Aquascaping adhesives.

RobW · Dec 29, 2020

What does everyone like to use to stick their rocks together? I'm currently working on the rock layout for my sons 30g nuvo. Trying to figure out the best way to cement the rocks together. I have 3 bags of macrorocks shelf rock. I'd like to make some nice overhangs or sections that branch out for corals. Just wondering what everyone uses and what their experiences were.

ThatPhillyReefer · Dec 29, 2020

I used Super glue and Accelerator which has made me really cool rock scapes. You can also use E-Marco Cement for a cement like bond which works wonders.

Chad3407 · Dec 29, 2020

Super glue and epo putty to keep it all together. Epo putty is great and won’t make your skimmer go crazy.

Saluki2003 · Dec 31, 2020

I used these videos as my guide to making my aquascape. The GlueMasters thin glue sets super fast and the joints are actually stronger than the dry rock itself.

RobW · Dec 31, 2020

Saluki2003 said:
I used these videos as my guide to making my aquascape. The GlueMasters thin glue sets super fast and the joints are actually stronger than the dry rock itself.

Sweet! I'll take a look. Thank you

RobW · Dec 31, 2020

So make a powder with rock fragments and use thin CA glue?

AgSoldier47 · Jan 3, 2021

My last couple aquascapes. I used the Marco cement which worked out awesome.. I am however going to take some time and mess around with this second concept!

RobW · Jan 3, 2021

So I saw another video saying that the "Gluemasters" brand is the best working out of about 4 or 5 brands they tried. I went to their website and ordered the 8oz. bottle. 21.00 + 12.00 shipping.

Paul B · Jan 3, 2021

I use mortar like you lay bricks with.
The backbone of my reef is this 3' piece of smaller rocks cemented together with mortar.

Cwentz758 · Jan 3, 2021

Does anyone know if I can use tile mortar or brick mortar? Just curious I have two bags from house projects I’d like to use.

Paul B · Jan 3, 2021

Use brick mortar. Tile adhesive has all sorts of other things in it.

DeniseAndy · Jan 3, 2021

I used fine sand and the gluemasters thin glue. Easy, quick and got some cool designs.

Now, I will say the glue area will get hot for a bit. Use thicker gloves. On my live rock joint I sort of ditched the gloves and dropped some glue on my finger. No, not on purpose. Felt like a quick burn from oven, but the glue dried and peeled off easy. No harm done, just do not recommend no gloves.

White is the dry stuff added to tank.

Cwentz758 · Jan 3, 2021

Paul B said:
Use brick mortar. Tile adhesive has all sorts of other things in it.

Good to know I can use that will save me 40$!

Cwentz758 · Jan 3, 2021

Paul B said:
Use brick mortar. Tile adhesive has all sorts of other things in it.

Actually it’s the Quikcrete “glass mortar” gives it a white finish. Is this usable?

Paul B · Jan 4, 2021

I don't know as I have never used it for my tank but I have used it for glass bricks. Cement does not stick to glass well so I would imagine they add some acrylic adhesive to the 'Glass Mortar" so I would not use it as I am sure no one tested it.

NeonRabbit221B · Jan 4, 2021

Cheap mortar is fine but from what I understand needs to be cured for a while in open air.

I used BRS superglue and insta-set and reinforced joints with e-marco. You can pretty much throw it in your tank after 12 hours

Grill · Jan 6, 2021

RobW said:
So I saw another video saying that the "Gluemasters" brand is the best working out of about 4 or 5 brands they tried. I went to their website and ordered the 8oz. bottle. 21.00 + 12.00 shipping.

I used Glue Masters for a project and it worked out nicely. A little rubble rock/sand and connect the pieces. I found the thin worked best. (thin bonds in about 20sec, thick about 1 min.) very easy to use, exceptionally strong bond and the seams blend in nicely. Be sure to use good gloves!
David from @Glue Masters "R2R sponsor" has a coupon code for their website. Here a few pics for my 210 build.
Best of luck on your build.

My battle scar from wearing cheap gloves!

MoKan Reefer · Jan 7, 2021

Grill said:
I used Glue Masters for a project and it worked out nicely. A little rubble rock/sand and connect the pieces. I found the thin worked best. (thin bonds in about 20sec, thick about 1 min.) very easy to use, exceptionally strong bond and the seams blend in nicely. Be sure to use good gloves!
David from @Glue Masters "R2R sponsor" has a coupon code for their website. Here a few pics for my 210 build.
Best of luck on your build.

My battle scar from wearing cheap gloves!