Gluing LR

[Gryz]

I have quite a few peices of live rock rubble that I would like to make an archway or cave with. I think using underwater epoxy would be best, but my LFS is a peice of crap and doesn't sell anything like that. I do have some "Loctite" superglue gel and some "loctite epoxy."

Would this be OK to use to glue my LR together? If so, how should I go about doing this?

I have always wanted to know also, aren't there any chemicals in the glue that could be harmful?

[Doctor_Reef]

When I did that I used this kind of product!! AquaStik™ Epoxy Putty
http://www.ah-supply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=626

[Gryz]

I don't really want to buy anything...so will either of these work?

[Doctor_Reef]

You can try them but I wouldn't guarantee that they will work for LR...The putty I know works...It smooches into the crevasses and holds well but the supper glue may or may not and same for the epoxy...

[MikeS]

super glue is going to tend to be too brittle for making arches, it'll snap easy....

You can use a product specific for aquariums....another idea (if you have the time and the motiviation) is to get some small (1/4") diameter acrylic rod...drill holes in the LR, use the acrylic rod to join them together, kinda like tinker toys... :-D

I have seen some spectacular arches and columns made using this method.... :-D

Mike

[icereefer]

Harvey plumbing putty works well too. you can get it in the plumbing section at most harware stores.
one thing nice about what mike has suggested is you can alway change it later if you want.
Jim

[newtofish]

This is the stuff that I used. It is Reef Safe and pretty cheap.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/newtofish/silicone.jpg

Works great.

[Geoffrey3029]

Newtofish .. How do you know that stuff is reef safe.. I am a little cautious about some items and personaly would need to see some kind of info before useing a household glue like that on my tank... Just my opinion and question.

[MikeS]

100% clear silicone is safe...it's the same stuff they use to seal the joints in the aquarium...

The silicone products you have to be cautious with are the ones that have anti-fungal or anti-bacterial agents in them. These are usually white in color, and states the presence of these items on the label.

MikeS

[newtofish]

Mike I agree, This is the same stuff that that is used to make aquariums. I personally know of at least 10 people who have used this in thier tanks or sumps and have not had any problems.
I always let it cure for about 24 hours before I get it wet, don't know if you have to but I do.
Also I got that pic from Marc Levenson's site. (I talked to him before I used it) This is what he uses also.

[2639]

What about two-part epoxy? Is it safe?