epoxy in oz

[neap]

Hi there

I'm soon to retire from Tropheus breeding and enter the world of colourful fish and test kits and mega lights in my 90 gal. I'd like to replicate a biotype with fish swimming/ feeding around a pinnacle. Aiming for FOWLR at this stage and have been reading about the use of epoxy to build structures from live rock. I'm also reading labels carefully at Bunnings hardware because i'm concerned about toxicity. Selleys produce several sticks including one for underwater applications. We don't seem to have the same brands as in the US. Anything in particular i should be looking for? Or is there a better way to build stable structures with such height?

cheers
TC

 

[ReefLion]

I would just order two-part underwater epoxy from any mail order aquarium store. I'm not sure if that answers your question, but I assume they can ship to wherever you are.

Note that a very tall or steep pinnacle will probably require some sort of mechanical fixing of the rocks, just to be on the safe side. Methods include plastic cable ties, fishing wire, plastic screws, etc. Also, be careful to place the rock directly on the tank bottom or on some fixed structure, NOT resting on the sand. It sounds like what you are planning could easily tip if not on a firm base.

Tim

 

[Nelliereefster]

Polyurathane foam that can be purchased in a can like spray paint is another option.

Curing is accomplished by running the tank for a week or so with only pure RO water.

The foam can be semi-formed into a structure like a pinacle, and you can form anchor point in it to place frags, etc...

A good trick is to use old reef rock underneath the foam, or cured concrete (quikcrete, for example)

A nice attribute to the poly-foam is coralline algae has a high affinity to it.

hopefully some other reefers will weigh in on using the foam, I've only tried it in limited applications (arches)

 

[dizzy]

Polyurathane foam that can be purchased in a can like spray paint is another option.

Curing is accomplished by running the tank for a week or so with only pure RO water.

The foam can be semi-formed into a structure like a pinacle, and you can form anchor point in it to place frags, etc...

A good trick is to use old reef rock underneath the foam, or cured concrete (quikcrete, for example)

A nice attribute to the poly-foam is coralline algae has a high affinity to it.

hopefully some other reefers will weigh in on using the foam, I've only tried it in limited applications (arches)

Nellie,

I think the foam may break down after being in the water for awhile. I was going to use "Great stuff" for an aquarium once and a friend, who works at a factory that makes foam rubber, told me he did not believe it would hold up well underwater. Anyway I called "Greatstuff" and spoke with their chemist and he confirmed what my friend had said. Perhaps there are some formulations that are better than others, buy I would suggest caution. When in doubt call the company that makes the stuff.

 

[Nelliereefster]

I think you have a good point. I've also read, that once the foam has dried it can be painted with a sealant

 

[neap]

Thanks all,

The epoxy i was checking out was in a stick and was in two part form so that sounds a goer. I'll check out the mail order.To be honest i think i'll probably use the cable tie idea. I guess anything visible will get cover by nice things that grow on live rock. Using foam to build structures sounds like it might bring out my creative side but might be on the hi tech side for me.

cheers
TC

 

[dizzy]

Thanks all,

The epoxy i was checking out was in a stick and was in two part form so that sounds a goer. I'll check out the mail order.To be honest i think i'll probably use the cable tie idea. I guess anything visible will get cover by nice things that grow on live rock. Using foam to build structures sounds like it might bring out my creative side but might be on the hi tech side for me.

cheers
TC

TC Most any of the epoxy sticks are safe and easy to use. They seem to work better with dry surfaces than wet, but sometimes stick ok under water. They do a good job of filling in two irregular surfaces so they go together better. I would buy a stick and give it a try. Just make sure the epoxy stick you buy is not designed as a metal filler or something like that. (Most aren't) Sometimes I also use plastic all thread rod to put rocks together so nothing artificial shows. I buy .25" diameter rod with 20 threads per inch. Just drill about a .25" hole through the live rock with a masonary bit and push the rod through and secure with a plastic 1/4 20 nut. The nut can easiy be counter sunk in the live rock, or clip off any excess rod and cover with a dab of epoxy putty and snail or small piece of live rock. Sometimes those cable ties can be bought in different colors even purple, but it takes a lot of years before they completely disappear.