an eye on it. Otherwise, if you have the time, let it cure over night.

 

[BummersReef]

I had a staff person at our local LFS tell us she no longer uses the putty because she worries it crashed her system ... This is a really good LFS btw. She said she was doing a lot of scaping and the water got real cloudy and then everything tanked. We still use it though for putting down a piece of coral but won't use it again for any major work because we are scared lol

 

[InDahOcean]

I had a staff person at our local LFS tell us she no longer uses the putty because she worries it crashed her system ... This is a really good LFS btw. She said she was doing a lot of scaping and the water got real cloudy and then everything tanked. We still use it though for putting down a piece of coral but won't use it again for any major work because we are scared lol

So should i use glue or gel? Imma buy some from Bulk Reef Supply, after hearing what you just said. Was planning to get some putty today, but a change of plan.

 

[jkopfishman]

Use hydraulic water stop cement from home depot. Works better than anything else ive used. After putter the aquascape together i submerge it in ro water for a week or 2 with a powerhead

 

[jkopfishman]

Some say its not necessary to soak the hydraulic water stop cement but i do as a precaution. As far as glue, use regular super glue GEL. Its the same ingredient as the expensive stuff that is sold as reef glue or frag glue, just much cheaper. Harbour freight sells their brand of it for a great deal for multiple tubes. But if ur aquascape is big then glue shouldnt b used cause u will need alot.

 

[Tryndle]

Would this stuff be safe to use?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I would not use silicone on rock.......cure time is days, for one. And if I did, I'd go with a known aquarium safe version.....either stated as such, or GE Silicone I.

 

[Wicked5oh]

Have you looked into the aquascape fix? I picked some up from BRS. Worked really well, holds strong. Best part is if you ever want to use it again run it under hot water and becomes moldable again.

Comes in plastic pellets and you just heat it up in a cup of water. There is another company that sells by a different brand and is pink/purple to look like coraline.