Is regular epoxy reef safe ?

[kotlec]

Can I use regular 30min 2 part epoxy to glue some sand to tank bottom ? I dont like when powerheads blow sand from bottom glass and I can see it like mirror. Thought may be painting glass with very thin layer of epoxy and pouring some dry aragonite sand will solve problem.
Othervise I keep very shallow layer of sand, as was frightened by amount of stinky sediment buried in sandbed when was removing it from old tank. Now I keep stronger water movement around bottom, but that causes another disadvantage :(

[srusso]

thats interesting, I believe it would be reef safe. But that is just my 2 cents.... tagging along!

[Floyd R Turbo]

I would think it safer to use RTV silicone and do the same thing. Good idea! Either way, you would want to let it cure for a couple weeks.

Epoxy should be safe, I did some searching on this a while back though and got a mixed-bag of answers. Some saying that you had to make sure that it was free of metal binders, others saying that it's a 2 part reaction, and once the reaction part is done the only thing left behind is completely inert so you're fine. Better safe than sorry though, RTV-108 http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/rtv-silicones/adhesives-sealants/rtv108/ is what all aquarium manufacturers use.

109 is grey http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/rtv-silicones/adhesives-sealants/rtv109/

103 is black http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/rtv-silicones/adhesives-sealants/rtv103/

May be harder to find outside of the US though.

[kotlec]

I wish I had 2 weeks of time. My tank front glass is reglued and curing (as it seemed to me it wanted to disintegrate). I asked on RC for minimum silicone curing time and answers were 24 to 48 hours.
I was thinking about using silicone myself, but remembered that some algae or coraline like to grow in to it somehow. Would not like to get "dirty " look after time. Another concern is that sand particles can escape from silicone layer after brushing and scraping (i like to keep things clean :D).

All beauties found new home in ancient temporary tank on the floor in the middle of sons room.

[Floyd R Turbo]

Ask 'acrylics' on RC, of any reputable tank builder. 72 hours until water test, 2 weeks to guaranteed reef safe. Other suggestions are 'in a pinch' and with a level of risk.

[kotlec]

What for is acrylics in my case ? My tank is glass and glued with silicone.

72 hours OK.
2 weeks - no way my pets will survive on the floor.

[Floyd R Turbo]

That's the user on RC that has been building tanks for 25 years. When you've done it that long you learn about the other sides of the industry also

[RkyRickstr]

That 48 hour rule is bs.. thats how i killed 1k in coral and fish.

Now i wait untill i cant smell silicone. Most of the time takes a week, then i run ro on it for a week and dump it out. Do not follow the 48hr rule!!!

[kotlec]

Okay thanks !

[Floyd R Turbo]

72 hours to full bond strength. The acetic acid will continue to leech, and that's industrial strength AA not your 5% vinegar. Your livestock is less at risk on the floor IMO

[SantaMonica]

Regular "clear" epoxy is safe; gray or black has metal particles.

[kotlec]

Thanks Santa. Luckily I have clear.

[kotlec]

Tank repaired and running.
Epoxy mod worked perfectly. I did 2 inch wide stripe around perimeter as thought the rest will be covered with rock and coral. Now I wish I had covered more as some bald spots appear here and there towards center , but not that distracting as before.

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