Gorilla Glue is safe for aquariums if you place it in water after the glue has fully dried and cured, so after 24 hours from application or more. 

If the adhesive is still wet or in the process of drying when you add it to the aquarium underwater, it can be harmful to the fish as the glue can still release harmful fumes.

Once the glue dries and fully cures, it becomes inert. This means that Gorilla glue will become chemically inactive, making it safe for the aquarium environment. 

Keep reading to discover more about how to use Gorilla Glue for aquariums. 

How To Use Gorilla Glue For My Aquarium Safely?

Gorilla Glue can be great to glue:

• Rocks to rocks
• Aquatic plants to rocks 
• Coral frags to rocks
• Other ornamental items

You can safely use Gorilla Glue to create the aquascape you want to have. 

This adhesive is powerful. It bonds two surfaces effectively and quickly. 

Gorilla Glue is:

• Versatile 
• Waterproof 
• Very strong 

You can work with the liquid version or the gel version. 

If you want better control and easier application, we recommend using the gel version of Gorilla Glue. 

Gorilla glue is a Cyanoacrylate adhesive. Water acts as an accelerator of the curing process. 

The following are our best tips for using Gorilla Glue in an aquarium.

Don’t Glue Underwater

Don’t work with Gorilla Glue or any other adhesive underwater. 

Whatever surfaces you want to glue together, do so in a dry space and only add them in the water (or only add water in the tank) once the glue has fully dried and cured. 

Here is how to properly glue the items for your aquarium:

1. If they have been in the water, take them out of the water and dry them properly 
2. If your items haven’t been in the water, clean them properly, removing any debris, dust, or stains from the surface.
3. If the surfaces you want to glue together are very smooth, use sandpaper to roughen them up before gluing them to create better adhesion.
4. Wipe them clean
5. Apply one thin layer of Gorilla Glue to one surface
6. Align the other surface and firmly press them together 
7. Hold them in place for about 30 seconds until the glue dries
8. Keep them secured in place for 24 hours until the glue fully cures – use tape, rope, wire, or clamps to do so
9. After the glue has fully cured, you can place the glued-together items in the aquarium underwater 

Pro Tip: Use the gel version of Gorilla Glue and not the liquid type to have better control, easier application, and fewer accidental spills. 

Pro Tip: Only use a thin layer or one smaller blob of the gel to bond the two surfaces together. 

Are There Risks To Using Gorilla Glue In An Aquarium?

Keep in mind that Gorilla Glue is a very strong adhesive. 

In general, adhesives contain some harmful chemical elements. As the glue is released from its tube, some harmful fumes can be released as it is drying and curing. 

To keep the risks at a minimum, never use Gorilla Glue underwater. Only work outside of the aquarium or fish tank. 

If you want to create a creative aqua space, glue all items together outside the tank and only place them inside the water once the adhesive has completely cured (after 24 – 48 hours). 

Ensure that the space you are working in is well-ventilated. The fumes are directed outside and aren’t trapped in the space for you or your fish to breathe or ingest. 

When Not To Use Gorilla Glue

Understand that Gorilla Glue can be highly effective in bonding two surfaces with applied pressure. 

Trying to fill that gap with gorilla glue won’t do the trick if your tank leaks. 

If you need to seal your tank or resolve a leak, you need silicone designed specifically for this purpose. 

Thankfully, you have various options to help you with this need.

Conclusion

Gorilla Glue is safe for aquariums if you want to use it to create an aqua space the way you envision it. 

Don’t use Gorilla Glue as a sealant or to fix leaks in the aquarium.