Gluing, acrylic, pvc and rocks

[srenka]

I'm in the process of building rock background for a Malawi chiclid tank.  I'm planning to make a supporting structure from PVC pipes and Plexiglas to which rocks (fake and real) would be glued.  Now, this provides me with several surface combinations for gluing.  Acrylic, PVC and rock and all their combinations (I will not be gluing it to the tank).  From what I've been able to research, Plexiglas can be glued using MDC (Methelene Di-Chloride), acetone or Weld-on.  PVC pipes, I gues use the PVC glue (I assume).  Rocks probably need something like an epoxy or superglue (again an assumption).  However, I will need to be gluing all the things together, so what do I use?  Originally I thought that silicone would be a good compromise, but after doing some reading, I think that may be a bad idea. Any suggestions for adhesive, along with specific products names and stores I can get them?

Thanks in advance.

[darkdep]

Silicone DOES work well for rocks, actually, as long as you're not trying to do something silly like glue a 20lbs rock to something.  Small rocks work great.  I've spent a bit of time building permanent rock structures using side-of-the-road rocks and the GE Silicone I, and the end results are very strong and secure.  I will be using it to do something background-wise eventually.

That being said, I do not believe silicone will adhere to acrylic properly...I don't know about PVC.  I know I've read about people using Silicone on PVC to hold gravel and sand to it, but don't know about anything larger.

[CdnRednek]

Your silicone should be good enough for everything.  If not, stick with epoxies or your weld on.  THey shouldn't leach any chemicals into your water.  THe other ones may.  And on the acrylic, us the epoxy.  It bonds to anything.

[Sam]

I just finished making my first PVC cave. I was following DIY guides from http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_list.php.  

I used 100% clear silicone (with no mildewcide) and it worked great. Just be sure to let it cure for the full 24 hours as to not poison your fish.  I also soaked mine in water for another 12 hours to make sure it was ultra safe.

You may also want to take a look at the guide I attached. I don't remember where I got it but it might help. (Its written by Tam-Tam?)


SAM

[srenka]

I talked to a guy at Home  Hardware about adhesives for aquarium use and he suggested using liquid nails.  Supposedly it will bind to Plexiglas, pvc, rocks (and glass), is safe under water and is non toxic.  I'm thinking of using this in combination with GE silicone.  Liquid nails, sets in 24h, but completely cures in 5 days.  I now remember coming across this in other aquarium sites.  

I'll give it a try, and report on success.