Reef Safe Epoxy

[Byronyk]

I own a standard caulk gun for home use. I was thinking about going the epoxy route to hold my rock together for my first reef tank, but I'm unsure which epoxy to use.

I've seen aquarium specific brands, but those seem to be much more expensive. What should I be looking for in Epoxy that I know will make it reef safe? I'm hoping to find a generic brand for cheaper.

 

[homer1475]

JB Water Weld.

Super cheap and has been used in reef tanks for years. Its available at your local HD or Lowes.

 

[WLachnit]

JB Water Weld.

Super cheap and has been used in reef tanks for years. Its available at your local HD or Lowes.

Yup...pretty much same stuff. I just recently learned that you can also color it with food dye, if you feel it neccessary.

 

[Byronyk]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at JB's product.

 

[GQuinn]

Yup...pretty much same stuff. I just recently learned that you can also color it with food dye, if you feel it neccessary.

Do you put a few drops in there while you are mixing it?

 

[WLachnit]

Yes, while mixing it. It doesn't take much dye.

 

[homer1475]

Yup...pretty much same stuff. I just recently learned that you can also color it with food dye, if you feel it neccessary.

Great idea! Never thought about tinting it. I hate the super bright white, but after a few weeks it turns purple or green(coraline or algae).

 

[WLachnit]

Great idea! Never thought about tinting it. I hate the super bright white, but after a few weeks it turns purple or green(coraline or algae).

Yeah, for an established tank it does get covered up pretty quick.

 

[Haunt]

If you do use the JB WaterWeld epoxy make sure to knead it really well before you use it. If you don't the consistency will be more like hard rubber as opposed to solid rock. I've been surprised more than once on how easy it was to pry various frags from the rocks sometimes. The epoxy just didn't cure properly. My bad...

 

[WLachnit]

Using a superglue sandwich can help the epoxy stick to surfaces.

 

[hkgar]

Using a superglue sandwich can help the epoxy stick to surfaces.

+1, that's what I do for frags.

 

[mcgyvr]

Most if not all epoxies are safe ONCE FULLY CURED..

Depending on if your rock will be "dry" or "live" when you do this aquascaping will make a big difference in answers..

I personally never "glue" rock work at all and just always stack it and let it stay on its own..
But some people want some pretty intricate aquascapes though