Gluing aquascape

[Travis Stewart]

What’s the best stuff out there and is there anything you can get from a big box store?

Thanks!

 

[Diego.28]

Are you creating a new aquascape, or altering an existing one? What kind of structure are you looking to create? Are you using dry base rock (if this is a new project) or live rock?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I've always used aquarium epoxy stick such as the instant ocean brand (probably the cheapest out there). I also use gorilla glue gel which stays together really well until fully cured under water.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I use EP-200 plumbing epoxy putty. It is not considered food grade until it cures so it should not be used in an active aquarium, but if it is a new scape, you can use it. It does dry dark grey though. Aquarium specific epoxy putty usually cures white or some purple if that matters to you.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Are you creating a new aquascape, or altering an existing one? What kind of structure are you looking to create? Are you using dry base rock (if this is a new project) or live rock?

Sorry new tank build, dry rock and will want some shelving

 

[Travis Stewart]

I use EP-200 plumbing epoxy putty. It is not considered food grade until it cures so it should not be used in an active aquarium, but if it is a new scape, you can use it. It does dry dark grey though. Aquarium specific epoxy putty usually cures white or some purple if that matters to you.

So it’s safe after it dries in a new tank?

 

[Diego.28]

If it's a new tank and dry rock, you're a lot more flexible on how you can do it. There are various epoxies that could work well, and if you want to make some more stable structures you could even get a masonry bit for a drill and put some fiberglass/acrylic rods through the rock

 

[Travis Stewart]

If it's a new tank and dry rock, you're a lot more flexible on how you can do it. There are various epoxies that could work well, and if you want to make some more stable structures you could even get a masonry bit for a drill and put some fiberglass/acrylic rods through the rock

I’ve read about that but don’t want to go that all out. I heard good things about AF poly glue also

 

[Idoc]

I used hydraulic cement to hold a few of my rocks together. It was about $10 at home depot. It sets up really fast, so make small batches for each rock connection.

 

[vertigo01]

NYOS sells a reef cement, I used it in my scape. I must say, it's some tenacious stuff and held better than some of the knead together epoxy sticks that I have used in the past.

 

[Jason mack]

This imo is probably the best one out there

Can also be used under water .. done all my scapes with it !

 

[madweazl]

Marco also makes a product for this. I have a bucket for the new tank but have tried it out yet (might work on it this weekend) so I cant provide any information on how well it works.

 

[Diego.28]

I’ve read about that but don’t want to go that all out. I heard good things about AF poly glue also

Yeah the rods through the rock method is pretty intense. Definitely takes some patience! I can say from experience however that it makes extremely stable scapes. But yeah for most people it's probably overkill haha. I don't know much about the best epoxies for dry rock since I've only ever scaped with live rock, but it looks like plenty of people are chiming in now with some recommendations. Good luck with your scape! You should post some pics to the thread once you're done

 

[Travis Stewart]

Marco also makes a product for this. I have a bucket for the new tank but have tried it out yet (might work on it this weekend) so I cant provide any information on how well it works.

Will you shoot us an update of the review on it.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Yeah the rods through the rock method is pretty intense. Definitely takes some patience! I can say from experience however that it makes extremely stable scapes. But yeah for most people it's probably overkill haha. I don't know much about the best epoxies for dry rock since I've only ever scaped with live rock, but it looks like plenty of people are chiming in now with some recommendations. Good luck with your scape! You should post some pics to the thread once you're done

I will def do so. Thanks again for the help and getting this thread rolling!

 

[Dom]

Why not use clear, aquarium based silicone?

 

[ReefNoobie88]

I’ve used the emarco-400 sold by Marco rocks. It’s great stuff, sets fast though so small batches. No issues and I didn’t see any alterations in water chemistry. Only issue is it can not be used in water. Build your scape, and at each joint apply it liberally. I try to keep 10lbs on hand as I use it for various things, frag discs, frag plugs, rock scapes, etc.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Why not use clear, aquarium based silicone?

Don’t know anything about any glues, epoxies or silicones. Can you buy it at hardware stores?

 

[Travis Stewart]

I’ve used the emarco-400 sold by Marco rocks. It’s great stuff, sets fast though so small batches. No issues and I didn’t see any alterations in water chemistry. Only issue is it can not be used in water. Build your scape, and at each joint apply it liberally. I try to keep 10lbs on hand as I use it for various things, frag discs, frag plugs, rock scapes, etc.

What’s the color of the joints like?

 

[ihavecrabs]

So it’s safe after it dries in a new tank?

Many people have used it before me without concerns. The manufacturers website states it can be used to repair dishwashers, water heaters, and plumbing; however I can't find anywhere they come out and say it is food grade when cured.

After doing some research when I settled on it for my tank, a hobbyist had reached out to the manufacturer and he stated that they confirmed it can be used in saltwater and marine applications as well as in food grade containers.

I can let you know in a few weeks when my cycle finishes and my display is up and running [emoji4]