is epoxy reef safe

[Carabelli]

are the 2 part epoxy's that are commonly sold in hardware stores or walmart reef safe?? I want to seal a couple of voids and cracks in a rock basin ... i tried superglue, but,epoxy would work so much easier - thanks.

to clarify, this is the clear liquid epoxy - not the typical materials we use for mounting frags - thanks.

 

[Guest]

I wouldn't use it I have never heard of any other epoxy being reef safe

 

[Carabelli]

any other alternatives anyone can think of?

 

[Guest]

You could use aquarium silicone used on the seams of glass

 

[Carabelli]

hmm, not sure how well it would hold up long term to the rock ... i have built the basin and used about 12 tubes of super glue to slow a lot of the leaks down, but, i am trying to create a seal so in the case of a power outage, the basin won't drain out ... so, i either find a way to water proof it or run a maxijet to feed it and then put that on an UPS unit, but, that is more cords and hassle ... man, not sure .. maybe more layers of super glue.?

 

[coralreefer]

I used to use epoxy based cement to install mooring bolts for scuba diving boats. It worked great underwater. BUT there is much more dispersion in natural waters. That being said I wouldn't use anything that wasn't labeled as reef safe!

 

[bimmerzs]

There is a 2 part marine epoxy that used to be sold in Ace hardware store's that is totally reef safe. I'll try to get the name for you since I'm not at home right now.

Cheers,

 

[masharp1126]

Lots of people use this when building foam/rock walls. Should work for what your needing.

Most hobby stores probably carry it, but not sure if Ace/Home Depot/Lowes would have it.

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[Carabelli]

thanks mark - i will check that out

 

[blfuller123]

@bimmerzs wrote:

I think its called Water Weld or something like that.

 

[Ross110]

I got some solid 2part epoxy from Aquatic Design the other day that says its for saltwater fish tanks.
There also was a post last week about Pet's Mart having a solid 2 part that was reefsafe.

My question is are the solid 2part epoxies safe to use under water or do you have to take the whole rock out, dry it, then use it.

 

[Ross110]

anyone update my on if you are able to use the 2part dry epoxy in the aquarium without removing the rock? (ie apply it under water)
it came from a LFS but didnt have great instructions.

 

[tredogg97]

After a little research on other sites I found a few glues/epoxies/silicones that are reef safe and available at hardware stores - which means much cheaper than at the LFS
- Loctite Gel (blue tube)
- Aquamend Putty (contains cyanoacrylate)
- GE Silicone 1 or DAP Silicone (no mold or mildew resitant)

 

[coralreefer]

@Ross110 wrote:

If you are referring to the stick that you work into a putty, yes you can use it in the tank. Just turn off your skimmer for a while!

 

[Ross110]

@coralreefer wrote:

If you are referring to the stick that you work into a putty, yes you can use it in the tank. Just turn off your skimmer for a while!"]

really helpful, thank you!