Super glue is aquarium-safe as it becomes inert on coming in contact with water. It also dries up quickly and creates a strong bond between the objects it binds. You can use super glue to fix almost all aquarium decorations because of its high strength. It’s also non-toxic to tank inhabitants.
Let’s now learn more about what makes super glue safe for aquariums and its usage in fixing aquarium decorations.
Why Is Super Glue Safe For Aquariums?
Super glue is safe for aquariums as it becomes completely inert when moist or wet.
The main active ingredient of super glue is Cyanoacrylate.
This chemical forms a solid and stable bond with water.
Since moisture makes super glue inert in tank water, it polymerizes in around 30 to 45 seconds.
Here the water acts as a catalyst in the curing process.
Moreover, super glue is known for its resistance to moisture and temperature.
So it’s safe for aquariums and effective while fixing or bonding any aquarium equipment.
Besides, super glue is safe for all types of aquariums, viz; freshwater, saltwater, and reef tanks.
Lastly, super glue is non-toxic to fish.
It doesn’t release any harmful chemicals that are hazardous to fish or other tank inhabitants.
This is because the main active component of super glue, Cyanoacrylate, isn’t harmful to fish.
The chemical suffix “acrylate” refers to ethers, esters, and salt of acrylic acids.
This gives super glue its fumes and transforms the cyanide into a harmless compound.
Now, the fumes that get created quickly dissipate as soon as the super glue dries.
That’s why dried super glue becomes non-perilous and doesn’t affect the fish in any way.
The only risk to fish is if they eat the super glue.
This adversely impacts the fish gills and other vital organs, leading to complications.
Again, if you ensure that there are no globs of super glue floating in the tank water and take all the necessary precautions to prevent the fish from consuming it, you can safely use super glue in aquariums.
How To Safely Apply Super Glue In An Aquarium?
Applying super glue in an aquarium is pretty simple. You need to follow some simple steps.
First, you need to remove the objects from the aquarium that you want to join together with super glue.
Then dry the objects completely.
After the drying process, you can clean the objects of any accumulated dirt with a clean napkin.
Cleaning is essential because even a little dirt leads to unstable bonds.
After the cleaning process, you need to apply a thin layer of super glue to the area you want to bond.
Then connect both the objects together.
You need to be fast in joining the objects together after applying the glue. Otherwise, the glue may harden.
After the objects are connected, you need to hold them still for around 30 seconds till they bind properly.
The applied glue should harden by then to create a strong bond.
You can fasten the hardening process by blowing dry air on the glue or adding a small amount of water.
Finally, you need to check if there are any cracks before placing the objects back in the aquarium.
If there’re no cracks or seepage of water after placing the objects back in the aquarium, the super glue is successfully applied.
Where To Use Superglue In Aquariums?
Super glue is the most commonly used glue in aquariums due to its effectiveness and safety.
It’s powerful and becomes as hard as a rock after drying up.
Super glue also dries quickly, bonds well, and has high strength.
So it’s efficient in crafting aqua decor to create a unique look for an aquarium.
You can use super glue to bond numerous objects in an aquarium. Some of them are mentioned below.
1. Aquarium Plants
Super glue is a fantastic way to glue down aquarium plants.
It creates an acrylic bond between the plants and the surface of the aquarium, making the plant stay firm.
You can glue the aquarium plants safely to driftwood, rocks, or other pieces of wood.
It will also help you to create an exciting design for your aquarium.
2. Broken Decor
Aquarium decorations crack over time. Super glue helps repair these cracks instantly.
It’s easy to apply super glue on cracked parts to bind them. Once the glue hardens, the cracks will fill up.
After the decorative item is fixed, safely place it back in the aquarium.
3. Coral Frags
Another use of super glue is to mount coral frags on live rocks.
Super glue helps the coral frags to remain firmly attached to the rocks.
You can apply super glue to the coral fragments and place them on the rocks.
Allow them to dry, and then place them back into the aquarium.
The frags glued on live rocks will begin to grow into their own coral.
4. Aquarium Rocks
You can use super glue to attach two aquarium rocks. You can even glue live rocks together.
It’s better to glue the rocks outside the aquarium.
You can then place them back in the aquarium once they have bonded well.
You can also be more creative when you glue aquarium rocks together.
For example, you can make beautiful wall art out of aquarium rocks.
This is one of the most effective ways to add beauty to your aquarium.
Apart from rocks, you can use super glue on aquarium castles, reefs, and other decorations.
Where Shouldn’t Super Glue Be Used In Aquariums?
You can use super glue to attach or fix a variety of aquarium decorations like driftwood, plants, stones, rocks, etc.
However, it’s not suitable for sealing aquarium walls.
This is because of super glue’s rigid nature. It can’t maintain a seal due to the microscopic gaps it forms.
Super glue is also brittle and crumbles because of the pores and tiny gaps.
The end result will be that the tank will not hold the water properly, resulting in water leakage.
Also, super glue is not effective in the tank areas that have flexing. Since super glue is rigid, it doesn’t have elasticity once polymerized.
Aquarium-safe silicone sealant is most effective in sealing tank walls.
It stays flexible and adapts well to tiny movements of the side walls without crumbling.
References
- https://www.hotmelt.com/blogs/blog/what-is-cyanoacrylate-glue
- https://mtcopeland.com/blog/what-is-cyanoacrylate-super-glue-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/know-how/fix-stuff/super-glue.html
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/22-uses-for-super-glue-youve-never-tried-but-should/
