Aquascaping the Tidal Gardens SPS Show Tank! Episode 2

Nitrile Work Gloves - amzn.to/3joUF31
GlueMasters Thin Super Glue - gluemasters.com/
StarBond Thin Super Glue - DOES NOT WORK!!!
#tidalgardens #coral #reeftank
I’m certain it is lost on no one that I’ve been procrastinating on this SPS show tank build. What we wanted to try was a technique I saw online where an aquascape could be made using super glue and sand. This guy was tossing sand or finely crushed rock powder in the gap between rocks and then using a little bit of liquid super glue to solidify it. By repeating this process it would build a strong bond between the two rocks. Using this method he created some really cool aquascapes. My first thought was that this would be a major pain but boy was I wrong. THIS IS AWESOME! Once we are happy building out the structures, I plan to soak them in RO for a few days and then introduce them into the show tanks. Hopefully the next time you see our setup here we will have the foundation of our SPS system all done!
Visit us at: www.tidalgardens.com
0:00 Introduction
2:04 Safety PSA
3:12 Baking Soda Experiment
4:29 Caribsea Sand Experiment
4:59 Structural Strength
6:12 Mortar
6:43 Super Glue Choices
9:16 LFS Premium Product?
10:10 Aquascape Design Philosophy
11:35 Conclusion
11:55 Credits
Video:
Camera Gear List on Amazon
Canon C200
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS macro
Canon EF MP-E 65mm f/2.8 macro
Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8
Free Fly Movi Pro Stabilizer
Kessler Crane Motorized Slider
Copyright Information:
This video was shot and edited by Tidal Gardens. Tidal Gardens owns all intellectual property rights to this content.

[@tidalgardens]

Hopefully by the time you see this we will be much further along building the aquascape for the SPS show tank. Here is how we are going about building the structure.

[@vwjunkie03]

Tidal Gardens bob smith industries insta-cure is my choice for extra thin CA glue

[@googIereallysucks]

Why doesn’t the starbond glue work?

[@MrCarlosec83]

www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASQ5SEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mL5lFbJV8EBM1 Fastcap 2p-10 is the best THIN super glue. I have used in many applications. A little pricier but any wood shop will sell these. Readily available.

[@MrCarlosec83]

BTW. Thanks for the vid. We did our aquascape today, but thanks to your HOW-TO video we got the courage to try. We have 2p-10 at the shop which is why after seeing the type of glue you used, it was very similiar product we use to bond all types of materials instantly. We used Marco rocks and aragonite sand, dropped a test rock and the rock broke and the union was intact.

[@caspiannoe4338]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@silkscorpion777]

Years later I am still referencing this video. Thank you guys! Great job!

[@fellowreefer]

This video and few other you tubers have definitely helped me and inspired me to really come up with a NEW scape for my NEW build that I consider being my DREAM TANK. Thank you guys for this video and the part two of the process. Thank you 🙏

[@benclark452]

So excited to see this Tank up and running!

[@rainingmackenzie]

Ultra Teaser.... A true eye opener .Definitely a first for me. Thank you for the video!!!! Cant wait to see your show tank .

[@TheBritishMelonn]

Awesome idea, thank you for showing this to us

[@tidalgardens]

No problem 👍

[@florianschmidbauer6853]

Jea we in Germany use the Superglue technique but mostly in Freshwater Aquascaping. In Saltwater it should do perfectly fine too. One little thing that you can try is to use Cigarettfilters or some other compressed filterwool as baselayer between the Rocks. This Cigarettfilter is covered in thin Superglue. Do not wonder it will kind of smoke and get hot within a few seconds. This bond is absolutely strong. For ecstatical reasons, you can cover the bond with rockpowder after you put the Superglue on the. Be fast with this the bond will be hard within 5 to 10 seconds. Rockpowder from the same material as the howl Aquascap will be literally invisible. Sand can be above water look nice but look kompletly different under water.

[@ArrickthaRed]

Never saw this particular glue sand combo before. I mean saw people covering joints with sand but not this specific technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks for watching!

[@dusk1947]

Excellent discussion and idea. Thank you

[@tidalgardens]

Our pleasure!

[@vai_ser_marinho]

This looks great!

[@adamkwek5888]

Can't wait to see your master piece!

[@tidalgardens]

You and me both!

