Concrete to bond rock?

Delphinus · #1 05-26-2009, 02:34 AM

Has anyone here used concrete to bond rocks, as opposed to say building a PVC skeletal structure, or using acrylic or fibreglass rods after drilling holes?

Noticed Ching Chai's doing it on his new tank build so got to thinking about it. He says he's using regular concrete. I thought this would make the pH of the water unpalatable for quite some time?

Or is it OK in small enough doses?

I remember a few years ago about a polymer based concrete which I think is used as a patching compound, but I couldn't find the exact brand name (I think it was discontinued). And I kind of forget the name now anyhow.

I did find another polymer based patching compound though at Home Depot, but I'm not sure how strong it would be. Maybe it's OK?

Or is it really OK just to use regular old Portland cement and just use as little as possible? (Call me a skeptic, I just don't see me getting away with it, is all..)

Myka · #2 05-26-2009, 04:11 AM

I imagine that's a poor idea since it takes so long to cure. I'm pretty sure it affects more than just the pH. I do believe it leaches something for awhile, but I'm not totally sure. I wouldn't try it.

Veng68 · #3 05-26-2009, 04:29 AM

If you can get a hold of Thorite Cement (check with BASF (they are the big distributor) to find a local retailer).

This is a marine based cement and won't cause a pH change like normal cement. Google "Thorite Cement"..... there are many reef related threads about thorite.

Cheers,
Vic

Veng68 · #4 05-26-2009, 04:36 AM

Sanjay Joshi used it on his big build....... check out his thread:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=26

Cheers,
Vic

Delphinus · #5 05-26-2009, 05:24 AM

Thorite! That's the stuff I was thinking of. I thought I read it was discontinued, but I can't find any info now to confirm that. Maybe it's more that I have no idea where you can get it. HD/Rona/etc doesn't seem to have it.

Veng68 · #6 05-26-2009, 06:07 AM

This is BASF the main distributor of Thorite. Give them a try.
http://www.thoroproducts.com/

Charger Corp also distributes it
http://www.chargar.com/Products/prod_mf.html

Cheers,
Vic

Richard_Dicosimo · #7 02-10-2019, 09:33 PM

Hey guys. How did this workout for you guys now that it's been so many years? Held strong? Would you recommend cementing your aquascape together? Or did it cause problems?

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Delphinus · #8 02-11-2019, 05:28 PM

My tank is still using rockwork that was bonded into shapes using the stuff I found.

FWIW I don't even think "Emaco Architectural R400" exists anymore either, it's called something else now (because why not change the name a bunch more times).

I *think* this is it now: http://www.jamacsales.com/dt_portfol...architectural/

I have no idea if it still sets at a neutral pH. I would presume so but would be worthwhile researching or experimenting first before going full on with it in a new tank.

Richard_Dicosimo · #9 02-12-2019, 12:08 AM

I'd love to see pics if you have any Tony?

Bryan · #10 02-12-2019, 01:37 AM

I took the tank down long time ago, so really can't comment much on it long term. I have used the Reef Crest Aqua Weld and it worked not bad for cementing rocks, they have a PRO version, not sure what the difference is.

What works well is drilling a hole in the rock with a masonry bit and insert a acrylic dowel before cementing, adds a lot more support if doing overhangs etc.