Question re: epoxy

[marilu]

I'd like to build a rock retaining wall (to separate the water area from the "land" area) in my upcoming vivarium/paludarium. However, I need to glue the rocks together, and was wondering if there is a particular type of epoxy or glue or silicone that's best for this job. I'd like something that will blend in color-wise, (i.e., NOT white), and not be toxic to any critters. Thanks so much for whatever help you can give. This is truly an awesome forum!!!

P.S. I'm sure this question has already been asked, so bear with me. I just didn't know where to find the info.

[yesyestheoneandonly]

Problem is, once i tell you what to use, you have to look it up on here and your going to see a million things you will probably rather do.

Your looking for

Great stuff - a spray foam
GE Silicone II - pet safe, every home depot and sometimes wal-mart

[marilu]

Thanks for the information...that's really helpful. I was also wondering if there's any type of epoxy that is safe. Do you have any info on that?

[Waterkeeper]

HOLDFAST
the sticks of 2 part epoxy putty made by Marineland will work perfectly. it is a green tube of epoxy with the second part in the middle. it can be moulded and is sturdy when still "wet"

It is made for joining coral to rock, so bet it will be safe for you. it hardens like steel. would make a perfect "mortar" for your rocks.

[yesyestheoneandonly]

see! good question marilu!

i didnt know that about the 2 part, i have some too but i didn't know it was a safe product.

[marilu]

Thanks, Waterkeeper, for your addition to my growing pool of information!
This is what I was hoping to find. I'll try to buy some of this stuff, if I ever get around to building anything. I thought the process would be simple, but the more I research, the more I realize that it's a very delicate process, with a lot to be taken into consideration. I'd like to do things right, so whatever kind of critters (leaning toward dendrobates) I end up with, they'll be happy and healthy. I'm aiming at having a vivarium that looks good, too, since I'm a real plant-lover and enjoy beautiful plantings. Anyway, I'm grateful for your help. It's great to find a forum with such nice members!

[Waterkeeper]

I know many people have used the Ace Hardware brand of the same stuff underwater in reef tanks without any issues either.
the ace brand will dry grey instead of green.

[Gold3nku5h]

i'VE been wondering about all these 2 part epoxies, i think they all dry inert, meaning they shouldn't leech anything. They are all different colors so it makes me think they couldn't be used interchangably. i might try and do a little test with it submerged underwater after cured witha little minow and see how long it takes to die. thats mean, i wouldn't do it, but it'd sure let you know. anyways i could also check the ingredients, but i'd have to do some collecting and driving around. i know of a few places that use it for various things ie, wood repairs, plumbers epoxy, and other epoxies for aquarium, rocks, and such.

[marilu]

Thanks, Waterkeeper and Gold3nku5h for adding your knowledge. It's all helpful to me...since I know so very little about vivarium/paludarium
construction. I am gleaning a whole pool of knowledge here, though. Everyone is so helpful and so willing to share information.

[Waterkeeper]

just want to make sure we all know this stuff i am showing you is not like the 2 part liquid epoxy's in a tube (tho the process it takes to harden may be the same)
this stuff is like play-dough(remember that stuff?) as you knead the 2 parts into each other (like making pizza dough) the stuff starts to harden(24 hour process).

i used a liquid 2 part epoxy for joining the eggcrate to glass for my tank top and that stuff set in under 20 seconds.