Habitat - Indoor :: securing rocks together

[flyjawn]

i have a lot of pieces of slate like rocks that i would like to stack to build a platform for my turtle. i understand this can be dangerous though if it's not stable.

what are some suggestions for attaching the rocks to each other to make sure they won't fall over. is there any type of "glue" that is safe to use?

[LOBO]

i would think any tank adhesive would work. most pet stores will have glue that is safe for using on tanks, it might work on rocks too.

[moonlighter]

Same problem here and the tank silicone works on some rocks but it is not very strong. I was thinking of trying some thick stainles wire or nails fitted to drilled holes. Haven't tryed it yet.

[Cramer]

I use Marine JB weld for such things: i.e, plugging leaks/holes, securing objects or attachments and filling surfaces.
It's a tube of 2-part epoxy puddy, that you kneed and apply to the surface. It cures rock hard in minutes, even underwater. It's holding the wire on my basking area, plugging holes in my pond's hosing and my grill on my car. I keep a tube in my glovebox, motorcycle, under tank and hiking pack for any emergency fix.
You can find it with the glues at Lowes or Home Depot.

[Bumby's Mom]

Unless you have a really large tank I woud opt for a floating dock or a suction dock as they take up virtually no room.

[flyjawn]

I use Marine JB weld for such things: i.e, plugging leaks/holes, securing objects or attachments and filling surfaces.
It's a tube of 2-part epoxy puddy, that you kneed and apply to the surface. It cures rock hard in minutes, even underwater. It's holding the wire on my basking area, plugging holes in my pond's hosing and my grill on my car. I keep a tube in my glovebox, motorcycle, under tank and hiking pack for any emergency fix.
You can find it with the glues at Lowes or Home Depot.

thanks! i'll lok for that tomorrow.

[SpotsMama]

Just a word of caution. Last summer my turtle basked outside on a large flagstone that looked sort of like slate. It seemed pretty smooth to me but apparently it wasn't smooth enough as it caused some injuries to Spot's plastron. Since slate is so hard, be sure it's very very smooth and there aren't any sharp edges for your turt to hurt his shell on.

[megcornell]

Cramer, are you sure that welding stuff you use is non-toxic? I'd be wary of using it in a tank.

[Cramer]

Cramer, are you sure that welding stuff you use is non-toxic? I'd be wary of using it in a tank.

No. Not 100%, but it's a trick of the trade of serious saltwater aquarists with sensitive fish. So, fully cured, I'd bet it's fine for turtles.

[wezeles]

i use waterproof solid epoxy on mine, the kind you kkneed the 2 colors together...

the "aqurium specific" epoxy will cost you 6 bucks a tube but its identical household version is only 2 bucks at best... i even saw an infomercial with the oxy clean guy selling some.. non toxic just gotta let it cure all the way, and holds like crazy. my rocks will break before the epoxy will.

[flyjawn]

thanks guys!

how long do you leave it to cure?

[wezeles]

read the package but noramlly 24 hours is more than enough...

[flyjawn]

i emailed JB weld directly to inquire about using their product in an aquarium and they just responded and assured me that it's non toxic.

[Cramer]

Good! Cuz I don't always (or ever, really) wait for it to cure before it goes in.