[@captivebredcanada]

While I'm no fan of dry rock I enjoyed the video. I especially like that you are considering having the places for the fish to hide. One trend with the more elaborate aquascapes is hiding spots become fewer and fewer since people want crazy overhangs and arches that look great but from the top and the bottom (so the bottom is not completely hidden from view). I love looking in the morning or late at night and not seeing many or even any fish despite having reasonable stocking levels. I know you can't get good live rock anymore and you probably never will be able to again but I picture myself some years in the future combining the 100s of lbs of quality live rock I have spread across 3 systems on a table like how you have this setup, with some sort of spray bar spraying saltwater over while I work and then putting the rock in totes or pools until its ready for that dream tank I someday hopefully will have.

[@dlegarern1]

This is awesome! I’m not sure I would have the stones to use it on a large structure but I’m definitely using it for some small caves I can’t wait to see the finished product

[@tidalgardens]

Go for it!

[@TankTastic]

Looks like it turned out well

[@AquaSplendor]

It's my favorite way to glue rock, a lot of freshwater aquascaper use that technique. I couldn't find the glue I wanted on amazon either a year ago, bought one overpriced =/. My LFS do this type of aquascape in montréal. I know WWC in Florida started also something similar. If you have place, why not, it,s fun!

[@jr8688]

What the what! Its basically your home DIY e-macro mortor!! so 😎 🆒️

[@johnwilliams4806]

Nice information thank you

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks for liking

[@DogFacePuffa]

Hey love that Cuyahoga falls shirt! I hiked there last year while at a conference in Cleveland. Conference ended around four each day and by 5 I was out in the woods every night. Loved it!

[@tidalgardens]

Very cool!

[@volteface69]

Merci pour cette vidéo !!!👍👍👍

[@DaveKentLive]

The bigger the tank the more the work..and requiring much more talent .That's why most are into the mini's 5 gallons right now. Imagine trying to build and manage dozens of tanks at a store. I've done it and it's never ending work.

[@christiansc5741]

You deserve more suscriptors. Very good stuff!!

[@handlehaggler]

!!!! FINALLY ANOTHER VIDEO!

[@aquaticaptitude8128]

So I started doing custom aquascaping a few years ago when I worked for a lfs, bc I had the same exact thought you did. Now I’m trying to build my own business doing it though my Instagram account so when I heard you say this I was like “thank you!” Hopping it really kicks off as a trend here in the US

[@tidalgardens]

Good luck!

[@Algaewarrior]

I wish I hadn't done the aquascape for my new build already. Looks great! I guess I could try it to cover up the grey epoxy instead of waiting for coral to cover it up. Or I could use it to reinforce the bonds.

[@MakerofThingss]

FYI I use GALLONS of superglues a year in my job. There is totally a difference in strength, durability, flexibility and curing times between brands. Starbond, BSI, Stick Fast and FastCap are my favorite brands. (gorilla brand CA is made by BSI, so thats good too) Insta-set or activator is also fantastic, it'll help harden that glue instantly. Its also reef safe (though I still rinse stuff after using that). Amazon usually have one of those brands in stock. I've never had an issue finding some. Also also, Stick Fast thin is the thinnest, that stuff wicks thinner than water, its crazy.

[@caswal]

Wish I thought of this earlier. There is a product called Q-Bond for repairing plastics. Which is effectively a plastic powder and CA Glue. So basically the same. It is incredibly strong when set.

[@seaadair1670]

Been doing this for 16 years haha. Bout time people catch on 😉

[@furxi44]

How are your long-term results. Does the superglue hold up in water for a long time, or did you ever had problems with scapes falling apart?

[@JustMyFish]

Good job I used a similar product called sculpture fix it's a calcium resin👍🏻

[@lisafoster4468]

Ooh, should have hired me, LOL! That sort of thing is right up my alley. You could still toss on a layer or two of rock dust to hide the baking soda. One of the BRS guys used a rock to texture some epoxy that they wrapped around the dried glue prior to dusting it, but unless you want to deal with breaking off the glue and trying again, I imagine your seams would wind up too bulky if you tried the epoxy now.

[@tizbrin]

love the honey bear:)

[@StNovaSt]

I did mine this way with superglue and JB water weld. Got my inspiration from a Korean Reef channel called Marine Cost. They do the premade structures. Beautiful Bonsai work.

[@tidalgardens]

That was a video I saw as well.

