Desperate ???????????????

[rusty]

Firstly. atatching frags. I have tried milliput 2 part epoxy. used as directed but when wet it just goes gooe'y and the frags detatch themselves!!!!!
I have heard superglue is used? how do you use it. surely you have to keep the frag underwater. so how do you do it. sounds easy to those who can manage it. am I asking something silly?
Secondly My calc & alk never seem to be stable at the req'd perams..
Its fine for a couple of days after adding Kent A&B but 2 days later it drops back and settles at Alk 7.5 to 8 Calc always seems to be at 360.
(100lbs live rock)
everything looks fine regarding fish & corals. in fact the corals are growing.
Trouble is I was thinking of a squamosa clam and these need higher levels.
Have trouble sorting out a calc reactor as we cant get Co2 units here.
I manage to get an industrial cylinder its about 3 feet tall and used for dispensing drink so the Co2 is o.k
I have a argon gas controller which has 2 dial. one for capacity and one for flow. I have connected a flow reg to the output but cant figure out a way to couple this to the deltec unit which has a fine control. this came with the disposable canister, lasted 3 weeks on the Discus tank.
So the problem is still with low calc & alk. the way things are going its costing a fortune with Kent.
Starting to get desperate. can anyone help????????????????

[Ninong]

Super glue is cyanoacrylate. It comes in the thin, runny kind or the thicker gel kind. The gel is better. There are several different brands, as long as it says "Gel Super Glue, Cyanoacrylate Adhesive." Here is one brand that is sold at one of the U.S. online vendors: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=Glue

It is better to use this stuff outside of the aquarium whenever possible. Just apply a small amount of it at the dry base of the frag and then immediately press it against the surface of the rock that you want to attach it to. Wait about 30 seconds and then place in a bowl of tankwater to cure for an hour or so before returning to the aquarium. If that's not possible, then apply a small amount to the base of the frag (try to dry it first) and then immediately stick the frag up against the rock in the aquarium and hold it in position for about one to two minutes. This works better with small size frags because large pieces always want to fall over before it sticks well enough.


The two-part epoxy sticks also work. They are available online in versions designed for reef aquarium use: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=Glue

You can buy a similar product at any large home improvement/hardware store. The only difference is that the price will be much less and the set up time will be longer. In the home improvement stores (Home Depot in the U.S.) it is found as an epoxy stick to patch fiberglas boats. You simply cut off a small piece, 1 - 2 cm, and knead it together in your palm to mix the two parts. It will remain soft and pliable for about 15 minutes or so before it begins to set up. The version that is sold specifically for reef tank use sets up in only 1 - 2 minutes, so it has to be used very quickly. That's an advantage and a disadvantage depending on your needs at the time. If you buy the cheaper product from the home improvement store you will get the hang of it and soon learn when it is time to stick the piece against the rock. It can take a good ten to fifteen minutes of manipulation to get it just right. This stuff works better when you have a very uneven surface to work with so that it has nooks and crannies to fill in.

I have used all three of those products and each has its unique advantages in particular situations.

Why are you using a two-component calcium/alk product to maintain calcium and alkalinity if you are concerned about cost? That makes no sense at all. Switch to limewater (Kalkwasser in German). Don't buy the expensive stuff with the German label, just buy plain old food grade calcium hydroxide from the grocery store. You will find it in the pickling supplies. It is called "Pickling Lime." You must make sure that it contains no additives or spices. It must be 100% pure calcium hydroxide. Over here there are two brands, Mrs. Wages and Ball's. A 12 oz. bag costs only about US$1.39 at Wal-Mart or $1.85 online direct from Mrs. Wages. That is exactly the same stuff as the more expensive stuff with the "Kalkwasser" name on the label except that the pickling lime is food grade and the Kalkwasser is a bit more refined. I use Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime: http://store.yahoo.com/mrswages/mrswagpiclim.html