Bonding mortar with live rock

[NL146]

Has anybody used Marco rocks mortar or any other bonding material to bond already live rock while wet? I'm planning my aquascape and the structures I have in mind might need help holding together. My rock is in a tub and I don't want to risk major bacteria die off. I'm looking for suggestions, even though I already have Marco rocks mortar.

Thanks

 

[nanoreefer22]

What about drilling and inserting acrylic rods?

 

[NL146]

I'm trying to be lazy lol! That would be last resort as I already have the mortar.

 

[jedimaster1138]

I've used the mortar, and it's excellent and drys literally, rock hard. That being said, I did it with dry rock, so there's that. I see no reason though, why it wouldn't work with live rock, as his instructions say it works underwater. Maybe the LR would be a little slippery because of algae but if you're careful adn prop stuff up if you have to, I think you'd be OK.

I wouldn't suggest using the mortar in a running tank full of fish though... they are liable to get a mouthful of cement.

See what marco rocks says, they seem to answer emails/forum posts. Good folks over there.

 

[NL146]

Thanks. I'll drop them a line and see what they say. This would be done while setting up the tank, most likely in a tub.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Cool. Then I'd say you'd be fine.

The stuff really is basically cement. It takes a little practice to get the right consistency, but once you do, it's awesome stuff. I sorta wish I had bought more and a bunch of smaller rock and built some crazy awesome structures!

 

[NL146]

I have some really porous rock and I'm thinking of breaking apart a few to really customize the scape.

 

[NL146]

Cool. Then I'd say you'd be fine.

The stuff really is basically cement. It takes a little practice to get the right consistency, but once you do, it's awesome stuff. I sorta wish I had bought more and a bunch of smaller rock and built some crazy awesome structures!

What consistency worked for you?

 

[jedimaster1138]

Hey if you need more rock, I probably have around 10-15 lbs left as I over bought. I was going to put them up in the market but haven't gotten around to it.

You don't want it too wet. Basically like you'd mix any cement, though application varies with that. I'd start with the dry, then add in the fluid and mix. Then add some more fluid. It's easier to add more fluid than more dry. Go slow, mix it up, see how you like it. You are DEFINITELY going to be using your hands some, so be prepared. lol

I settled on something around peanut butter, but of course, how you're going to use it will determine what's best. I used it from everything including bonding 2 big pieces together, to filling in gaps to make structure look more natural. It also dries light gray, not quite the color of the rock, but once the algae takes over, it won't matter. It's way closer to rock color than say, TLF gray epoxy.