Hope This Would Be The Right Forum!

[Bre_B]

is it safe to use hot glue on items that will go into your aquarium, or should i buy something thats made specifically for use in an aquarium? I've heard of people using it, but i wanted to make sure before making anything and wasting my materials doing so.

 

[The-Wolf]

the only safe glue for aquariums is aquarium silicon sealer.

 

[windsor-aquatic]

THe only really safe thing to use is silicon, and then only that which is suitable for aquatic use.

 

[Bre_B]

thats odd... i was told by a breeder that it was fine, but i was suspicious. He obviously didnt do his research i guess...

is it because of chemicals in hot glue, or something?

 

[The-Wolf]

I'm no chemistry expert but yes it is because of the chemicals that make up "hot glue".
as this is not designed to be submersed, over time it breaks down and releases things that may or may not be harmful to aquatic life.
the bottom line, I wouldn't want to risk it.

 

[Bre_B]

agreed. thanks for the advice!

 

[Rodge]

I would say just to be on the safe side go with the silicone sealant.

But just add a note to this. There are two types of hot glue sticks. One has some type of additive in it (not sure what it is) that helps it melt quickly, But there are some that are just pure nylon, it does take a lot of heat to get it come out the gun but I would think it is save to use.

 

[Bre_B]

oh, well, thanks for the extra info! I'll look into that =P

 

[SRC]

I'm not sure if the chemicals woudl do any harm, but I can tell you that hot glue does not do well in water or cold/heat.

I'm almost certain it would not hold water for long, if at all.

I know I hotglued a christmas wreath one year and put it outside....the items I glued on..fell off when the temp dropped...the glue got too hard and released lol.
It will also release if it gets too hot as well, same thing happened again....I made a grapevine wreath for the front door with my parents last name on it...the sun shined on it during the spring, warmed it up..yep..all the stuff fell off bit by bit lol.

A tube of aquarium sealant isn't only like $2, plus the $2 for the trigger gun. A hotglue gun and the sticks cost more then that.

 

[Bre_B]

i bought a hot glue gun for 1 dollar and it came with a pack of glue sticks lol and the sealant is 5 dollars, but im doing it anyway - money isnt a huge issue, i was just wondering if it was neccessary, cuz i still dont wanna waste my money. but yeah, i already picked up silicon sealant, and im going to use that.