AARRGGHHH!! Superglue is NOT my friend!!

[loans_n_fishes]

I am so frustrated!! I removed all of my rock from my seahorse tank and spent over an hour glueing it into the shape I wanted. I must say, it was beautiful. After using about 10 small tubes of superglue, I let it sit for a while to stick (although, I thought it was supposed to be instantaneous <_< ) Anyway, when I picked it up to put the structure in my tank, it all came apart!! :angry So, I wound up just stacking it up again. It's OK, but not nearly what I wanted. Nothing like soaking yourself (I practically have to dive in that tank--it's 32" tall) and spending time you don't have just to make no progress.

RRRR!! Ok...I feel better now that I ranted. :P Well, sort of... <_<

Most of the "rock" is dead sps, so I can't drill. I didn't want to use cement because it would need to cure first. Is there a way to accomplish this?

[erick]

I know that some people use the locktite superglue (gel). It works better than just plain old SG..... At least it works good for me, but you need to use a good amount.

[loans_n_fishes]

I used locktite, but it wasn't the gel. I used the gel to try to stick some rock together one time with not much luck. It must have an aversion to me.

[Noodle]

How about some sort of epoxy? I personally prefer the playdohy stuff you have to mush together. If you do it right, the epoxy can hold together your rockwork

[loans_n_fishes]

Wow! I thought the water would actually make it harder to attach. Guess I will try again with the gel. Probably won't get a chance before the meeting though. <_<

[loans_n_fishes]

Epoxy is a great idea, too. I am just not sure which one is safe for tanks. Plus, doesn't it take several hours to harden? I don't want my rock out of the tank that long.

[erikharrison]

you can find expoxy that sets pretty fast.... I just used some from HEB. Then to help it cure really fast i set a blow dryer on some stuff to prop it up and point it at the spots that need to be cured. The only way that I can see any of it working though is time, You'll have to let it set, be it epoxy or superglue, either way, it needs to set.

[jroescher]

The superglue really is intantaneous. If you don't believe me, just touch it.

No really, don't touch it. And in case you do, acetone is the best way to remove it.

You can get some spray at a hobby shop that will cause superglue to set instantly. Ask for CA accellerator. Not sure what it would do to corals though. http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=RGE

[Noodle]

Epoxy is a great idea, too. I am just not sure which one is safe for tanks. Plus, doesn't it take several hours to harden? I don't want my rock out of the tank that long.

I've used the puddy-like Aquastik from Two Little Fishies with good success. That stuff can actually cure underwater too, so you do all the stuff in tank. No skimmer in operation when working w/ this stuff tho... it'll make it go crazy :)

[jroescher]

http://jbweld.net/products/water.php

You can get it at Wal-Mart, any auto parts stores, HD, Lowes, etc...

When you use expoxy, it will make you skimmer go crazy until it finishes curing.

[mathias]

but thats good with the skimmer its getting those extra run off chemicals out of the water right?

[jroescher]

From what I've read about it on other sites, no one really knows why it does that to a skimmer, but it must be from some chemical that leeches out. Sometimes it works on my skimmer, sometimes it doesn't. Usually lasts for about an hour. Probably best to run some carbon for a little while.

[SoLiD]

You guys are probably going to laugh at me but about 8 months ago I used gorilla glue to stick multiple rocks together. I did it out side of the tank of course. I held the rocks together and kept the rocks wet by using a cup and pouring salt water over them for an hour. That’s how long it takes for the glue to be 99% cured. Remember that this glue foams up to cover gaps. Anyway, then I put them in a curing tank for 2 weeks. People are always wondering where I got such unique live rock boulders. Then I show them where the coralline has covered the glue seams. It's funny that no one else has tried this as you absolutely need a saw, hammer, or a gorilla to get them apart again. Let me know if any of you guys have tried it. :D -SoLiD