securing liverock

pookeydi · 06-10-2002, 06:34 PM

We just moved out 55gal tank and although it's set-up again (minus one cleaner shrimp) and operational, we have yet to do the landscaping of the live rock. We wanted to look into what type of glue or cement you would use for permanently fixing liverock together. Previously, most of the liverock was positioned directly on the sand. Now we have the opportunity to change this, but need some guidance.

Rick O · 06-10-2002, 06:42 PM

I've never used anything to glue or tie LR together. I just place it where it doesn't rock or teter. You could use plastic wire ties if you could figure a way for it not to show.

mapster · 06-10-2002, 07:19 PM

I have never used anything either, but did try and have heard of people using epoxy (Aqustick, Reef Cement, etc.) and/or plain old super glue gel. plastic electrical ties would also work. All would eventually get covered by corraline algea and not be noticable. Another trick I have seen is using PVC pipe and drilling holes in the rock to form rock towers. Cool looking and a pump can be attached to the pvc (with pre drilled holes) to circulate water in/through the rock.

balakoth · 06-11-2002, 06:57 AM

Id go with the tie offs. If I had to Glue together 300 bucks worth of Rock, I probably woulda said "POO" on this Reef thing :P

Joe

Hommeworks · 06-11-2002, 10:46 AM

For small attachments, like the arches I'm building, I use superglue. Although its a pain in a** to work with.(I don't have finger prints anymore) Get the gel type that comes with a brush applicater. The verticle risers on the arches, made from rubble(waste-not-want-not), seem to be holding well, After I stick them together I put them back in the curing tank and all seems to be holding together.

For larger pieces I use acyrlic dowels. You can get these at the verticle blind store. They call them wands and are for adjusting the blinds. I cut off 1/2 inch sections, drill into the rock and pin then together. No glue, not yet, not until I'm satisfied with the overall reefscape.

m3rma1d · 06-11-2002, 12:44 PM

i think i'm gonna try to glue mine when i get up & running...i've always layed them on the sand & then stacked, but then sometimes they come tumbling down and i'd like to avoid that this time, while still being able to make some cool arches...i'll be using super glue gel...or at least trying it

balakoth · 06-11-2002, 01:06 PM

I find it halarious that most of us are very paranoid about what is IN our tank, what sgoing in our tank and what COULD be in our tank. Yet half of us use super glue for god sakes.

This is safe for a fishtank even after its been dried? Not something I want to mess with at all. I freak when I see a cat hair floating on top of my water! hehe

- Joe

pookeydi · 06-11-2002, 04:16 PM

I'm a little worried about using superglue also. I was hoping there was some kind of cementing agent that was already tested and marked 'reef-safe'. We've also had the problem of rocks tumbling down and want to avoid this, although the cowry doesn't seem to help much with this. I think we'll just play it safe and stack the liverock up again for now. If anyone ever has a safe, fool proof way to secure livestock, i hope they post it here!

Rick O · 06-11-2002, 05:58 PM

Most people use superglue to attach SPS frags to rocks. There is no harm to the tank with it. I'm sure there is a point where the amount you use could be excessive but for what we're doing with it then you're ok.

hesaias · 06-11-2002, 06:38 PM

Super glue works for SPS and softies. I think it is not water soluable, so the chemicals stay put.

When you aquascape, always try to have 3 points of contact for each rock. This is how Ive had success in 3 setups so far. You could glue the smaller pieces to make cool shapes though. Hmmmmm........

erasmu · 06-11-2002, 10:53 PM

I choose not to do any permanent attachment of rocks so that I can move and remove them when necessary. My tank has a brace across the top. If I have a group of rocks glued together, it would be a real pain to try to get them out. I don't think it would be fun to try to break them apart inside of a glass tank either.

The thinking on Super Glue is that (1) a lot of people have used it on frags without problems traced back to it and (2) it is used in medical applications to close wounds. Some extensive FDA testing was required to obtain the approvals for that although safe for humans does not guarantee safe for reefs.

platapus · 06-12-2002, 01:48 AM

I have read that a PVC pipe skeleton behind, and under the live rock to secure it. Most live rock can be drilled through using a masonary bit, and power drill, there for you can choose were to place you zip ties.