Gorilla super glue tape reef safe?

[redacted_]

Been prototyping larvae collectors and realized that it would be much easier to adhere (and not clog) filter meshes to a surface using some sort of tape rather than painstakingly applying cyanoacrylate (superglue). I searched online for superglue tape and found Gorilla sells these: https://gorillatough.com/product/gorilla-double-sided-super-glue-tape/

I bought some and it was perfect for my application, so I foolishly bought a lot more. Then, a few days later I realized that it was still somehow sticky despite being exposed to water! When I first used it I didn't even think it might not be cyanoacrylate based since it seemed to have cured completely upon water exposure. Does anybody know if this is some sort of extended release formulation (is this even possible?) or if this might be something else entirely. I guess more importantly, is this stuff reef safe once it cures? What about permanent adhesives in general?

If not, does anybody know of any reef safe tapes? I don't know if this is true, but I thought we assume superglue is reef safe because it is used to close wounds directly. If that is the case, would medical tapes be reef safe? They're not directly applied to the wound, but thats more so for ergonomic practicalities.

 

[redacted_]

Oops typo in the title, meant to write:

Gorilla super glue tape reef safe?​

 

[indigoze]

I've used it a few times and haven't had issues.

 

[Shirak]

As far as I can tell it's not cyanoacrylate but that doesn't mean it isn't safe. My guess is it probably is ok since it is a tacky material vs a curing glue which would give off VOC's

 

[redacted_]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll give it a shot.

 

[Jason Scalise]

Used for years with no safety issues.

 

[redacted_]

I'm currently trialing it right now. I contacted Gorilla and this is what they responded with:

Thank you for contacting The Gorilla Glue Company. We appreciate your interest in our company and products.

Gorilla Super Glues are ethyl cyanoacrylates. We do not recommend them for use in an aquarium as we cannot verify they are non-toxic once cured and do not test on animals. We have no way of knowing how it may/may not affect the fish. Gorilla Super Glues are also not water-resistant or waterproof so again, not recommended for use submerged in an aquarium.

Regarding the question about tape, Gorilla Super Glue Tape shares many similar properties to Super Glues including being based on acrylic resins and providing a fast setting, strong bond that is great for small repairs.


If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know. We do hope you are able to find a suitable solution for your needs.​

So it sounds like it is some proprietary formulation that is acrylic based. I guess more importantly if you guys have been using it for a while, the impact if any is probably negligible.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I don't know if this is true, but I thought we assume superglue is reef safe because it is used to close wounds directly. If that is the case, would medical tapes be reef safe? They're not directly applied to the wound, but thats more so for ergonomic practicalities.

That is not really why it would be considered safe. I mention that simply because one should not assume that because something is safe for humans, it safe for other species.

As for the tape, I would assume it is not safe, as it does not fully “cure” — but I am not sure what it could leach or how much it would take to become a problem.

 

[Jason Scalise]

I can’t “prove” or attest to safety profile. But I can say I have used for 5+ years on all frags with no known negative effects that I can perceive.
Current tank is a 20G all in one mixed reef. All frags fixed in this manner.
Not advocating for it.
Just my experience.

 

[v!kas]

used without any issues