Super Glue Curing Question

[tony_caliente]

Is it safe for super glue (cyanoacrylate) to finish curing while in the aquarium? Or is it best for it to completely cure before returning the specimen to the tank?

 

[weaglereefer]

I cure mine in the tank, just have to watch out that the frag doesn't get blown over and off the plug while the glue is still setting.

 

[swfk44]

i have heard that it cures upon contact with water, as in done deal cured.

 

[weaglereefer]

Nope, still pliable, but like Charlie said, the outer surface will harden a bit, containing the rest of the glue.

A good way to mount large frags is to roll a ball of Aquamend, put glue on one spot, then push the frag into that spot. Put more glue on the ball opposite the side with the frag, and then push this whole contraption where you want it on the rock. The glue will fill all the nooks and crannies while the Aquamend flattens and provides a good base for larger corals (I've mounted frogspawn and hammer this way and they're still holding after a year). The benefit to this is if you ever want to remove the coral (if it hasn't encrusted over) you can take a knife and pop off the glue at the rock/aquamend bond and not damage the coral.

 

[tony_caliente]

Thank you gents..I have followed your advice.

 

[curator]

My experience has revealed that as soon as the glue hits water, an outer shell forms, but the inside remains soft. I have found it works most efficiently to apply the glue (gel type works best) and dip it in the water for a monet to allow abit if shell to form. Then pull it out and apply another blob on top of the first. After that, press the coral very firmy to the the desired surface and grind it around at the same time to break the shells and make good contact with the inner soft glue and the rock. Then hold it in place as still as possible for minute or two. I leave my pumps off for 5-10 minutes.

 

[curator]

What is Aquamend...reef epoxy?

 

[weaglereefer]

It's epoxy available at hardware stores, made for fixing leaks and can cure under water. It's been used for years and proven to be safe for our use. Comes in a tube, just cut off a piece and start rolling it into a ball.

 

[curator]

How does it compare to the putty-like stuff that I gave to knead fro awhile to mix?

 

[weaglereefer]

Curator;444959 wrote: How does it compare to the putty-like stuff that I gave to knead fro awhile to mix?

It's the same.

 

[curator]

Thanks!

 

[corigan]

au01st;444947 wrote: A good way to mount large frags is to roll a ball of Aquamend, put glue on one spot, then push the frag into that spot. Put more glue on the ball opposite the side with the frag, and then push this whole contraption where you want it on the rock. The glue will fill all the nooks and crannies while the Aquamend flattens and provides a good base for larger corals (I've mounted frogspawn and hammer this way and they're still holding after a year). The benefit to this is if you ever want to remove the coral (if it hasn't encrusted over) you can take a knife and pop off the glue at the rock/aquamend bond and not damage the coral.

+1.

I have tried just superglue gel, I have tried just epoxy. The combination of the two described above is what I have been doing for a while and has worked the best out of the 3 for me.

 

[rbredding]

why will superglue bond my fingers in 4 seconds but it takes 30+ seconds to hold corals?