UNS Controlock

$19.99 USD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

Ultum Nature Systems Controlock is a structural bonding material designed to combine and reinforce hardscape layouts. Used together with UNS Controbond liquid aquarium glue, it creates a strong hold that keeps your aquascape stable through filling, planting, and routine tank maintenance. Controlock acts as the base bonding material while Controbond activates and cures the connection, creating a strong and stable hold between hardscape pieces. An essential aquascaping accessory for scaping dynamic planted tanks.

Each order of Controlock includes one container of bonding material and one bottle of Controbond liquid adhesive to get started. Additional Controbond adhesive is sold separately for refills.

Size: 77g material + 20g liquid adhesive
Instructions: Pinch and pack Controlock between connection points, add Controbond, and allow it to fully cure. A small smoking reaction is normal and indicates the process is working. For full instructions and examples, see below.

Controlock Highlights
- Available in four colors to blend naturally with a variety of popular layout materials.
- Safe for aquarium fish and shrimp once fully cured; avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Best for bonding rock structures or securing driftwood pieces in place. No more wiggling!

How to Glue and Bond Aquarium Hardscape

Most aquascapers will eventually face the dilemma of working with two or more pieces of aquarium rock or driftwood that refuse to sit or stay together in a specific position. Whether it’s twisting pieces of Spider Wood forming a tree-like structure or an Iwagumi layout that requires two stones angled together to create the focal point, getting hardscape to cooperate perfectly can be a challenge.

Whatever the case may be, hardscape can be stubborn. One sure-shot way to create a stable structure is by bonding multiple pieces together using an aquarium- and livestock-safe bonding material and adhesive system. With this method, aquascapers can securely join pieces and build more complex layouts that hold their shape and allow each piece to sit exactly as envisioned.

The method we like to use is the Ultum Nature Systems Controlock and Controbond duo. This system is a complete kit that includes Controlock, a bonding material used to fill gaps between hardscape pieces, and Controbond, a liquid cyanoacrylate adhesive that quickly hardens the structure once applied. Compatible with all types of hardscape, Controlock is available in four different colors to match common stone and driftwood tones used in aquascaping. The system is easy to use, but it’s always best to work carefully and confidently when bonding hardscape. Follow these four simple steps to get started:

Ultum Nature Systems UNS Controbond and Controlock Aquarium Hardscape Bonding Adhesive

Step 1: CHOOSE

Choose the UNS Controlock color that best matches your hardscape material. For example, Grey pairs well with Seiryu Stone, while Light Brown works great with Elephant Skin Stone or Ghost Wood.

Step 2: PINCH & PACK

Pinch and pack Controlock between the joints of your hardscape where the pieces meet. This is where the strong bond will form in the next step.

Step 3: GLUE

Apply a small amount of UNS Controbond to the packed Controlock. Do not be alarmed if a small amount of smoke appears—this is a brief chemical reaction as the adhesive bonds with the material. You can gently blow on the area to keep fumes away from your eyes. Avoid inhaling the fumes.

Step 4: TEST

After approximately one minute, the adhesive will have cured. Perform a slow lift test to confirm the hardscape pieces are securely bonded.

You can repeat these steps for any additional joints that need bonding, resulting in a stronger and more stable hardscape structure.

We’re confident in UNS Controlock and Controbond, as shown in this demonstration where six pieces of Malaysian Driftwood were bonded together and lifted and shaken without coming apart!

Demonstration of UNS Controlock Grey used with Malaysian Driftwood.

HOT TIP #1: You can use any Controlock color if the bond remains hidden—all four variants perform the same.

Using UNS Controbond Liquid Adhesive to attach moss to Lava Rock.

HOT TIP #2: Glue or attach aquarium mosses or rhizome plants to naturally hide bonded areas.

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.