both bits or do I have to mix them first? the green part is horribly hard to mix while the purple is like chewed gum.

Both together in the microwave, then mix (knead). Softens them up and goes together much easier.

I'm using the Vertex stuff now, although I find it the same as any other I've used. I haven't used one I didn't like. I don't think :)

Been using Vertex and find it to be noticeably better then others. Softer and sets up better:lol: and a lighter color

I'm with ya on that, but I've never liked the 'blend before use' stuff as it turns my skimmer into Ol' Faithful and my equipment always gets covered in a 'goo'

I like Eco Tech Coral Glue

I've used the Vertex epoxy lately and the skimmer doesn't seem to react to it at all.

I've been using ELMER'S Marine Epoxy Putty stick & it works fine. No need to special order or visit LFS for this stuff, it's available at most hardware stores & even discount $$$ stores, usually for $10 or less. Outer part of stick is a greenish colour while the core is white. It mixes up off white, which is fine by me. A little patience & coralline will do the job & make it blend into the surroundings. I would guess most of the epoxy stick formulations 'specifically' made for our hobby are much the same. Epoxy is epoxy, the only thing to watch out for is that some of the sticks made for automotive or certain type of plumbing repairs contain copper or other funky metallic additives not suitable for our tanks. Even so, once the epoxy cures, anything in the mixture is pretty much locked in, forever.

EITI: Ok, so after posting this I watched the YouTube on the Tunze stuff. I guess not all epoxy is created equal, but they did say it costs more.... How much I wonder & is the cost worth it? While features like mixing under water are impressive, is that something I typically do, no. It also doesn't take a lot of effort to dry my hands before mixing my cheap stuff. I suppose if you're doing A LOT of fragging or major rock building, the extra cost may be worth it

I always disliked working with epoxy, I have tried a bunch of them and noticed that they all are very similar. I hate the DD epoxy, it literally turns your skimmer crazy and water murky. The Vertex epoxy is slightly better without the long curing times and microwaving, a big bonus is that it doesn't turn the water murky or mess with the skimmer. I always used super glue gel with epoxy to get the initial mold and allow for curing to occur.

im currently using fluval epoxy. no complaints.

Vertex went through over 70 different compositions before they arrived at the current offering... Sorta like saying a car is a car :P