Gluing aquascape

[Wrasse-cal]

I used this:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquastik-underwater-epoxy-putty-stone-grey-two-little-fishies.html

With some superglue, it worked great!

 

[ReefNoobie88]

What’s the color of the joints like?

It’s gray, but once covered in coralline( if you like that stuff) or corals you won’t notice it at all.

 

[Moo76]

for stability I used the plastic coat hangers and cut pieces to desired length. plenty of glue choices

 

[Diego.28]

for stability I used the plastic coat hangers and cut pieces to desired length. plenty of glue choices

I've done similar with fiberglass rods. (Driveway marker sticks from home Depot). Works like a charm but takes a while

 

[TangingOut]

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

I've used this in my current build. It's just hydraulic cement re-packaged.

 

[ChrisOFL]

E-Marco 400 is pretty amazing IMO. I got a 15lb rock hanging at a 90 degree and it holds that up no problem. It's pretty much an epoxy cement.

 

[TangingOut]

I remember in the directions or description paper included saying it was hydraulic cement. Felt kinda dumb for spending a 4x premium on it, but oh well. Live learn.

 

[Dhoggs]

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.

I used this as well for my aquascape. I still have lots of leftover so if anyone local needs some....let me know

 

[Dom]

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

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Silicone-2-8-oz-Clear-Aquarium-Sealant-00755/100128841

 

[Sleepydoc]

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

2nd the suggestion for fiberglass rods. They're a bit more work, but much more flexible and forgiving if you need to change later on. I epoxied everything together on the first tank I set up. Later on when I needed to take things out it was almost impossible because the rocks were so big and heavy. I almost dropped one that probably would have caused significant damage had it fallen. Last time I used fiberglass rods and I'm glad I did - I just had to take a bunch of my rock work out to catch a fish. It was a pain, but much more manageable.

 

[don_chuwish]

AquaMaxx Reef Welder is neat stuff (there are other products like it under different names). Heat the beads and knead together, mold around the rocks - not a glue really, but hardens to hold things in place once shaped around them. Don't like how it turned out? Pull it off and re-heat, re-apply. No mess at all.
I liked Tunze CoralGum but it sets up really fast. Very clean though.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I used e-marco-400 cement. It worked well for me.

 

[ReeferBean]

AquaMaxx Reef Welder is what I used on my last scape. It works really well and doesn't stink up your place like the epoxy does. And much cheaper. It dries pretty fast, the mortars take quite a bit of time. Great stuff highly recommended.

 

[ReeferBean]

AquaMaxx Reef Welder is neat stuff (there are other products like it under different names). Heat the beads and knead together, mold around the rocks - not a glue really, but hardens to hold things in place once shaped around them. Don't like how it turned out? Pull it off and re-heat, re-apply. No mess at all.
I liked Tunze CoralGum but it sets up really fast. Very clean though.

Missed your post. I 2nd the Reef Welder. Awesome stuff.

 

[Travis Stewart]

THANKS everyone! I highly recommend aquamaxx Reef welder. Very easy and great product.