gluing rocks

[keith gray]

I have a 65 gallon set up now for about 4 years. I have about 150 lbs of live rock and have heard that you can use a special glue to form the rocks together. Obviously this would be easy when I first set up the tank, but I did not know you could do that.
So, my question is, can I take all of the rock out, set it on a table or something, glue it the way I want it and then place it back in the tank without it hurting anything ?

 

[sickboy]

If you use the free epoxy stuff yes, you don't even need to take it out of your tank.

 

[florida joe]

I would remove the rocks.I think it is much easier that way just make sure you keep them wet and do a section at a time returning each section as you finish. Giving your tank a chance to stabilize
if you have any die off

 

[silverdak]

Originally Posted by sickboy
http:///forum/post/2919985
If you use the free epoxy stuff yes, you don't even need to take it out of your tank.
I use that stuff works good, just make sure it is mixed up very well then let it sit without being squished around for 2ish mins to start hardening, then put in underwater if you dont want to take rocks out.

 

[scopus tang]

I personally really dislike that stuff - I find that over the long term, unless you really glob it on, it doesn't hold for beans. In my opinion if you are looking for a truly stable rock structure, you are much better off to drill and/or dowel or ziptie the rocks together. Just as easy, especially if you're going to tear down the whole structure anyway, and a whole lot more secure. JMO

 

[silverdak]

I did glob mine on lol I used abolut 3/4 of the tube one 3 rocks

 

[ca161406]

ive always just stacked the rocks, just made sure it was very stable...never had any probs

 

[silverdak]

mine started to shift from time to time so i feel much better now that they are attached

 

[dennis210]

For what it's worth I really love the green holdfast epoxy stick for mounting plugs onto rock. For making a truely stable rock structure though I think (and have done it!) that removing your live rock from the tank and placing into rubber made tubs, draining off water into tubs to cover the rock, mix up new water and get it going (even in the tank itself). Now find the heavy plastic cutting boards your spouse loves and find one that fits into the opening atop your tank, try it first and make sure you have rome to get it and your hands in past any dividers. Now grab some rocks and play leggo with them till the base looks like what you want. Cut up heavy plastic coat hangers and set the straight pieces aside. Using a masonary drill bit 8 to 9 inches long drill through a rock and into next one, insert plastic hanger section and cut to fit. Use hold fast to cover hole and plactic dowel. Now move up to next layer of rock and pin it together and then pin it to the bottom layer. Get creative and make caves, spring boards, ledges, outcrops, whatever. If it is stable out of water when submerged it will be great! When finished you pick up the breadboard/cutting board and rock together (sometimes with the aid of an assistant) & carry to tank and set into place. Then slide out the board. Repeat until finished. Top off and let run a day or two and begin replacing corals! This really works well!

 

[sparty059]

Does everyone think this last option is a good option? I want to make some crazy rock structures in my tank and have a feeling the water flow can eventually push them over or tip them in ways that might harm a fish. Would using plastic hangers work effectively for this?

 

[meowzer]

Sounds okay to me....I have read where some people have drilled holes in their rock and used some sort of rod to hold them together

 

[sparty059]

Ok, I'll try a few different ways and see which works best. I have waaaay too much rock as it is so it'll be nice to experiment with some!