Quikete for diy structure

[bleedfire]

Hey guys Im currently building a new aqua scape for my reef I want to use quikrete instead of using epoxy to glue the rocks together
A) Expensive 20$ per stick (I also dont like online purchase)
B) Rare to find in my area

I saw a few people who use Quikrete which could be found in any HD, ML, Rona

using this type of concrete do I need to layer it with something like epoxy of some kind if so what kind?

 

[Tat2demon]

Hey guys Im currently building a new aqua scape for my reef I want to use quikrete instead of using epoxy to glue the rocks together
A) Expensive 20$ per stick (I also dont like online purchase)
B) Rare to find in my area

I saw a few people who use Quikrete which could be found in any HD, ML, Rona

using this type of concrete do I need to layer it with something like epoxy of some kind if so what kind?

If you want to use the sticks you can get JB Water Weld at HD. Should be in the epoxy/glue section. Should be around $8 I think.

 

[lordofthereef]

I think you will be just fine doing it this way, but you will need to cure the cement for upwards of 12 weeks in water before it is ready for use in your aquarium. Otherwise you are going to get a pH spike as the lime leaches from the cement into your system. For this application, I am honestly thinking the epoxy will be better off. You can always go to the stores you mentioned and buy loctite epoxy putty (blue stick putty( and it will do the same for you as the $20 stuff from a reef site.

 

[Servillius]

I saw some underwater mortar marco rocks has that seems to suit a range of applications. I have never tried and can't comment on it, but someone might be able to.

 

[zma21]

Would there be higher level of silicates in the quikrete?

 

[bleedfire]

Yes I know I have to wait 6 months for it to cure and It will indroduce different types of algea
It wil sorta look like Fuax Rock

 

[lordofthereef]

Yes I know I have to wait 6 months for it to cure and It will indroduce different types of algea
It wil sorta look like Fuax Rock

If you are ok with waiting (I don't think it has to be as long as 6 months, but it won't hurt to wait that long), then I say go for it. It won't look bad at all once you get some life growing on it.

 

[greggnyce]

get the aquamend epoxy at hd, 8 dollars.

 

[frankpayne32]

You can build some really nice reef structures by drilling the rock and using rods or cpvc pipe to attach them I built my free standing islands this way and didn't use any epoxy, zipties, or concrete.

 

[bleedfire]

Its been 2 days since the curing
First 12 hours Ph were 8.6 48 Hours is 8.2 By the way I'm curing this in salt water
My Tank Ph is 8.2 Also

What else should i look for beside the acidity?

whats the right way of curing it? should I have Flow? the house temperature keeps the water to 76 Morning and night 78 after Light from the sun,

 

[greggnyce]

A power head to circulate water is always good.