Aquascaping

[newt828]

Couldn't find a thread on this but I have a question about my aquascape. This was my first one and over the last year the points of contact have come loose and the structure is no longer safe to be in the tank. I was going to pull it and re-secure the structure using reefwelder since it works quicker than regular epoxy. Would this hurt my tank at all. There are no coral on the rock so I wouldn't have to move any livestock.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Can't say about reef welder in particular, but I used a thermoplastic called Reef Crest Aquaweld. Get it hot, stick and hold. Hardens in 15-20 seconds underwater, about a minute of working time in air. 100% reusable, if you can pry it off the rocks. I was able to do my entire aquascape underwater, and it never bothered my fish.

Would recommend buying the pro version, which is coralline purple, regular is white and stands out under blue lights.

 

[newt828]

Can't say about reef welder in particular, but I used a thermoplastic called Reef Crest Aquaweld. Get it hot, stick and hold. Hardens in 15-20 seconds underwater, about a minute of working time in air. 100% reusable, if you can pry it off the rocks. I was able to do my entire aquascape underwater, and it never bothered my fish.

Would recommend buying the pro version, which is coralline purple, regular is white and stands out under blue lights.

Yeah the reefwelder is a thermoplastic as well and comes in the purple. Just wasn't sure if it would be easier to try and work it while it was in the tank or outside then move it back.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Easier outside IMO. Depending on how much rock and how heavy we are talking about. Maybe easier inside if large.

 

[newt828]

Easier outside IMO. Depending on how much rock and how heavy we are talking about. Maybe easier inside if large.

Pretty decent size

 

[newt828]

Pretty decent size

It's 5 or 6 pieces

 

[DeniseAndy]

Maybe just use the putty sticks to secure areas needing it instead. Just a thought.

 

[newt828]

Maybe just use the putty sticks to secure areas needing it instead. Just a thought.

May give that a try instead of pulling the whole thing out

 

[sharpimage]

I've never had luck doing any aquascaping outside the tank and getting it in the tank in one piece or looking the same, so I just do it in the tank. I usually drain most of the water to make it easier on me. I will relocate fish and coral to a temp bin if needed.

 

[newt828]

I've never had luck doing any aquascaping outside the tank and getting it in the tank in one piece or looking the same, so I just do it in the tank. I usually drain most of the water to make it easier on me. I will relocate fish and coral to a temp bin if needed.

Thank's for the tip, many options just need to figure out the best plan it's the larger piece I'm having issues with it would be a pain to get it all out and back in as a single piece.

 

[ReeferBean]

Couldn't find a thread on this but I have a question about my aquascape. This was my first one and over the last year the points of contact have come loose and the structure is no longer safe to be in the tank. I was going to pull it and re-secure the structure using reefwelder since it works quicker than regular epoxy. Would this hurt my tank at all. There are no coral on the rock so I wouldn't have to move any livestock.

Reef Welder works for frags, but after using it on my rockscape I would not recommend it. It won't hold after a while, and will break loose if you put too much pressure. Your best bet is to use a mortar, like Marco or Two Little Fishies.

 

[sharpimage]

Thank's for the tip, many options just need to figure out the best plan it's the larger piece I'm having issues with it would be a pain to get it all out and back in as a single piece.

I was always afraid of dropping a larger piece and cracking the bottom pane of glass. I like the scape you have, btw.

 

[ReeferBean]

Maybe just use the putty sticks to secure areas needing it instead. Just a thought.

This would be a much better route if you don't want to remove the rock.

 

[Hugh Mann]

That's what I did with mine, just secured the pieces that were wobbly. Mind you most of it was, but it worked great

 

[newt828]

I was always afraid of dropping a larger piece and cracking the bottom pane of glass. I like the scape you have, btw.

Thank you, the arch on top came loose along with a lower rock.