Glue or cement rock that has been cycled?

[Michigan Reefer]

Hello all,

I have some rock that's been cycling in a rubber tote for about 4 weeks now that I would like to re-aquascape in a 75 gallon tank. I do have a 45 gallon currently running with some rock that corals have encrusted nicely that will be moved to the new 75. I've been swapping rock from the tote into the 45 and vice versa as well as adding water change water to the tote to promote bacteria. I've also added the marine pure biospheres into the tote from the sump of the 45 system.

My question is how do I aquascape the newly cyclyed rock into the display along with rocks with corals encrusted on them under water? I don't have the option of cementing or epoxying it outside the tank and then place it in once dried because its established rock and rock with corals encrusted on them. I'm thinking I have to wing it and set it up inside the display, but is there any epoxy or glue to really hold the rocks in place underwater. I've used a couple sticks of two little fishies before and don't really think its strong enough to hold rock in place for ledges and unique aquascaping. Plus I think i'd need a ton of it. Any recommendations of good epoxy to use underwater for rocks? Thanks.

 

[Ocelaris]

You can pull the live rock out for 10 minutes or so no problem. Brs sells a super glue catalyst that will speed up the drying process. Or drill the rock and use fiberglass rods and epoxy.

 

[fishface NJ]

What @Ocelaris said. You can also use a product called @Aquaforest called Stone Fix. It's a glue cement that will join huge rocks. I have man made rocks called Real Reef Rocks. They are very heavy and it worked great with it. I created overhangs too with it. It takes 15 minutes to bond

 

[brandon429]

I predict live rock can stay out a day and not uncycle, even if it feels dry it’s not. This is based on my 33 min full tank drain video, rocks and coral in the air, and then other tank drainers who simulate tides and go for three hours coral + rock air contact. Simon Garrett’s tidal system was three with water, three hours drained and had sps.

The risk isn’t to bacteria, a few hours in the air they’re sealed in biofilm insulation. That’s why our tanks don’t recycle when practicing air contact draining

The risk is if you have a big eunicid worm that won’t take so long in the air. They’re rare, and the rock you have is likely clear. You could do hours I’m positive and it won’t recycle. Do the work then run an ammonia test for proof
B

 

[Michigan Reefer]

What @Ocelaris said. You can also use a product called @Aquaforest called Stone Fix. It's a glue cement that will join huge rocks. I have man made rocks called Real Reef Rocks. They are very heavy and it worked great with it. I created overhangs too with it. It takes 15 minutes to bond

I see on bulk reef supply Aquaforest Poly Glue Adhesive for $28.99 for 600ml. Is this the same product you used?

AF Poly Glue Adhesive

New adhesive technology. AF Poly Glue is easy to use polymer-based glue that can be reused and only requires warm water to use, and won't leave you feeling rushed to finish. One Size Available: 600 mL AF Poly Glue will change how you frag corals and aquascape your tank. The small glue...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Michigan Reefer]

Has anyone used E-Marco-400 aquascaping mortar? It's $42.00 for five pounds and says it sets in 20minutes. I feel like 5 pounds would last a life time.

 

[Be102]

Has anyone used E-Marco-400 aquascaping mortar? It's $42.00 for five pounds and says it sets in 20minutes. I feel like 5 pounds would last a life time.

Bump.. using it today with dry rock but want to add it to live rock and skeptical how it will hold and set underwater as it’s Been a few hours and still doesn’t seem Ready.. and this is on dry rock

 

[xabo]

I see on bulk reef supply Aquaforest Poly Glue Adhesive for $28.99 for 600ml. Is this the same product you used?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/**-poly-glue-adhesive-aquaforest.html

This........https://premiumaquatics.com/products/aquaforest-stonefix-1500g.html