Whats up with epoxy sticks

[ebushrow]

Hi All,
I have been using Super Glue for my frags since I started....I tried Epoxy tonight on a Huge Colony and it wouldnt work....I used the instant ocean stuff, is this stuff just crap or did I do something wrong? I followed the directions, cut a piece, knead it till its all one color, put it all in the cracks and crevices on the surface then stick the colony on....then it fell off....wth...any one with experience with this stuff I would appreciate the help.....the colony is huge....Approx 8 in across and 8 inches tall and branches everywhere...

[Bongo Shrimp]

That's what I use for my big colonies (same size as yours). It works great but don't be afraid to use a lot and to put rocks in it. I usually use enough to get under the base and around the edge and over the base rock. You can stick smaller rocks into the epoxy to help hold up the colony on the base. Also you should find a tall cup or something to support the colony for at least a half hour after putting it in and I turn off my flow if necessary. I use the ~6" sticks from home depot and frequently have to use a whole stick or more. Remember, it looks white now but coraline will cover it up.

[110galreef]

that is a big colony and will take quite a bit, plus you will have to be sure to "balance the colony somehow till the stuff sets up. When it sets up the colony will not go anywhere.

[gablett]

Heres what I do to help. I make the epoxy ball and then put a spot of super glue on both the top and the bottom of the epoxy. Seems to work well. THat way is sort of instantly temporarily holds to the rocks and the colony until the epoxy sets up.

[reeferdale]

+1. Make a 'gasket' of the putty. Then glue the rock side down, then glue the bottom o the coral and quickly press it onto the top side of the putty gasket.

Using the putty for anything else is a huge wast of money (IMO). Unless you are trying to putty dried chuncks of rock together, and evennthen it takes a lot f the stuff. $20 - $30 is too much to pay for this junk, you could use super glue or even silicone.

Originally Posted by gablett

Heres what I do to help. I make the epoxy ball and then put a spot of super glue on both the top and the bottom of the epoxy. Seems to work well. THat way is sort of instantly temporarily holds to the rocks and the colony until the epoxy sets up.