[@StNovaSt]

@@tidalgardens Actually, I was so impressed by them that I pestered them at every video to do English subs. They said they would try and they came through. Finally worked on getting the subs not to fall of the screen and it has been awesome since.

[@devon6610]

an alternative glue i found at lowes locally works just as well. super strong hold. and you can find it everywhere, Loctite Professional Liquid Super Glue, can get them in 20 gram bottles but havent seen bigger. and at $5 a bottle it does cost you a bit more. but works great.

[@tristanlambert2258]

This is interesting video and the glue choice is the complete opposite of the reccomeded thickness from BRS who suggest thick and a setting spray.

[@2pleez122474]

Here I am just using Super Glue Gel 🤦🏼‍♂️ Well, at least I’ll know for next time ! Thanks for the upload !! Great Video as always !!

[@tidalgardens]

Thank you! The liquid super glue is a lot easier.

[@Rambl3On]

Aquascaping is the best part of setting up a tank though!

[@gonefishing5536]

Cool vid please do another with finished scape, also could you add show what the marco bond join looks like

[@WVU0609]

love the kid in cleveland shirt, go india... i mean guardians!

[@sunnygoold9449]

WE? - WE!... Than I don't think I saw you building rocks in a single frame LOL It does look epic - makes me want to take out my unstable live rock, throw it in the bin and start with this ;)

[@C888888881]

Hey than ...have waiting for this video let's goooooo 😂😂😂🤠👀👀😉😉😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@gregstephens2339]

I would use some epoxy to create a stronger bond. Also graphite is much stronger than baking soda.

[@b.4h325]

Really best to also wear safety glasses! its really pretty serious if it gets in your eye...

[@marlonallansupetran7120]

Glues nowadays are so strong, it's also the same case on woodworking where the glue bond is stronger than the wood itself.

[@georgedrapaniotis13]

The guy you saw you know his name, Ryan from BRS 🙌

[@tidalgardens]

BRS did it differently. The guy I was talking about was Korean.

[@georgedrapaniotis13]

@@tidalgardens Aaahhh yyeesss, the great Ryan-San 🤣✌️ jk! Love TG work, passion and dedication to the hobby 🙌💯

[@peterperez4493]

What was the Carib sea sand you used, and thanks for the aquascape tip

[@saltyhumors]

Great video! I’ve been contemplating a bonsai style aquascape for my 300 gallon and tried to find the Korean channel that you referenced, Marine Cost, but with no luck. Would you be willing to share a link for the channel or specific video? Thanks in advance! I’m so excited to see the final result!

[@luis.aceves]

@saltyhumors kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LFg4hngb53j5Y

[@Jorge-pk7re]

take a look from time: 9:40

[@aarontussey7071]

Can’t wait for your show tank!

[@madshepsreef282]

I have a question, iv been aquascaping for a few days with reef cement and tap water. Is there a problem with using tap water in my reef cement

[@dalej1923]

curious once the rock is in the saltwater how does the glue stand up ? Does it eventually dissolve and then rocks come apart ? Also guessing the glue is safe for saltwater?

[@devisissy1]

How do you get this giant rock thing into the tank after it is all glued together?

[@jackpt1981]

Awesome work! Have you tried joining live rock with that method?

[@tidalgardens]

I haven't but it should work so long as the rock is dry. If it is wet live rock, it's probably not going to work out so well.

[@steelhead142]

You did closed loop pumps vs a sump setup?

[@darkphoenx3930]

Exactly which Caribsea sand did you pick?

[@varela91]

Doesn't CA glue degrade in water though? Eventually won't it collapse?

[@jeremy87turbo87]

My friend use the actual dust from the rocks that you're using. When you break them up to make your bond. It's the exact color because it comes from the rock you're using.

[@ferozkaamil1]

All LFS in Korea provide and its pretty cheap around 200 to 300.

[@jonathanesoto25]

Where do you buy the rocks?

[@dougieGTRVspec]

Would the medium or thick viscosity glue be best in your opinion for mounting Frags?

[@tidalgardens]

We use the thickest we can get for mounting frags. I just use the superglue from the dollar store.

[@SoCalSaluki]

What sand did you use here?

