Is there a reliable way to attach a coral to rockwork?

[kdx7214]

I've tried gel type CA glue without success. The three types I've tried have all failed to harden or hardened immediately on contact with the saltwater and wouldn't hold anything. I've read about the reef safe putty, but apparently it's a similar situation. I have a new zoa plug I want to attach but it keeps falling off the rock. So how the heck can I get it to stay?

 

[pikachux3]

sandwich method

Rockwork
+
super glue gel
+
epoxy putty (let it stiffen a little)
+
super glue gel glue
+
frag

 

[zoomonster]

I use Gorilla gel and epoxy. Mix the epoxy and put super glue on the plug. Press on the epoxy then apply super glue to the other side and press into rock.

 

[kdx7214]

sandwich method

Rockwork
+
super glue gel
+
epoxy putty (let it stiffen a little)
+
super glue gel glue
+
frag

I'm not sure how this would help since the super glue seems to be the part that isn't holding.

 

[kdx7214]

I use Gorilla gel and epoxy. Mix the epoxy and put super glue on the plug. Press on the epoxy then apply super glue to the other side and press into rock.

Gorilla glue is one of the ones I tried. I actually have it sitting here on my desk. I've ordered some putty, but not sure how that's going to help since it won't stick to the rock.

 

[Kmst80]

I've used polyp lab glue and eventually the corals fell off again. Ecotechs ca glue worked fine for me. Clean the rock first with a tooth brush.

 

[pikachux3]

Gorilla glue is one of the ones I tried. I actually have it sitting here on my desk. I've ordered some putty, but not sure how that's going to help since it won't stick to the rock.

try smearing and pressing some super glue on the rock work where you are going to be putting the frag

it should be white and thin < 1inch in area, it'll form a hard crust for the next step

then do the sandwich method, make sure there a decent glob of super glue, and hold few a few seconds, it should connect

 

[The_Paradox]

Also make sure you’re getting real super glue eca/2oca. A lot of the consumer stuff is retarded literally. You want the stuff that offgases, makes your eyes sticky, glues fingers. If you skim the plug, skim the rock, then apply a drop it will stick. Also helps to lower plug into water upside down.

 

[FoolishWizard]

Ive always had success with any kind of super glue... It will typically "skin over" / turn white as soon as it hits water but its doesnt harden... Put it in its place and move it around to break that skin and get the glue moving between plug and rock and then hold a few seconds.

 

[kdx7214]

Also make sure you’re getting real super glue eca/2oca. A lot of the consumer stuff is retarded literally. You want the stuff that offgases, makes your eyes sticky, glues fingers. If you skim the plug, skim the rock, then apply a drop it will stick. Also helps to lower plug into water upside down.

Any brand recommendations? The ones I've tried have all said they are CA, but not the two you mentioned.

 

[The_Paradox]

Thick enough to be easy to work with.

 

[Viperdragon]

Seatak works great can get it at champion lighting

 

[Gtinnel]

I now use the superglue gel/epoxy putty/superglue gel sandwhich described above. I’ve never had a frag get knocked off the rock work using it.

 

[MoshJosh]

My CA glue guide. . . repeat steps 1 - 3 until moderate amount of glue is attached to both the rock and the bottom of the coral:

 

[FoolishWizard]

My CA glue guide. . . repeat steps 1 - 3 until moderate amount of glue is attached to both the rock and the bottom of the coral:

View attachment 3147166

This.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I have drilled the rock. Try a regular worn out Wood/Metal Bit, to test the hardness. If the rock is very hard Switch to a worn Masonry Bit. I found out worn bits work better, than brand new bits. New bits tend to splinter the rock.

 

[dadnjesse]

Seatak works great can get it at champion lighting

I would read this.

Sea Tak Review

If you are like me, you have been looking forward to the availability of SeaTak adhesive for a variety of reasons. Mine is primarily because my fish seem to take offense at some of my coral placements and often decide to redecorate on their own. I have tried all of the suggestions like superglue...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[zoomonster]

Gorilla and epoxy works for me but a lot of people like this extra thick stuff I'm going to try eventually.
Gluemasters Thick

 

[Shibaken3]

Fluval Sea Aquatic Epoxy Stick​

my favorite epoxy, works really well under water

 

[paragrouper]

I'm not sure how this would help since the super glue seems to be the part that isn't holding.

It works.

A few tips.

1. wear those disposable gloves.
2. trim up your plug (if needed) so you have a good mounting surface.
3. brush off your rock surface
4. before you apply CA glue to plug, dry plug with a towel.
5. after you place epoxy ball on plug, make an invention in the ball to act as reservoir for the CA glue. This allows you to use a bit more without it running all over your fingers.
6. as others have mentioned hold the plug upside down when until you get to the mounting point.
7. hold it in place at least the 10 seconds stated on the CA directions.