ISTA Instant Glue is a cyanoacrylate gel super glue made for aquariums. It sets in seconds and works both in and out of water — so you can fix moss to driftwood, tie down plants on stones, or mount coral frags on plugs without draining your tank.
Why aquascapers and reefers use it
- Works underwater — glue moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra and ferns onto rock or wood, even in a filled tank.
- Gel formula — thick and non-runny, so it stays exactly where you put it instead of spreading into the water.
- Coral fragging made easy — bonds SPS, LPS and soft-coral frags to plugs, discs and live rock.
- No mixing — unlike two-part epoxy putty there is nothing to knead, and no amine curing agents leaching into the water.
- Bonds almost anything — driftwood, stone, coral, ceramics, glass decorations, timber, metal and plastic.
- Freshwater and saltwater — planted tanks, shrimp tanks, reef and marine aquariums, terrariums and paludariums.
- Small 4 g tubes — open one tube at a time, so the rest stay fresh instead of one big bottle drying out.
Which pack should I buy?
- Set of 2 tubes (2 × 4 g) — a single scape or a few frags.
- Set of 5 tubes (5 × 4 g) — a full aquascape build or regular touch-ups.
- Set of 10 tubes (10 × 4 g) — hobbyists who frag or rescape often.
- Box of 25 tubes (25 × 4 g) — best value per tube; ideal for fish shops, aquascaping services and coral farms.
How to use
- Pat the spot dry if you can — the bond is strongest on a dry surface, though it also works underwater.
- Apply a few small dots of gel to the rock or wood (a little goes a long way).
- Press the moss, plant or frag onto the glue and hold for a few seconds.
- Replace the cap straight away and store the tube in a cool, dry place.
Tip: excess glue can turn white underwater — use small dots and they'll disappear under the moss as it grows.
Specifications
| Brand | ISTA |
| Type | Cyanoacrylate gel instant adhesive |
| Tube size | 4 g per tube |
| Use | In or out of water |
| Suitable for | Freshwater, saltwater / reef, terrariums |
| Bonds | Moss, plants, coral frags, rock, driftwood, ceramics, plastic, metal |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it inside a filled aquarium?
Yes. The gel sets underwater, so you can attach moss or frags without draining the tank.
Is it the same as normal super glue?
It's the same cyanoacrylate chemistry, but in a thick gel made for aquarium use — it doesn't run, and it's sold in small fresh tubes.
Does it work for coral fragging?
Yes — it's one of the quickest ways to mount frags on plugs and rock.
Safety
Bonds skin and eyelids within seconds. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and keep out of reach of children. If glue gets on skin, soak in warm water and peel gently — don't pull. If it gets in the eyes, rinse with water and see a doctor immediately.
Genuine ISTA product, shipped from Astra Aquatics, Chennai.