Hot glue is safe for aquariums as it doesn’t release or leach harmful substances into the water.
It doesn’t cause harm to your aquarium inhabitants as long as you only let it come in contact with the water after it has fully cured.
Hot glue is made using thermoplastic materials and is considered to be non-toxic.
But, as with any other glue you want to use on or inside your aquarium or for decorations inside your aquarium, get the job done outside the water.
Wait for the hot glue to fully cure (24 hours minimum), and only then add it to the water to keep your coral and fish safe.
Keep reading to find out how to work your aquarium with hot glue effectively and safely.
What Makes Hot Glue Safe For Aquariums
Hot glue becomes waterproof (not just water-resistant) when it fully cures.
Adding fully cured hot glue to the aquarium will not change the water’s parameters.
If you want to glue items together to create creative decorations for your aquarium, you can safely do so.
Hot glue sticks are made with polymer resin and polystyrene.
Do you know what the hot glue sticks formula is very similar to?
To the formula that makes baby bottles, water cooler jugs, and many other items.
Think of it this way.
You likely already have plants or other decorations in your aquarium made out of plastic.
Once hot glue fully cures, its structure becomes very similar to plastic.
So what about the claims that hot glue releases fumes that can be harmful and toxic?
Hot glue can release some fumes while it is overheated and in the process of drying.
This is why we only recommend adding the items inside the tank after the hot glue has fully cured.
If you are gluing rocks together, coral to rocks, plants to wood items, or your project, apply the glue to the items outside of the tank.
Wait for the hot glue to cure (usually 24 hours) fully, and only then add the items inside your aquarium’s water.
What To Know About Hot Glue And Aquariums
Almost everyone loves using hot glue.
It is easy to use, works fast, and adheres well to various surfaces.
But you should know that hot glue wasn’t designed specifically for aquariums.
You can use it, but it won’t offer you a permanent solution, especially if you want to use it as a water sealant.
Hot glue will not last as long as a water sealant designed specifically for this purpose.
How To Use Hot Glue For Aquariums
Hot glue is only permanent when used on clean and dry surfaces.
Whatever you want to bond using hot glue, make sure the surfaces are both clean and dry.
You can easily clean any surface with warm soapy water and a clean cloth.
So now that your surfaces are dry and clean, follow these steps to bond with hot glue:
- Apply one blob of hot glue to the center of one surface
- Correctly align the second surface
- Firmly press the two surfaces together
- Keep them in place for 30-60 seconds with your hands
- Use tape, clamps, or rope to secure the two surfaces for 24 hours until the glue fully cures
- Wait for 24 hours
- Remove whatever you used to secure the items in place
- Safely add the decoration inside the water
Conclusion
Hot glue is safe for aquariums if it comes in contact with the aquarium, the water, and all the living fish and plants inside it when fully cured.
If you add hot glue to the water before it fully cures, it could release damaging fumes into the environment.
Plus, this will also cause the hot glue to degrade and not offer an effective or lasting bond between the two surfaces you glued together.
Is hot glue safe for living aquarium plants?
Hot glue is unsafe for living aquarium plants or corals, and here is why.
Applying a hot melting glue stick to the plant could damage it as hot glue sticks are melted with a high-temperature heating system.
Is hot glue safe for aquarium decorations?
Hot glue is safe for aquarium decorations but usually doesn’t offer a permanent solution. Over time, the glue may separate from the surface.
Is hot glue toxic in water?
Hot glue is toxic to water if you pour it directly into the water as it is melting. It is safe if you add the water after it fully dries and cures (minimum 24 hours).
Is hot glue safe for aquarium rocks?
Yes, hot glue is safe for aquarium rocks. Just keep in mind that the bond won’t remain permanent.