[@abyankabir1910]

Hi, I’m 12 years old, I’m from Bangladesh. I love ur videos !!!!!! I have a 60 gallon mixed reef tank with a sump. I was thinking of setting up a 20 inch 35 gallon lps dominated AIO cube reef tank. I want to keep a pair of clownfish, 1 purple firefish, 2 bangai cardinals, and 1 mandarin dragonet, so I need a refugium in the back, what other equipments do u think I should get excluding the return pump, wave makers and the light. I was thinking of also getting 1 fire shrimp, 4 nassarius snails, 2 cerith snails and 6 trochus snails. Is that going to be too may clean up crew or will it be too less? Can u please answer this question, thank you in advance.

[@Val_Halla777]

I’d suggest researching and posting questions here instead: www.reef2reef.com/

[@MrBestshot33]

Than my names Mark. I live over in Omaha. So for the last 6 years Ive owned a maintenance company. Now looks like I'll be purchasing a 15 year established lfs. Do you have wholesale accounts and prices? Id love to support you guys!

[@Gold63Beast]

This is the exact idea/product by Q Bond or something like that that uses sand then crazy glue to fix stuff.

[@markvallar7302]

Great video. What CaribSea sand did you use? Aragamax™ Sugar-Sized Sand?

[@tidalgardens]

The bag I used just says Aragonite and has a picture of a mandarin on it.

[@markvallar7302]

@@tidalgardens thank you! Did some googling and that's the generic package for all their dry Aragonite. On the bottom left of the bag next to the barcode it should tell you what grade you have. The grain sizes are, sugar size (.25-1.0mm), select (.5-1.5mm), special grade reef sand (1.0-2.0mm), and fiji pink (.5-1.5mm)

[@angelogrisafi6121]

Quick question, after gluing the rock with GlueMasters Thin -how long do you have to wait before putting the rock in a saltwater tank with fish and coral?

[@tidalgardens]

We wait a while, but not because of the glue, but to allow the Marco Rock cement to cure. We regularly use super glue and quickly introduce it into the tanks.

[@Sebastianthemediagod705]

Hey

[@jackjiang7062]

Hi

[@talsweet1902]

@Tidal Gardens Have you tried this with wet rock? I'm planning a new aquascape and I have a combination of Marco Rock and wet rock. I can't really leave the rock out of the water for too long. What problems do you think I may run into if I do this?

[@tidalgardens]

This won't work with wet rock. Your best bet is an epoxy stick or two.

[@cww180]

Do you have a link to the sand that you used?

[@tidalgardens]

It is Caribsea, the finest you can find. I am not too familiar with all their product names.

[@jamiejeffery9556]

Hobbie shops sell all different thickness of CA glues

[@colossuses]

Are there any international brands that have a high enough bonding strength like gorilla glue or locktight? That also is available in larger bottles.🤔🇬🇧

[@pjshooter6]

Ahh i see you did baking soda. The bakingsoda grows coraline before anything else does

[@steevareno2002]

where did you get the flat bottom large pieces?Thx!

[@tidalgardens]

It is Marco Rocks "Foundation"

[@steevareno2002]

@@tidalgardens ty!

[@franciscofagundez1906]

Two bottles of glue into the aquascape of one aquarium!. Wouldn't it later be too much pollution into the water colum for one aquarium?

[@pjshooter6]

Putting baking soda on the liquid superglue will dry it instantly

[@seafanz8015]

Hii

[@modotd3885]

Doesn't the superglue leech chemicals into the water?

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

No Cyanoacrylate glue dries Inert

[@modotd3885]

@@dennisvanopstal7360 Cheers

[@S2minute]

Than , i tried to tell ya about E-Marco 400 Than :)

[@tylerl.4699]

Why does Starbond not work? Tidal Gardens

[@unleashdogscom]

Aquaforest cement, Emarco cement = cheaper, stronger, no fumes, has worked amazingly well for me

[@marwannassar1776]

,

[@JonCherba]

Did you guys end up using the mortar from marco rocks?

[@foxyrollouts]

The glue contains cyanide Cyanoacrylate

[@foxyrollouts]

Do it outside with a charcoal filtered half mask

[@foxyrollouts]

Cyanide kills

[@foxyrollouts]

70% of people cannot smell Cyanide gas. I can

[@foxyrollouts]

If ur gonna do this.. you really need an glue accelerant.. supa glue only dries instantly to your fingers

[@Algaewarrior]

I wish I hadn't done the aquascape for my new build already. Looks great! I guess I could try it to cover up the grey epoxy instead of waiting for coral to cover it up. Or I could use it to reinforce the bonds.