Attaching Corals to rocks

[michael_cb_125]

I feel knida stupid for asking but I need to know. I have some epoxy made by marine land. Its called Hold fast epoxy stick. Can I just mix it put it on a rock and stick the coral to it, UNDERWATER. It says "can be applied underwater" Nut I just wanted to make shure, and see if anyone else has used this product. Thanks.

[burning2nd]

I dont know...

i guess if the direction say it can be applied underwater.. then thats the ticket....

Ive never used any of that... I simply weg it in a crack. or hold it down with a shell.. or pin it with something....

But then ageian, ive almost lost new frags because they fell off and almost died b4....

so

Id would guess that you should mix it put it on what ever your holding in your hand, then place it where you want it, hold it for a second, and i should stay there .......RIght?

[michael_cb_125]

Thats what I thought, It is like putty. Maybe others will chime in.

[mps9506]

You can apply it underwater, but it is easier to do out of water. The key to using epoxy is remembering that it is not sticky, it doesn't really work well as an adhesive.
Mix up the epoxy, usually more than you think you need. Thentake your peice of live rock and cram the epoxy into the crevice/crack or area you wish to place the coral (keep in mind this doesn't work as well on smooth flatter areas) then take the bottom of the coral and wedge it into the built up area of epoxy. Usually at this point you have to push the epoxy back onto the base of the coral to help secure it a bit.
This stuff works best with stony corals that have a base, ie; sps corals, euphyllias, etc. Things like polyps, leathers etc are best attached other ways unless they are already on a small rock base that you can use to attach to the rock.

[Snelly40]

i just use superglue gel, will hold and bond uinder the water and no toxic worries.
there is s new product from loctite, well its nwe to me, called extreme repair and it has an aquarium on the front of the packagind sayinf aquarium safe, so you know its good

[burning2nd]

hey i beleave it.....

IVe bin trying to tell people for a while that the silicon they sell at LFS for double the price is the same exsact stuff as what permatex sells at the local auto part store....

[michael_cb_125]

Thanks for the help

[SueT]

I usually end up using both the epoxy and super glue gel. It holds very well and nothing can knock whatever you gle/epoxy over. Turbo snails haven't a chance. LOL.. I make a small epoxy piece and glue gel the frag to the epoxy and then glue the epoxy to the spot on the rock. It will hold forever.

[Snelly40]

where are u getting reed safe epoxy???

[mps9506]

Home Depot sells a two part epoxy called Aquamend which is what I use.

[michael_cb_125]

I get mine from drs foster and smith.com