What is everyone using for epoxy?

[Charlie the Reefer]

As I've had SPS colonies grow out and had the need to make lots of frags, I see the value of epoxy over superglue, or in combination with superglue.

However, I'm having issues finding a good source of epoxy. All of the epoxies I have found online are for such low amounts, and it seems silly to buy like 10 7$ sticks of epoxy. So just out of curiosity, what epoxies have you found are best, considering cost and function?

Thanks.

 

[TX_REEF]

what do you consider a low amount? What would you consider a large amount? I think "reef safe" epoxy is a specialty product so the price is somewhat justifiable. You also don't need to use that much, I can't say I've ever used a full stick in one go besides securing an entire rockscape

 

[Leadfooted]

Aqua Forest Poly glue for the win!

 

[TX_REEF]

Aqua Forest Poly glue for the win!

That gives me a thought for OP - if the amount of bonding material you need is truly enormous, maybe consider something like reef safe cement? You'd have to have everything fragged up and ready to go and then mount them all at once though I think, to avoid mixing numerous batches of cement. You'd definitely save $, though!

StoneFix Aquascaping Cement

Aquaforest's StoneFix is a highly efficient, quickly bonding cement-based glue perfect for connecting large rock structures while aquascaping. Take full creative control of your aquarium aquascape -- bond live rock or ceramic rock, inside or outside of the aquarium, with this non-toxic compound...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Reeferbadness]

I use Instant Ocean which is easy to get on Amazon. Easy to use, holds really well. Less expensive than other brands that i've seen at LFS

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

what do you consider a low amount? What would you consider a large amount? I think "reef safe" epoxy is a specialty product so the price is somewhat justifiable. You also don't need to use that much, I can't say I've ever used a full stick in one go besides securing an entire rockscape

Yes, sorry I understand that is kind of ambiguous.

Small amount I'm referring to the sticks of 4-20oz epoxy. A lot of vendors I have ordered from sell every frag on an epoxy base, and I'd be surprised if they're just buying these small sticks in bulk. So I'm curious if there is a solution here, like a huge batch you can just get.

Yeah, I am thinking something like the reef cement may be the way to go.

 

[Leadfooted]

That gives me a thought for OP - if the amount of bonding material you need is truly enormous, maybe consider something like reef safe cement? You'd have to have everything fragged up and ready to go and then mount them all at once though I think, to avoid mixing numerous batches of cement. You'd definitely save $, though!

StoneFix Aquascaping Cement

Aquaforest's StoneFix is a highly efficient, quickly bonding cement-based glue perfect for connecting large rock structures while aquascaping. Take full creative control of your aquarium aquascape -- bond live rock or ceramic rock, inside or outside of the aquarium, with this non-toxic compound...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I prefer the poly glue because it does not have the heat exchange like Two part epoxy and super glue combo.

 

[Gtinnel]

I’ve used the instant ocean epoxy in the past but I normally use JB Waterweld that I buy from Walmart.
I don’t know about buying any in bulk though. You may be able to reach out to a few vendors and I’d bet they’d be willing to tell you what they use and how they get it.

 

[Doctorgori]

I use Instant Ocean which is easy to get on Amazon. Easy to use, holds really well. Less expensive than other brands that i've seen at LFS

Yup I get it often, but the stock is sometimes old/stiff…. same goes for the seachem stuff
Tunze is a good brand but pricey
…I’ve been using those “rocks” that you heat in the microwave…works ok w/o glue

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

Thanks for all the responses everyone, very helpful.

 

[reinert]

I use Instant Ocean which is easy to get on Amazon. Easy to use, holds really well. Less expensive than other brands that i've seen at LFS

I'm having trouble with this one! It does hold but it doesn't. I have one side of the rock that will not hold a coral. Any other suggestions?

 

[paragrouper]

I'm having trouble with this one! It does hold but it doesn't. I have one side of the rock that will not hold a coral. Any other suggestions?

I use it combined with superglue. A small bit of superglue between the plug and the epoxy, another between the epoxy and the rock. Works very well.

 

[Reeferbadness]

I'm having trouble with this one! It does hold but it doesn't. I have one side of the rock that will not hold a coral. Any other suggestions?

I agree with the last post on this - use the superglue sandwich method. Superglue the epoxy to your plug/coral, then glue it to the rock and squish it down a little. Mine usually hold up indefinitely this way.

 

[UK-Reefer]

In the UK we have something called Milliput. Used properly, I found it very good for making my aquascape. Not loads needed and is hard as anything I have ever known when set.

Check it out if it's available at your location.