What hardware store epoxy is reef safe?

[GHOSTLY]

Rn I'm currently aquascaping again and ill be taking the rocks out. I have a home depot card but have no time to go to my lfs. What brand and kind of epoxy dries when water is near, is reef safe, and will be able to hold mu rock

 

[reefsponge]

I have been using this for years with great results. Just make sure to keep an eye on your skimmer as it will typically cause a lot more foam for up to a good 24 hours, depending on how much you use. Get a pair of latex gloves to roll it in your fingers and try not to set it on anything, as the chemical reaction of the epoxy and resin will cause heat and potentially blemish what you set it on.

 

[vtecintegra]

Only epoxy from HD I'm aware of is Water Weld.

 

[GHOSTLY]

I have been using this for years with great results. Just make sure to keep an eye on your skimmer as it will typically cause a lot more foam for up to a good 24 hours, depending on how much you use. Get a pair of latex gloves to roll it in your fingers and try not to set it on anything, as the chemical reaction of the epoxy and resin will cause heat and potentially blemish what you set it on.

I'm applying it on live rock. There's no live stock in my tank except a blue leg and I don't have a skimmer. Will it be ok to dry under water while moist too

 

[Cell]

JB waterweld. Yes, cures fine underwater but it does not adhere well on its own. You will want to use superglue for initial adherence.

 

[GHOSTLY]

How about Marinemend my hardware store only has this in

 

[Cell]

A Google search of Marinemend comes up with a cargo tank repair kit, not epoxy of any sort.

 

[GHOSTLY]

I guess I'll try to get my hands on some epoxy. Jb waterweld I could try to get. I read some more it seems safe

 

[Cell]

There is no question that JB waterweld is indeed safe. If you are concerned, get some Aquastik from Two Little Fishies. It's basically the same 2 part type epoxy, but a bit more expensive. I actually prefer it because you can get purple colored instead of gray and I feel like it's less smelly.

 

[GHOSTLY]

Ok so I can't get my hands on either but found this
Fluval Sea Epoxy Stick for Aquarium, 4-Ounce.
Has anyone had experience using fluval sea epoxy for aquascaping live rock?

 

[mdb_talon]

Ok so I can't get my hands on either but found this
Fluval Sea Epoxy Stick for Aquarium, 4-Ounce.
Has anyone had experience using fluval sea epoxy for aquascaping live rock?

Yes it is just as good/bad as the others i have used. It doesnt really stick so much on its own, but use some superglue along with it and make sure the rocks are supported until it cures and then it works fine.

 

[GHOSTLY]

Yes it is just as good/bad as the others i have used. It doesnt really stick so much on its own, but use some superglue along with it and make sure the rocks are supported until it cures and then it works fine.

Without superglue did it work ok or does it really need superglue to be good. I plan on supporting the rock but use this epoxy

 

[mdb_talon]

It will work without superglue it just is more difficult to get it how you want it. The epoxy when underwater is like trying to make a ball of dough covered in flour stick to anything. You can mold it around the areas you want supported and as long as it is cured before any force is placed to move them then it will work....just superglue makes it easier...more like getting wet ball of dough to stick to something.

Also in my experience it is best to buy twice as much as you think you need. Might be just me but always takes more than i expect.

 

[GHOSTLY]

Also in my experience it is best to buy twice as much as you think you need. Might be just me but always takes more than i expect.

I will. Any idea how long it took to cure

 

[EricR]

Never dealt with epoxy underwater so this probably an ignorant question but, when it says "cures" underwater, does that mean you can work with it underwater or really need to bond rocks together out of water, then put in the tank (and it'll continue curing)?

Tempted to try this but wanted confirmation first:
1. Pull a couple of the top rocks from one structure/pile (in the tank)
2. Wad epoxy coated with super glue on to the bottom of those rocks (where they'll contact lower rocks) -- do this out of water
3. Stack those top rocks (with epoxy on bottom) back onto lower rocks in the aquarium

*meant to plan better and drill the rocks for this structure then insert acrylic rods before putting in the tank but got rushed (and lazy) so didn't.

Lastly, what volume would you compare 4 oz of this type of epoxy to -- not as small as say a chapstick tube, right?

 

[mdb_talon]

Not sure i usually do it one day and the next it is fine. It may take much less than a full day though i just dont know

 

[mdb_talon]

Never dealt with epoxy underwater so this probably an ignorant question but, when it says "cures" underwater, does that mean you can work with it underwater or really need to bond rocks together out of water, then put in the tank (and it'll continue curing)?

Tempted to try this but wanted confirmation first:
1. Pull a couple of the top rocks from one structure/pile (in the tank)
2. Wad epoxy coated with super glue on to the bottom of those rocks (where they'll contact lower rocks) -- do this out of water
3. Stack those top rocks (with epoxy on bottom) back onto lower rocks in the aquarium

*meant to plan better and drill the rocks for this structure then insert acrylic rods before putting in the tank but got rushed (and lazy) so didn't.

Lastly, what volume would you compare 4 oz of this type of epoxy to -- not as small as say a chapstick tube, right?

You can work it underwater(ie shape and mold it).

What you describe should work fine.

Different brand but see below pic for size reference. Or imagine a big fat cigar size.

 

[GHOSTLY]

You can work it underwater(ie shape and mold it).

What you describe should work fine.

Different brand but see below pic for size reference. Or imagine a big fat cigar size.

How does that instant ocean one work for rocks?

 

[mdb_talon]

How does that instant ocean one work for rocks?

Same as fluval in my experience. I have tried a few and they all seem to be pretty similar other than cost/color.

 

[GHOSTLY]

Same as fluval in my experience. I have tried a few and they all seem to be pretty similar other than cost/color.

So ok for adhesion?