Have You Used Reef Cement , If So..

[Luke.]

as title says
If so what kind did you use and how much did you need ? I have about

35pounds of Marco shelf rock
10-15 pounds of Marco (cut flat one side)
50-60 pounds of Marco (cut flat both sides)

So I’d like to use some here and there but stacking won’t be a problem it’s more holding the shelf rock in the flat on both sides to stick out in other words no more then 1/3 of the rocks will need some , I read bad things about everything (not surprised)

I was going to use aquaforest stone fix , because decent prices (although a little challenging to find anything bigger then the small container) but want to know what works and how you guys liked what you use .

 

[Matt1997]

I used the one by AquaForest and it was crap

 

[Luke.]

I used the one by AquaForest and it was crap

Was it to runny and then Crumbled ?

 

[Matt1997]

Exactly that

 

[Luke.]

Exactly that

Did you try something else ?

 

[Matt1997]

Did you try something else ?

Went with those epoxy sticks after. They hold together poorly until fully cured. Gave up on the initial arches I had planned.

 

[Luke.]

View attachment 20932
Went with those epoxy sticks after. They hold together poorly until fully cured. Gave up on the initial arches I had planned.

I see , how many pounds you roughly got in there ?

 

[Copperkills]

Was it to runny and then Crumbled ?

I used the AF Stonefix and although it was a tad bit messy it cured and hardened like concrete. The trick to apply it is purely timing, can’t be too soupy and can’t be too dry.

 

[Matt1997]

I see , how many pounds you roughly got in there ?

I have about 100lbs

 

[Monnishan]

What Copperkills said. I used the AF product. Flooring guy so i use a lot of mortar mixes installing ceramic tile.

 

[bluewater]

What about emarco 400 ? I've never used it but looks promising. Its hydraulic cement they say can be used on live rock then immediately returned to tank

Technically you could use any cement... But then there's (6 months?) Wait while it cures and leaches out..

Cheers

 

[Kman]

I use AF Stonefix. It is difficult to use as it sets and dries so quickly. But the trick is make smaller batches using plastic cups and spoons but make sure you have quite a few on hand. Mix your batch a little wetter then the directions tell you to. The extra wetness gives you that few extra moments to set it in place. I myself use it our of the water in smaller rock sections. Say 3 or 4 rocks or in preformed sections and let them harden 24 hrs. Then cement those sections in place in the tank with epoxy as it still creates a solid structure but allows you a little more flexibility if you don't like something or need to move a section. Trust me this is important as it might look good in the planning phase but be way off or not look right once in place. I tend to only epoxy all the sections once I have completed the rock structure and like the look and function of it. Just support the section when moving them or they can crack. Better yet if you can build all the structure dry in take then add the wet finishing rocks after it is all said and done.

This stuff is a huge pain to use but I love it. Once I did a few batches and got the hang of things the process was quite simple and fast.

 

[Dr. Zoos]

Fiji crete I had picked up from @unibob years ago. Worked amazing. I used amd made it in very small batches. It sets fast. Assembled it all on a box with markers for the dimensions so I knew what I was dealing with. Still all together and strong