how to attach hammer coral to live rock?

[PapaKlix]

is it OK to use standard frag glue that you get at LFS's?

[xJake]

Yes. That would be perfectly fine; however, in order for it to hold sufficiently you may need to use quite a bit. Personally, for bulkier corals like Euphyllia sp. (hammer, frogspawn, torch, etc.) I use the "sandwich" method of attachment. I use both epoxy putty (aquamend, aquastik, etc.) and cyanoacrylate gel (super glue, krazy glue, etc.).

First, I mix the epoxy putty as directed in the instructions and then mold it onto the base of the coral skeleton and the rock where I wish to attach it.

Most of the time, the epoxy is not sufficiently "sticky" to hold the coral in place; however, the epoxy does provide a very tight mold with a surface and subsequently interlocks very closely to the shape and structure of both the rock and the coral skeleton. This is where the cyanoacrylate gel comes into play to keep things held together.

After letting the epoxy harden to the point where it can no longer be easily molded (that is, it is no longer the consistency of dough, but is much more tacky and rigid - almost clay-like), you can then add a small amount of cyanoacrylate gel to both sides of the epoxy and then form an epoxy "sandwich" between the coral and the rock to which you are attaching it. Press the coral and rock firmly together and hold for 30-60 seconds until the glue is sufficiently cured to hold everything together.

The epoxy provides a nice intermediate molding material for fitting together the base of the coral and the rough surface of the rock, and the cyanoacrylate provides the powerful adhesive properties that are necessary to keep the entire "sandwich" held togethe and to keep the rather top-heavy coral secured in place.

Anyway, there are quite a few people that use this method for attaching all of their corals to their rocks. It essentially allows you to place any coral anywhere you'd like. Hope that helps!

[PapaKlix]

thanks for the thorough response, that makes a lot of sense. can both of those (aquamend/stik and super glue) be applied wet or do i need to take the coral out and attempt to dry it before applying? anything special to look out for with the superglue or is it labeled cyanoacrylate gel?

[xJake]

Originally posted by PapaKlix
thanks for the thorough response, that makes a lot of sense. can both of those (aquamend/stik and super glue) be applied wet or do i need to take the coral out and attempt to dry it before applying? anything special to look out for with the superglue or is it labeled cyanoacrylate gel?

They can definitely both be used wet (it's the reason why they're the adhesives of choice for corals in the first place - they both completely cure and become inert underwater or out of water); however, it's been my experience that they definitely work much better, and you can usually use a lot less, when you dry the surfaces as much as possible before gluing.

There is nothing special to look out for with superglue; the only thing I would stress is that you use the GEL and NOT the liquid type (things get messy quick, and it doesn't work anywhere near as well - or at all for that matter). I've never heard of colored, or "glitter" superglue, but I suppose it's possible; I would avoid anything out of the ordinary and get the standard, everyday, clear cyanoacrylate gel.

"Cyanoacrylate" is just the generic term for the type of glue that make-up the brand-named "Krazy Glue" and "Super Glue". Loc-tite brand also makes a cyanoacrylate gel that works nicely for this application. Loc-tite brand generally comes in larger "bulk" sizes that end up costing significantly less; this is why many people prefer it instead of other cyanoacrylate brands.

[PapaKlix]

got it, thanks a lot for the help

[xJake]

Originally posted by PapaKlix
got it, thanks a lot for the help

No problem. Be sure to let us know if you have any issues.

[wchuck]

I'm currently have my hammer wedged between 2 rocks. Will I it ever attach itself to the rock? I tried forcing it into crevices and cracks in live rock, but between my clowns, cleaner shrimp and crabs, they have knocked it doesn't SN several times. Is seems much more secure now, but just wondering if it will ever attach itself to the rock.

[JammyBirch]

Originally Posted by wchuck

I'm currently have my hammer wedged between 2 rocks. Will I it ever attach itself to the rock? I tried forcing it into crevices and cracks in live rock, but between my clowns, cleaner shrimp and crabs, they have knocked it doesn't SN several times. Is seems much more secure now, but just wondering if it will ever attach itself to the rock.

I don't think so the hard calcium nub it growing off of will stay that way. Mine is jammed in the rock also but it's a long stem and secure. These things seem to grow out.

[wchuck]

Thanks so much for the response. My stem is only about 3" long, and something has knocked it out of its perch again. Would it hurt the coral to put Locktite gel around the edge of the stem where I want it to attach between the live rocks, and hold it until it cures in place?

[JammyBirch]

Originally Posted by wchuck

Thanks so much for the response. My stem is only about 3" long, and something has knocked it out of its perch again. Would it hurt the coral to put Locktite gel around the edge of the stem where I want it to attach between the live rocks, and hold it until it cures in place?

Not at all, if it's a loose fit gluing it in is the way to go...lock it in man.

[wchuck]

Thanks again for your help! Will give it a try.