Gorgonia keeps falling over

bryanvin · 03/07/2008, 02:18 AM

i have an average sized gorgonian, 5 branches off one stalk, have tried wedging the stalk in holes in my live rock, between to lr pieces, in the sand bed, but it always falls over, or is getting knocked over by somebody in there. Any suggestions on footing it properly/more stable?

Avi · 03/07/2008, 07:16 AM

Sure...you can use an adhesive like crazy glue gel to attach its base into or onto a suitable place on your rockwork, or you can use a reef-safe epoxy like the kind that's sold specifically for aquarium use or Aquamend which is widely used for this purpose...You can get that at Home Depot and other similar stores.

serpentman · 03/07/2008, 07:34 AM

With Gorgonians, I have found epoxy works best. You have to cut the soft tissue around the base and epoxy the inner skeleton to whatever rock you want. Its just like stripping a wire.

bryanvin · 03/07/2008, 12:28 PM

Gorgonians can't be exposed to the air correct? if thats the case, I'd need to strip off the outer tissues under water? And its alright to apply the epoxy under water? Should i mix the epoxy and let it cure for a few seconds before putting in the water?

cczarnik · 03/07/2008, 04:48 PM

I think they're pretty tough. I've had mine out of water with no problems (superglue worked for me BTW). The tissue will grow down over the glue and create a wide base of attachment. Epoxy will work too..

Have even heard stories of folks shipping them rolled up in wet paper towels. I don't think you'll have problems pulling him out to glue.

03/07/2008, 02:18 AM	#1
bryanvin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 111	Gorgonia keeps falling over i have an average sized gorgonian, 5 branches off one stalk, have tried wedging the stalk in holes in my live rock, between to lr pieces, in the sand bed, but it always falls over, or is getting knocked over by somebody in there. Any suggestions on footing it properly/more stable?

03/07/2008, 07:16 AM	#2
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	Sure...you can use an adhesive like crazy glue gel to attach its base into or onto a suitable place on your rockwork, or you can use a reef-safe epoxy like the kind that's sold specifically for aquarium use or Aquamend which is widely used for this purpose...You can get that at Home Depot and other similar stores. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

03/07/2008, 07:34 AM	#3
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	With Gorgonians, I have found epoxy works best. You have to cut the soft tissue around the base and epoxy the inner skeleton to whatever rock you want. Its just like stripping a wire. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

03/07/2008, 12:28 PM	#4
bryanvin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 111	Gorgonians can't be exposed to the air correct? if thats the case, I'd need to strip off the outer tissues under water? And its alright to apply the epoxy under water? Should i mix the epoxy and let it cure for a few seconds before putting in the water? __________________ Tank started 12/01/07 Tiger Goby Coral Banded Shrimp Atlantic Flower/Rock Anemone 2 Ocelaris Clowns Coral Beauty Blue Leg Hermits Black Sea Cucumber Current Tank Info: 46g bowfront, 90 lbs live rock, 45 lbs live sand, Remora hang on skimmer, 2 Koralia # 2's, 2 x 96 watt 10,000k dual dayltight/actinic PC's, 2 phosphate reactors (one carbon/one phosban)

03/07/2008, 04:48 PM	#5
cczarnik Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 433	I think they're pretty tough. I've had mine out of water with no problems (superglue worked for me BTW). The tissue will grow down over the glue and create a wide base of attachment. Epoxy will work too.. Have even heard stories of folks shipping them rolled up in wet paper towels. I don't think you'll have problems pulling him out to glue.