Crazy glue ? What am I doing wrong..

[Hallowhead]

Howdy,

I've tried bsi instant cure ic-gel and I'd open a pack and use it on several frags but could never store it for the next use. Upon taking it out for the next use I'd poke pin holes in the top and get a small hole and than squeeze some glue out but the back of the tube would blow out and glue would be everywhere! I'm trying to figure out how I'm supposed to properly store the glue.

I then tried to use Dollar store super glue but every time I've used it I've lost one polyp It seems like a polyp becomes dislodged from the plug and floats around in the tank. I'm always able to catch it and reglue it but I'm not sure if I'm not applying enough or I'm not pushing the polyp down into the glue enough.

If anybody has any cheap solutions for glue or tips on how to properly push these down or what let me know

 

[Nick Steele]

For the dollar store super glue gel I usually will glue the frag onto a plug/rock and then break the initial seal once it hits water. Upon first contact it gets a rubbery outside layer and won’t adhere well unless you break that after it’s in water.

 

[Hallowhead]

For the dollar store super glue gel I usually will glue the frag onto a plug/rock and then break the initial seal once it hits water. Upon first contact it gets a rubbery outside layer and won’t adhere well unless you break that after it’s in water.

What do you mean break the seal? Like push the frag down some? I mostly glue zoanthids so can't force it much

 

[Nick Steele]

Are you placing on rocks in tank or onto frag plugs?

I’ve used toothpicks to break it up. When you do it for the first time you’ll understand. The outside will get hard but inside will stay soft and not adhere well.

 

[tupes]

Glueong zoas underwater wont work. They need to be attached to a small/tiny rock so you have something to break the seal that the water puts on the glue. Trying to push the zoa will cover it in glue or you'll kill it.

 

[Hallowhead]

Are you placing on rocks in tank or onto frag plugs?

I’ve used toothpicks to break it up. When you do it for the first time you’ll understand. The outside will get hard but inside will stay soft and not adhere well.

I'm trying to glue to a frag plug. I think I'll try the toothpick method - it makes sense

All the frags I buy are glued to a plug.

 

[tupes]

I use the ic gel also. I fold the back end as I use it and the back cant blow out.

Also you dont need to puncture holes. When you screw on the tip it punctures the seal on the tube. Then dont take off the tip until you get to the end.

 

[Hallowhead]

I use the ic gel also. I fold the back end as I use it and the back cant blow out.

How do you stop the tip from hardening after each use ?

 

[Nick Steele]

Try putting glue down on plug first then toothpick it a little to open it up then place the zoa onto the glue and it should work.

 

[tupes]

I screw the top back on never had an issue. If I'm doing a lot and get a little messy I wipe the top the best I can before I screw it back on.

 

[Hallowhead]

I screw the top back on never had an issue. If I'm doing a lot and get a little messy I wipe the top the best I can before I screw it back on.

I always screw the cap back on but the tube ALWAYS hardens - grrrrr this is upsetting because I've lost 3 full tubes of it

 

[tupes]

Are you putting the tube underwater and using it? Water starts the drying process so that might be your problem if you are doing that. When I'm gluing frags to rock I use way more than necessary so I dont stick the tube in water

 

[Hallowhead]

Are you putting the tube underwater and using it? Water starts the drying process so that might be your problem if you are doing that. When I'm glowing frag to rock I use way more than necessary so I dont stick the tube in water

I don't stick any in water. This is all external use than I dip them in iodine to heal for several minutes than rinse in fresh salt than into the tank.

Do you use a quick set ?

 

[Markxc]

this used to happen to me too with my first tube of ic gel. then i started wiping the tip with a wet paper towel as soon as ive squirted out as much as i needed and then put the cap back on immediately. never had a problem ever since i started wiping it.

 

[snowhite]

Gorilla gel superglue has a tip that stays clear very well.

 

[Greg P]

The gels I use have a 'pin' inside the cap that keeps the tip from becoming glued shut.
Wipe the tip when you're done to keep the threads clean, then put the cap back on.

Gorilla Glue super gel with the green cap and Ecotech Coral Glue both have the pin in the cap.

Make sure you shake them very well before use to mix - if it comes out runny the bottom will harden over time and you'll be wasting your money. Plus what's coming out won't glue anything as it won't cure

 

[Jeeperz]

Huh, I've tried the pin in top style and the pin gets glued in the hole. I now use the tiny, basically 1 time use multi packs from Ace hardware. They come in like 6 or 8 packs. Each one is enough for a few frags at least.

 

[Hallowhead]

Huh, I've tried the pin in top style and the pin gets glued in the hole. I now use the tiny, basically 1 time use multi packs from Ace hardware. They come in like 6 or 8 packs. Each one is enough for a few frags at least.

I'm with you.. no matter my precaution the tip always gets Rock solid and the cap gets glued on. I'll try to wipe the tip thoroughly clean from now on