Is there any so called "Aquarium Safe" cement in the market?

[sheng]

Hi all,

Is there any so called "Aquarium Safe" cement in the market?
If yes, where can i find it.

Thought of trying DIY rock scaping.

Thanks

[fisherw]

Do you mean cement specifically? I have used silicone sealant which might be suitable for your use. The brand is Nirox and the packaging states "Non-toxic for freshwater and saltwater aquarium". Bought it from Polyart. There are several sizes. I bought the smallest, 1.13 oz (32 gm), size of a travel-size tube of toothpaste. Very cheap, under $5.

[sheng]

Yup, cement, thought of DIY rock scape.

[kzi]

Hi there,

There is a cement for portable water.

For using at the water tank at HDB flat.

But is "portable" equal to aquarium safe?

kzi

[sheng]

oh really.
where you saw it?

[WK_Tan]

Yup, cement, thought of DIY rock scape.

I used cement to seal the holes at the bottom of vases, to keep water plants.
Before any fish is introduce, I put water in the vase and put it outdoor for weeks. You can then test by introducing feeder fish.

Remember to check frequently for mosquito breeding. I think that is also a sign that the cement is fish safe

[BFG]

There are actually aquarium safe 'cement' but it is called Epoxy in the marine hobby. Lots of brand available but you'll only find them in marine lfs.

[Eralf]

Well, generally cement refers to 'glues' that sticks based on solvent evaporation. The glue hardens when the solvent it's dissolved in evaporates. For aquarium, the common cement would be silicone sealants. But off the shelf silicone sealants generally does not provides sufficient strength for rock scaping, they are usually for sealing leaks.

For your purpose, an aquarium purpose epoxy would be more suitable. An epoxy consists of a base and a hardener, when mixed together, they would cure and harden to form either a clay-like or plastic-like material.

However, do not use those general purpose epoxy you find in hardware shops. As the monomers or the component of the base is usually toxic before they set. Make sure you use one that is stated safe for aquarium use. Read the instructions carefully, check if they are safe to use underwater or if you have to wait until they are fully cured before being immersed in water.


C328 sells this:


It's not cheap and I can't really review it as I've never use any other aquarium purpose epoxy other than this one . If you are at C328, asked the uncle or auntie where they are. They are usually buried somewhere on their casiher desk.

[sheng]

Thanks for the great information.