Fastening rockwork

[jcolon2]

Hello. Where can I buy marine epoxy? Can I use something like Gorilla glue or is that a big no no? Or will regular epoxy work? I am trying to crate a secure rock structure utilizing both live rock and my new florida reef rock from reefcleaners.org I have 50 pounds of florida reef rock that is in a variation of sizes. However, the pieces I want on top just so happen to be the heaviest. I need a way to secure them (I was hoping to use a combination of zip ties and epoxy). Thanks. I live right around the corner from Ace Hardware and West Marine and not too far from Home Depot and Walmart. Thanks.

Best,

Justin

 

[jcolon2]

nvm, I found my answers.

 

[Lenny718]

I use plumbers epoxy from Home Depot but I forgot the exact name of it. Just make sure it is NSF approved and safe for potable water and your good.

 

[itsaNYthing]

post up what you got, Im interested in doing the same thing myself.

 

[createdlight]

Just drill the rock with a cement drill bit, and use pcv pipe or use plastic zip ties. i use alittle of both. most epoxy with mess with the shimmer, found that out, it took 2 days for the skimmer to start skimming again.

 

[albano]

However, the pieces I want on top just so happen to be the heaviest.

This doesn't sound like a great idea...better make SURE, these are secure, before putting them in the tank...really sounds like they should be drilled and used with acrylic rod!

 

[tttony]

Ive done the way described, cement bit into live and dead rock, zip ties , then depo epoxy to fill in the cracks/

 

[Marcellina]

I am going to do the same thing with the rocks for my new tank. I plan on drilling a hole and using an acrylic rods or pvc pipes.

It should be stable enough but if you want a marine safe epoxy I bought AquaMend Putty in HomeDepot. It worked pretty good but I wouldnt use only that to secure the rock structure. Mine stayed bonded with the AquaPutty for a good 5 months but then it slowly cracked and the rocks separated.

You can find an AquaPutty that is Coraline colored too so its not bright white in the tank, I think I saw it on ebay.

If its stability and your peace of mind (and your corals and fishes!) I would go with the acrylic rods and use the aquamend as an extra precaution. Better safe than sorry right?!

 

[guarda]

You don't need to use cement bits with most types of live rock. I couldn't find my masonry bits last week when I reaquascaped and a standard wood drill bit bore nice, clean cuts through my marco rock and another, more denser type which I don't know the name of. Both wet and dry.

 

[guarda]

If anyone needs some acrylic I have one or two rods that I didn't use. It looks like 3/4" diameter, maybe 7/8". If you are holding up heavier or big rocks, I'd go with fiberglass over acrylic. Hope this helps.