Any recommendations on a Reef Putty or Epoxy for placing frags?

[SauceyReef]

Any recommendations on a Reef Putty or Epoxy for placing frags directly on the rockwork?

I am having a hard time with super glue in or out of the tank trying to get frags to stick to the main rockwork.

 

[Petcrazyson]

The NYOS products are one of my favorites

 

[To(meany)Tang]

Could you give a description on how exactly your using the superglue? We might have some tips to solve your problems. Aside from that I've seen alot of reefers use JB waterweld from home depot. But they still use super glue. Super glue on rock.. Epoxy on top ..more super glue on top of epoxy and then frag or coral on top of the superglue.

 

[90's reefer]

Get a stick of putty. Superglue on top/bottom of putty. Stick frag on one side and press the other side into the rock and your done.

 

[areefer01]

As noted above how are you using the superglue. It is widely used. There is also a new product you can search on called SeaTak. I've only used it once so far but it was pretty simple. I also use Ocean Wonders epoxy putty.

I don't really have a favorite because they all more or less work the same just different application uses such as the epoxy putty for larger rocks, etc.

 

[To(meany)Tang]

Get a stick of putty. Superglue on top/bottom of putty. Stick frag on one side and press the other side into the rock and your done.

You made it sound so simple lol it is but the OP was asking what brand of putty? You said a stick of putty lol

 

[90's reefer]

Brand dose not matter just pick your color. They all work, lol.
I use super glue gel from home depot. Sticks of putty from lfs.

 

[SauceyReef]

Can anyone show me any brand of putty that will work? They are all reef safe? I have heard of the sandwich technique having success! I just need a good putty brand to do that with my reef glue.

So my technique is to either put a bunch of glue on the frag and stick it on the main rock, or attempt to glue it while in the tank. My problem is with both techniques often over time it falls off. It is like the glue will mold around the rock, but not stick. I've tried a few brands that everyone recommends so clearly its not the brand. When I try to glue in the tank it is also tough dealing with that film. I don't really have any problems getting coral frags to stick to frag plugs because I can do it outside of the tank. But getting a coral to stick directly to the rock work? Seems to be tough for me right now..

I think the sandwich technique will solve my problems.

 

[SauceyReef]

The NYOS products are one of my favorites

The reef cement?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Any recommendations on a Reef Putty or Epoxy for placing frags directly on the rockwork?

I am having a hard time with super glue in or out of the tank trying to get frags to stick to the main rockwork.

My go-to almost two decades:

 

[Naples reef]

Tunze coral gum is my favorite.

 

[fullinfusion]

I like using tunze coral gum instant along with seachem gel glue.

 

[To(meany)Tang]

Can anyone show me any brand of putty that will work? They are all reef safe? I have heard of the sandwich technique having success! I just need a good putty brand to do that with my reef glue.

So my technique is to either put a bunch of glue on the frag and stick it on the main rock, or attempt to glue it while in the tank. My problem is with both techniques often over time it falls off. It is like the glue will mold around the rock, but not stick. I've tried a few brands that everyone recommends so clearly its not the brand. When I try to glue in the tank it is also tough dealing with that film. I don't really have any problems getting coral frags to stick to frag plugs because I can do it outside of the tank. But getting a coral to stick directly to the rock work? Seems to be tough for me right now..

I think the sandwich technique will solve my problems.

From the answers you can pretty much see many reliable brands but as far as just superglue technique. Are you drying the coral or frag before you apply the superglue? That always helps for adhesion. Also there's a video on YouTube of Jake Adams showing a tutorial. Shows that by applying a bead of glue then dapping the glue with the tip of the bottle to break surface tension so it's not a perfect round bead but more choppy looking. Then when he places the frag in the tank he pushes it onto the rock holds it there a couple seconds then lifts the frag up and down several times making contact with the rock it makes the glue stick better and then when he finally presses it down he hold it in place for a few more seconds and it's locked in. It also helps to let the superglue thicken a bit or dry before applying so it drys faster in the water.

 

[SauceyReef]

I just got some instant ocean bond stick because it seems a lot cheaper. I think with that and some super glue I should be able to figure it out.

@To(meany)Tang yes I dry it off as much as possible. Maybe I need to do a bigger glob so it doesn't insta dry when exposed to water? good advice tho, ty.

 

[fullinfusion]

Two little fishies have a nice epoxy. Haven't personally used it but I know guys have and you can't even tell it's epoxy.

 

[SauceyReef]

I think I may avoid the Instant Ocean putty seeing the reviews on amazon. They are a little scary not to say it has not worked for others here. Same with NYOS reef cement - it has a 50% positive review.