Glueing/epoxy rocks under water

[B-ridge]

not sure it’s even possible but what’s the best thing to use to glue/epoxy rocks together under water if possible at all
Secondly if it is possible what’s the best way of doing it?
Thanks in advance

 

[B-ridge]

Anyone?

 

[Paul B]

There is epoxy that I use on my boat that you can get in a boating store or online. It works great underwater but I have no idea if it is toxic. I have been meaning to try it on some test snails but haven't gotten to it yet. Sorry.

 

[B-ridge]

Thank you for responding back mr Paul B. I feel honored you even took the time out to respond to me. 1 of the most influential people in this hobby and my local but not so local forum of manhattan reefs
I did read somewhere what to use and how it’s done but of course can’t find what I’m looking for now

 

[Luno]

Selley's aqua knead it, grab from many hardwares. 100% safe. May send skimmer off a little but nothing crazy.

 

[Luno]

Also many lfs sell very similar stuff that's usually got a purple colour to it so it blends in better.

 

[Webslinger]

epoxy then superglue gel

 

[Redleg]

Hydraulic cement works underwater also. I don't know if it can be used in a running tank though. I've seen a couple YouTube videos of it used to build aquascapes

 

[Gareth elliott]

I used aquastix from 2 little fishes with great effect.

Epoxy has almost no strength till it sets. If you use in conjunction with super glue; super glue will provide the stability of the rock work while the epoxy hardens.

For the first hour or so after your done i would either turn off or remove the skimmer cup btw.

 

[B-ridge]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
So how do you guys suggest I do this? Epoxy rock. Then place rock where I want it and hold for how long?

 

[Paul B]

Thanks B-ridge, I wish I could help you more but I have no experience gluing rocks underwater in a live tank.

 

[B-ridge]

Thanks. I’m getting great responses so far. Now just need to find out the technique of doing it if there is a special technique

 

[Gareth elliott]

15 minutes is about average for a semi hold. 24 hours for full setting.

If any of the rocks can come out.

I did this.

Spray one rock with this other rock gets super glue. Hold for 30 seconds place back in tank apply the epoxy around the joints.

Do multiple joints so the weight is supported by the super glue while it hardens. If this isnt enough support use a rock or acrylic pipe as temp support for the 24 hours.

 

[B-ridge]

Thanks. It’s gonna be hard getting the rocks out of the tank without messing up the aquascape. Can’t hurt to try

 

[Gareth elliott]

If the rock is stable in its location, should be able to just surround the points of contact with the epoxy in the tank.
I had issues trying to connect rocks outside the tank with just epoxy because once i let go they shifted. If they are not going to shift while it sets you should be fine

 

[OriginalUserName]

If the rocks fit together well I like super glue gel. Epoxy is messy and never seems to stick that well.

 

[Toxic727]

JV water weld putty also works

 

[Stigigemla]

I have used a few epoxi putties to mount frags. Some are poisomous. The ones sold for frag mounting is normally possible to use if you dont use to much at a time.
The skimmer is only a symptom. If it overskims there is some surface active agents in the water and they will affect the slime coating of some animals. By me it was some corals that died.
Normally the stones are coated with a thin layer of bacteria and algae so you will get a much better bonding if you brush the surface carefully that you want to glue. You will get the best bonding with dry dead stones and the second best if you press some putty in a hole in the stone.

 

[Webslinger]

Make a mold with epoxy using the rocks, take molded epoxy out of tank and let dry. Superglue both sides of epoxy mold, place back in tank and attach rocks hold for 30 seconds.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I use Aquarium systems Holdfast.

Also good is two little fishies Aqua-stick