Aquascaping Epoxy

[markandhisfish]

a few months back i had an ammonia/nitrite spike for no clear reason sorted it with water changes etc. yesterday i had another again no obvious reason. i realised when i took the mangrove roots out to vac the sand the source became obvious. the roots as in the pic are hollow

seems that food is falling into them and rotting as they are hollow . i was thinking i could get some aquascaping epoxy and form plates to cover the tops preventin this happening. does the epoxy have a curing period before it is safe for fish. should i just form the plates and stick them straight on or form the plates out of the tank leave them to cure then fix in place with aquarium silicone?

 

[rdd1952]

Not certain about epoxy but you certainly could use aquarium-safe silicone. Biggest issue there though would be that you would have to get it dry first as most silicone won't stick to anything but dry surfaces. Of course, if the epoxy says it's save for fish and inverts, then it should be fine.

 

[minxfishy]

Aquarium safe silicone should be fine to cover the tops with, its usually a case of leaving 48 hours to cure and then its safe to put it back into the tank.

The problem is, if they are hollow, then once covered up, will they then sink? With the weight of the water which normally fills up the holes not actually filling it up? Lord I hope that makes sense.

 

[BigC]

You can use 2 part D&D Aquascape epoxy (usually in the marine section) or Milliput from your LFS it cures underwater and is safe. But do provide plenty of oxygen as it can deplete this temporarily
Regards
BigC

 

[markandhisfish]

yes minx it is the water that weighs them down not a problem tho drill a hole in the base to let water in via the bottom. just a blob of silicone wouldnt do it as the hole in the top is easily 2.5 inch diameter

 

[minxfishy]

Ah ok, I thought you just wanted to glue something over the top of the hole, like another piece of plastic stuff (whatever you call it that the root is made of)

In which case nope silicone wouldnt work.

You know Im daft, what else would you expect me to think

 

[markandhisfish]

the plan was to use aquascaping epoxy like this stuff here to make a flat plate to then stick on with silicone once dry
http/aquatic-store.co.uk/marine/view/286

 

[rdd1952]

When I mentioned the slicone, I meant to "glue" the caps over the ends, not so much as a blob to fill the hole. Sorry if it was unclear. But it sounds like the epoxy is readily available and a much better option. Rather than drilling a hole in them to allow water in, before capping, you could probablyly put in some type inert rocks to make them sink and stay down.

 

[markandhisfish]

did think of that but there are a couple of small holes in the lower parts which would let in a certain amount of water anyway so i thought if i drilled say a 1/2 inch hole in the bottom then i can periodicly plug said hole with my finger remove roots from tank and flush through with clean water as the water im guessing would stagnate or at least get tainted over time. in a perfect world id be able to find exactly the same thing in real bogwood