toothman
02/03/2008, 07:56 AM
There are two brands of epoxy readily available. Two little fishies (the grey one) and Aquarium systems hold fast epoxy (the green one).
I have personally used about 10 sticks of each to mount just coral not rock.
I have found that the two little fishies brand or grey epoxy really makes the skimmer go nuts, to the point that the collection cup needs to be removed for 2 or 3 days.
The Hold fast mixes to a bright white color that will eventually be encrusted but can be very noticeable for a wile. They both have the same texture. They both have the same bonding ability. The hold fast brand does not make the skimmer go nuts. This is a big difference!! It is also cheaper in general.
Another tip is to microwave the putty prior to mixing, it makes it soft and easy to mix. It also makes it set a lot quicker. In my microwave I set it for 20 secs for half a stick. You want it softened not melted.
I also only allow frags or colonies to dry in the water as epoxy does heat when curing. I think the water allows most of the heat to dissipate into the water vs. the frag.
By the way any mounting is a Maddening process. They like to fall off. I do think epoxy works better than super glue in the long run. I have found that super glue works well but may fall off in a week. It does not make it any easier with a resident bulldozer, clown fish and nocturnal wrecking machines called turbo snails.
Hope my experience may help.
I have personally used about 10 sticks of each to mount just coral not rock.
I have found that the two little fishies brand or grey epoxy really makes the skimmer go nuts, to the point that the collection cup needs to be removed for 2 or 3 days.
The Hold fast mixes to a bright white color that will eventually be encrusted but can be very noticeable for a wile. They both have the same texture. They both have the same bonding ability. The hold fast brand does not make the skimmer go nuts. This is a big difference!! It is also cheaper in general.
Another tip is to microwave the putty prior to mixing, it makes it soft and easy to mix. It also makes it set a lot quicker. In my microwave I set it for 20 secs for half a stick. You want it softened not melted.
I also only allow frags or colonies to dry in the water as epoxy does heat when curing. I think the water allows most of the heat to dissipate into the water vs. the frag.
By the way any mounting is a Maddening process. They like to fall off. I do think epoxy works better than super glue in the long run. I have found that super glue works well but may fall off in a week. It does not make it any easier with a resident bulldozer, clown fish and nocturnal wrecking machines called turbo snails.
Hope my experience may help.