Making Epoxy Look More Natural in a Reef

[ritter6788]

I'm not a big epoxy user but sometimes you have to use a little bit to keep something in place. I don't like the look of it, even when it dries it stands out to me and looks out of place. I press the tip of a Phillips head screwdriver into the epoxy to break up the look of the epoxy and make it look more like live rock. Now instead of looking like a glob of clay it looks more like something that belongs there.

You could use different objects to press into the epoxy to make it look more like coral, sponges or tunicates.


Before

After

Once it hardens it will be darker and blend in with the rock better.

 

[Reefltx]

It's still unnaturally white. I wonder if you can mix food coloring in it. Those reef branded epoxy are too expensive, but they blend in well.


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[Isoprene]

thanks for this tip! never thought of just pressing it with a driver to make it look more natural. Def doing this next time.

 

[ritter6788]

It's still unnaturally white. I wonder if you can mix food coloring in it. Those reef branded epoxy are too expensive, but they blend in well.


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This particular brand is Instant Ocean. When it dries it's gray. This photo was taken right after it was applied. Some kind of reef safe coloring would be a good idea too.

 

[Jlobes]

also...try pressing in some rubble or small pieces of rock to hide the epoxy!

 

[Reefltx]

This particular brand is Instant Ocean. When it dries it's gray. This photo was taken right after it was applied. Some kind of reef safe coloring would be a good idea too.

I always use the loctite brand, I get double for what I used to pay for the TLF brand.


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[Reefing8EZ]

also...try pressing in some rubble or small pieces of rock to hide the epoxy!

Great idea!

 

[lofty78]

Over time, coraline algae grows over it and it looks more natural. But I do like these ideas

 

[Jlobes]

Over time, coraline algae grows over it and it looks more natural. But I do like these ideas

+1 to that. but if you really cant wait it out, or really dont like the look, there are some options

 

[madehtsobi0109]

i have this...it mixes up purple so it blends it like the coraline instantly!

Coralline Purple - Oceans Wonders Reef Epoxy - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[lofty78]

i have this...it mixes up purple so it blends it like the coraline instantly!

Coralline Purple - Oceans Wonders Reef Epoxy - Bulk Reef Supply

Wow thats a good price.... I'll be ordering some of that next time I have an order from BRS