Need chemistry input on an epoxy I plan to use

[jlinzmaier]

I'm planning to glue some LR to the closed loop plumbing inside my tank. I've been looking into different epoxies and I'm wondering if this one that I've found would be acceptable. Just need some input from the chemistry experts becuase I don't want to find out 5 years down the road that my tank is killing all living animals because of the type of epoxy I used.

Here's the info:

http://protective.sherwin-williams.com/detail.jsp?A=sku-26173%3aproduct-6842

MSDS info:
Resin

http://www.paintdocs.com/webmsds/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=STORECAT&doctype=MSDS&lang=E&prodno=B58WX610

Hardener

http://www.paintdocs.com/webmsds/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=STORECAT&doctype=PDS&lang=E&prodno=B58VX600


Now some general info:

http://www.paintdocs.com/webmsds/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=STORECAT&doctype=PDS&lang=E&prodno=B58WX610

http://www.paintdocs.com/webmsds/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=STORECAT&doctype=PDS&lang=E&prodno=B58VX600

I'm assuming that epoxy for "potable water" is the category least likely to leach toxins or trace elements. Is that any other category of epoxy which is less likely to leach toxins or trace elements??

The data shows 18 month submersion in saltwater with no blistering or loss of adhesion. I'm sure it will last longer and be fine, I suspect they just aren't going to test all their products with a 25 year submersion test.

Any feedback on the products would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

Jeremy

[HighlandReefer]

It is hard to say what effect these glues may have without knowing more about contaminates.....etc not listed in data sheets. I would use a glue that has been proven safe by many hobbyists in my own tank. ;)

[jlinzmaier]

Thanks Cliff.

I'll post in the DIY section and see what their thoughts are.

Jeremy

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It's hard to say how it will perform long term (under seawater is tough on adhesives), but with enough roughness/mechanical interlocking it may well hold where attached to a flat surface (glass, etc), it may not.

The ingredients listed do not particularly concern me once cured.

[HighlandReefer]

Your welcome. :)

Sounds like a fan plan to me. You may want to search the internet using the names of the glue you would like to use + the words "reef aquarium."

[saltwaterfiend]

what about plan old silicon

[HighlandReefer]

Plan old silicon glue is perfect for your purpose IMHO, as long as you clean the rock substrate completely clean of all organic debris and coralline algae where you plan to place it.

[jlinzmaier]

Plan old silicon glue is perfect for your purpose IMHO, as long as you clean the rock substrate completely clean of all organic debris and coralline algae where you plan to place it.

Right on Cliff!! My initial thoughts were just that!! I bought about 8 tubes of GE #1 silicone and went to work. I removed the PVC from the tank and got my LR rubble which had been fully cured and cleaned (as well as dried). I got about three large CL outlets entirely covered on one side and thought it was going great. The next day I checked it out and the rock fell off with little to no pressure. The silicone did stick to the PVC very well and really created the type of strong bond I was looking for. It takes a screwdriver and pliers to get it off. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed and now have 7 extra tubes of silicone.

I know it isn't practical, but I then though I'd give aquamend a try. I couldn't get it to stick to the PVC or rock. I'm sure it would have held better to the PVC if I roughed it up a bit but I'm dumbfounded as to why it wouldn't stick to the rock.

Thanks for the input everyone! Any further suggestions are very much welcomed as well as any thoughts about why the silicone isn't sticking to the rock.

Thanks.

Jeremy