stupid questions about rocks :)
- Thread starter Hope
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El_Guapo13
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I have seen people use reef safe epoxy putty and superglue to bond the rocks together much like you would if you were mounting a frag. Just considerably more of the epoxy putty than with coral frags.
I have also seen some people take acrylic rods and drill holes into the rocks to mount them using the rods as support/connection pegs.
#reefsquad members probably have more experience with this than I do, as in my current display I am just relying on balance.
I have also seen some people take acrylic rods and drill holes into the rocks to mount them using the rods as support/connection pegs.
#reefsquad members probably have more experience with this than I do, as in my current display I am just relying on balance.
motortrendz
2500 Club Member
I always put down the base of my structure on the glass bottom. Then fills round them with sand. Expecially if you plan on having burrowing fish like an engineer goby.
I.just use some 2 part epoxy and super glue. I make the epoxy into a ball and put super glue on it before I attach it to the spot I want to bond. Then another spot of glue where I want the next rock to hold. The glue kinda holds the rock while the epoxy cures to create the longer stronger bond.
I.just use some 2 part epoxy and super glue. I make the epoxy into a ball and put super glue on it before I attach it to the spot I want to bond. Then another spot of glue where I want the next rock to hold. The glue kinda holds the rock while the epoxy cures to create the longer stronger bond.
Dempsey941
Valuable Member
People have used epoxy, cement, acrylic rods, PVC pipes plenty of ways to make your rock work secure. Also depending on your rock the pieces may actually fit together fairly well even without a bond.
redfishbluefish
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You have a couple options:
1. Simply stack the rock. Negative; could collapse causing damage.
2. Use epoxy glues. Some prefer the stiff stick type, but the liquid type can be used as well
3. Use hydraulic cement and acrylic binder. The easiest way is to purchase the kit from Marco Rock.
With any of these options, I'd also suggest using plastic/fiberglass rod to help hold the rocks together. I actually prefer plastic hangers that I cut up into short pieces using a saw. Using a masonry drill bit, drill holes in opposing rocks and insert the rods.
1. Simply stack the rock. Negative; could collapse causing damage.
2. Use epoxy glues. Some prefer the stiff stick type, but the liquid type can be used as well
3. Use hydraulic cement and acrylic binder. The easiest way is to purchase the kit from Marco Rock.
With any of these options, I'd also suggest using plastic/fiberglass rod to help hold the rocks together. I actually prefer plastic hangers that I cut up into short pieces using a saw. Using a masonry drill bit, drill holes in opposing rocks and insert the rods.
If you want to see via you tube Bulk Reef Supply goes into detail. You can access from their website.
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aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com
eggplantparrot
Valuable Member
just a couple of tips from my experience.
you can break big rocks into smaller pieces that are easier to scape and make shapes with by dropping onto concrete, so you don't have the 'big pile of rocks' look
use medium or thick cyanoacrylate (super glue) from LFS or a hobby store to glue rock pieces together quickly. CA glue is strong and sets fast but does not like shock, ie being dropped, it is likely to shatter.
after getting shape you want with CA glue, mould aquarium epoxy around the joints to make even stronger and beefy, the epoxy will support the CA glue when it sets, and the CA will hold everything together as the epoxy sets.
you can break big rocks into smaller pieces that are easier to scape and make shapes with by dropping onto concrete, so you don't have the 'big pile of rocks' look
use medium or thick cyanoacrylate (super glue) from LFS or a hobby store to glue rock pieces together quickly. CA glue is strong and sets fast but does not like shock, ie being dropped, it is likely to shatter.
after getting shape you want with CA glue, mould aquarium epoxy around the joints to make even stronger and beefy, the epoxy will support the CA glue when it sets, and the CA will hold everything together as the epoxy sets.
Terri Caton
Valuable Member
I just heard about a method of using Super Glue and Baking Soda. Tried it and it is amazing! Crazy tight bond. I'm so much happier than using Super Glue itself. For larger rocks you probably don't want to use that much Super Glue. Get a reef safe cement. At least put sections of the rock together before you put them in your tank.
If you haven't already added water this is the perfect time. IMO the best order is:
1. Rockscape
2. Sand
3. Water
If you haven't already added water this is the perfect time. IMO the best order is:
1. Rockscape
2. Sand
3. Water
