Tonga Branch Aquascaping Question

[Chiefs Reef]

So at the moment I'm Aquascaping my 60 Gallon cube, I'm going with a tonga branch aquascape.
Here's an example.

Now I know the most logical way to put them together is Zip Ties or apoxy.... But in my case I had a bunch of these Baggie ties around such as what you use at the grocery store lol. Here's my question would those be ok to use in a reef tank? Or basically are they aquarium safe?

 

[ScottMyers123]

Just make sure that none of the ties have any type of metal in them.

 

[AlexStinson]

If you mean the ones that have metal on the inside, then no.

 

[Chiefs Reef]

Just make sure that none of the ties have any type of metal in them.

If you mean the ones that have metal on the inside, then no.

Nope there these... Unless these do have metal I'm not sure?

 

[ScottMyers123]

yes all of those will have a piece of metal in the center of them.

 

[ScottMyers123]

All of those will rust and release into your tank which is deadly to fish and corals.

 

[Chiefs Reef]

yes all of those will have a piece of metal in the center of them.

All of those will rust and release into your tank which is deadly to fish and corals.

Good to know! Looks like I'll have to go pick up a bunch of Zip Ties.

 

[Tom Blevins]

I used tonga but just placed so it braced itself and now the algae and corals has bonded them together.

 

[ScottMyers123]

Sounds good just make sure the zip ties aren't the ones with the small metal tab. They make some that are all plastic.

 

[Chiefs Reef]

Sounds good just make sure the zip ties aren't the ones with the small metal tab. They make some that are all plastic.

What about rubber bands or fishing line? Preferably rubber bands if possible because I have a bunch of those on hand also.

 

[ScottMyers123]

I use rubber bands to put nori on a rock for my fish so I don't see that being a problem. I would think over time the rubberbands might break and your structure may fall apart. You could you the rubberbands to hold it together and put epoxy over it to hold it long term.

 

[ScottMyers123]

Oh and I forgot to say. Welcome to R2R!

 

[Chiefs Reef]

Oh and I forgot to say. Welcome to R2R!

Thanks, Just started my first build thread for the tank I'm Aquascaping right now!

 

[AlexStinson]

Rubberbands stink in the tank longterm, they will break down fairly quick and you will have little rubber pieces going everywhere. Just use epoxy for longterm stability.

 

[Keepswiming]

Just take your time and use macro cement to build a cool structure. The zipties take away from the clean look IMO.

 

[Psiber_Syn]

I agree if it's going to be long term do it right don't skimp you will only regret it in the long run trust us on that one lol

Welcome to r2r

 

[loglan]

What about trying emarco 400 cement. I used it for my pukani and it's a beast of a bond. I used to have all tonga but took it all out for pukani because the tonga is so dense. Good luck with the structure. Show pics when your completed.

 

[Chiefs Reef]

I agree if it's going to be long term do it right don't skimp you will only regret it in the long run trust us on that one lol

Welcome to r2r

What about trying emarco 400 cement. I used it for my pukani and it's a beast of a bond. I used to have all tonga but took it all out for pukani because the tonga is so dense. Good luck with the structure. Show pics when your completed.

Ha I understand what your saying about doing it right. Just wondering if I should do more of of the two island scape instead of the big overhang, thoughts or suggestions on what I should do?

 

[Chiefs Reef]

Hey everyone here's what I came up with just using rubber bands, I'm going to pick up some apoxy for the rocks tomorrow and remove the rubber bands... Im also going to add the rest of the rock to it. I have about another 25-30 pounds of rock.

Just did this with rubber bands to see what I could make, I got inspired by the bonsai type scape so I also ot made this like a tree, thoughts?

 

[ScottMyers123]

Looking good! Great start.