Hot-Glue?

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

I go threw super-glue like nothing, therefore it is getting very expensive.. I'd like to find a different cheaper method of glueing corals..

Anyone ever tried to use Hot-Glue? I think it would work pretty good! And be much much cheaper! So anyone ever tried it? Any harmful chemicals in the sticks?

cntryboi407 · Dec 3, 2009

hmmm very interesting. Not sure if it will work but I'm going to follow this thread. . .

Paul_N · Dec 3, 2009

Never thought of that. But I searched for ingredients and came up with this on Wikipedia:

"A common material for the glue sticks (e.g. the light amber colored Thermogrip GS51, GS52, and GS53) is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.[1] The vinyl acetate monomer content is about 18–29 percent by weight of the polymer. Various additives are usually present, e.g. a tackifying resin and wax. Other base materials may be based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or polyester, or various copolymers. Fugitive glues and pressure sensitive adhesives can be also available in hot-melt form."

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

Paul_PSU said:
Never thought of that. But I searched for ingredients and came up with this on Wikipedia:

"A common material for the glue sticks (e.g. the light amber colored Thermogrip GS51, GS52, and GS53) is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.[1] The vinyl acetate monomer content is about 18–29 percent by weight of the polymer. Various additives are usually present, e.g. a tackifying resin and wax. Other base materials may be based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or polyester, or various copolymers. Fugitive glues and pressure sensitive adhesives can be also available in hot-melt form."

Interesting! Anyone know these ingredients? Can anyone break this down on whether it would be safe or not?

Paul_N · Dec 3, 2009

Breakin Newz said:
Interesting! Can anyone break this down on whether it would be safe or not?

The one I would be worried the most about is "tackifying resin". Aren't resins tar based? Dunno just guessing.:squigglemouth:

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

Paul_PSU said:
The one I would be worried the most about is "tackifying resin". Aren't resins tar based? Dunno just guessing.:squigglemouth:

I have NO idea to be honest lol! :tongue:

If they are not reef-safe maybe someone can make us reef-safe hotglue sticks!!!! :nerd:

bamastunter · Dec 3, 2009

what about the heat factor

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

bamastunter said:
what about the heat factor

Honestly I though about that but it does not get TOO hot, and most corals are on a slate of rock so it would be no contact pretty much...

ReeferRob · Dec 3, 2009

I saw a picture of it in Coral magazine like 2 years ago, posted a question for more info and got nothing. I emailed the editor and author and got nothing?

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

ReeferRob said:
I saw a picture of it in Coral magazine like 2 years ago, posted a question for more info and got nothing. I emailed the editor and author and got nothing?

Hmmmm interesting...........

Demonic · Dec 3, 2009

I just use the super glue from the dollar store. $1 gets you 3 tubes. I have glued about 100 frags for about $4. Some twice since I cant keep my hands out of the tank. LOL

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

Demonic said:
I just use the super glue from the dollar store. $1 gets you 3 tubes. I have glued about 100 frags for about $4. Some twice since I cant keep my hands out of the tank. LOL

Is it the Gel kind? How many Oz/grams?

Also every dollar store carries different stuff... But I will have to check that out..

grknyer · Dec 3, 2009

John out of curiosity what are you using now? Are you using ic gel or crazy glue?

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

grknyer said:
John out of curiosity what are you using now? Are you using ic gel or crazy glue?

Well my last batch was from ebay 3 small regular gel tubes for like $6 bucks shipped I think it was, but it is a pain they get clogged, so you need to keep cutting them etc etc etc its a pain! They only lasted to glue like 2-3 frags each tube....

I've used so many different brands...

What do you use?

subielover · Dec 3, 2009

I also buy at the dollar store.

grknyer · Dec 3, 2009

Breakin Newz said:
Well my last batch was from ebay 3 small regular gel tubes for like $6 bucks shipped I think it was, but it is a pain they get clogged, so you need to keep cutting them etc etc etc its a pain! They only lasted to glue like 2-3 frags each tube....

I've used so many different brands...

What do you use?

I use ic gel. In the past I got in on some group buys but recently I just buy at the swap. If you show up this Sunday you can buy some then.

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

grknyer said:
I use ic gel. In the past I got in on some group buys but recently I just buy at the swap. If you show up this Sunday you can buy some then.

I see, I do not think I will be attending the meet :cry:

I hate driving into the city! :tongue:

grknyer · Dec 3, 2009

Breakin Newz said:
I see, I do not think I will be attending the meet :cry:

I hate driving into the city! :tongue:

I hate driving through NJ.:tongue: I used to always get lost till gps came out:nerd:

Breakin Newz · Dec 3, 2009

grknyer said:
I hate driving through NJ.:tongue: I used to always get lost till gps came out:nerd:

haha don't worry same here! :tongue:

Reef Pets · Dec 3, 2009

Try the big bottle of Boston Reef Farms Reef Glue if you want to save money.
I can do about 1000 frags from one bottle of glue for around 13 bucks or so, the bottle are huge. Also, if you keep the tip clean then you dont have to worry about clogs. If it does clog then cut a little more of the glue off.
I have used about every different type of glue and have found this one to be the best.

Here is a link of the exact stuff I use. Kevin (Aloha Corals) is a sponsor here and a great guy to deal with. Aloha Corals - Boston Aqua Farms Reef Glue

I dont think hot glue would stick to a standard plug. Not only that, its would be a glob of hot glue mess...