My DIY Rock/Foam Reef

help with epoxy

help with epoxy

so was wondering how long do people wait to attach the crushed coralsand mix onto the epoxy.. I'm using the 20 min epoxy from BSI and having a difficult time getting it sticky to where the crushed coralsand mix will stick and stay. I read that I will need to use a heat gun as my garage is too cold, but was wondering if there were anyother techniques that would help
 
no I was first putting the epoxy on and then sprinkling the sand/coral mix onto it. I let it sit for about 2 hours, and a ton fell off when I put it up right. It's gotta be the temp I think. I'ts only 45 in my garage right now. I'm gonna trying sprinkling it on and then using a hair dryer to see if that helps. My understanding is epoxy is supposed to be cured at like 85 degrees or the curing process takes 3 days versus a couple of hours.. Do you think this will help?
 
forgot, when I mentioned it fell off, I mean that the sand/coral did not even stick, I was left with the foam still covered in non-stickyish epoxy, with very little sand on/in it
 
If you read the epoxy container it says the ideal temperature is usually between 70 and 80. I did mine in my basement and I had to place a space heater next to my work area to make the epoxy harden faster. Just a little FYI.
 
Bob Smith himself told me that it must cure at or above 75 or it will not be completely reef safe. I brought it into my dining room where I applied the sand and then immediatley placed it in the dry aquarium with the halides on for over 6 hours.

Also... make sure your sand is not too dusty.
 
Kannin, I've read the entire thread in the past, but... I've forgotten if anyone asked or if you mentioned anything about what I'm going to ask.

I'm building a 20L AIO (All in one). I want to build a rockwall that wraps around my false wall.

shot2.jpg


I'm wondering what you do about filtration without a buttload of live rock? With the tank I'm building I will PROBABLY not be using a skimmer and will rely on frequent water changes. Any suggestions for me?
 
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ok help please I have read this and i tried it and all my stuff is dying. I used great stuff foam and that epoxy I let it sit for a day and a half and then i filled it up. Stuff is dying and i dont know what to do...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13729361#post13729361 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rodneyreefer
ok help please I have read this and i tried it and all my stuff is dying. I used great stuff foam and that epoxy I let it sit for a day and a half and then i filled it up. Stuff is dying and i dont know what to do...
Click to expand...

Give more info... Did you cycle the tank? Did you cure it in a temp above 75 degrees? What rock did you use, and did you cure it?

I used Marco rocks and cured them in a vinegar/water solution. Once the rock wall was installed and the tank was filled... I cycled the tank for three weeks before any life was added.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13729212#post13729212 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CoRPS
Kannin, I've read the entire thread in the past, but... I've forgotten if anyone asked or if you mentioned anything about what I'm going to ask.

I'm building a 20L AIO (All in one). I want to build a rockwall that wraps around my false wall.

shot2.jpg


I'm wondering what you do about filtration without a buttload of live rock? With the tank I'm building I will PROBABLY not be using a skimmer and will rely on frequent water changes. Any suggestions for me?
Click to expand...

The rock will eventually become "live" for a certain amount of biological filtration but, I would consider adding a hob Aqua C Remora on the back.

I like your design... by the way.
 
It was above 75 degrees for that day and a half. the majority of the water came from an established tank. I used some base rock found at a local store, did nothing but rinse it off before i used it....
 
I have been running carbon filter trying to take anything out of the water and I have been doing daily water changes.... anything else I can do to prevent the loss of more corals and fish?
 
I beleave even though you used water from a mature tank you still will get a miny cycle! have you tested your water?? what sand did you use??
 
no not really, just doesn't seam to be sticky enough. I'm using the bob smith 20 min cure finish stuff too. I tried using a hair dryer but it did not seam to help. I problably had the best sucess by letting the expoxy stand for about 15 minutes then applying it and then attaching the crush coral to it. Just does not seam to cover the way I would like for it to though. Luckilly I have not wasted any rock yet, as I did a test run on just globs of foam. I was doing this out in my cold garage. I will take Kannin advise and try it in my house. Does the temp really make a difference though on how sticky the product is? I understand for it to cure properly it has to be certain temp though. Any thoughts here?
 
This is all totaly amazing to me as i just spent hours going through this thread (amongst others attached). Thanks for all the info guys!

P.s. Not sure what most people use to shape their foam but after its totaly cured a wire brush (tooth brush type) works very well to expose poors and shape there after.
 
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thanks for the help guys, I was going thru a mini cycle all is well now, except my skimmer isnt pulling anything from the water and it has been running about a month and a half now.... any ideas?
 
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