Gluing Hardscape: The Cigarette Filter Method
By Aram Schneider Published Updated
Translated from German with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
Recently, a new, very practical way of gluing hardscape together in aquascaping has become very popular. With the help of conventional super glue and cigarette filters, stones and driftwood can be attached to each other in a flash. This method originated among Indonesian aquascapers. We will now present their approach in more detail.
The right aquarium glue
Various glues are already used in the aquarium hobby for very different purposes. Gel-type super glue based on cyanoacrylate is already used, not only in aquascaping, for gluing plants onto aquarium decoration. Because of the gel-like consistency, the glue does not run, which makes handling very easy and simple when fixing aquatic plants. We explained exactly how gluing aquarium plants such as mosses works in this article. Of course, you can also glue hardscape with super glue, but because of the required setting time, quite a long wait is necessary before you can proceed. In addition, the parts to be glued have to be laboriously fixed or supported temporarily.
The method of the Indonesian aquascapers is considerably faster; in fact, only a few seconds pass until the materials are glued together. Super glue based on cyanoacrylate is also used here, but in liquid form. The parts to be glued are usually pressed against each other for approx. 20 seconds, and through this pressure the bond quickly becomes stable. However, if you simply apply the liquid to the hardscape elements like that, it runs. To get around this effect, cigarette filters are used as a connecting piece between the individual parts to be glued. We explain exactly how this works below.
The cigarette filters
New cigarette filters can be bought individually, that is, without tobacco and cigarette paper tube. That way you do not have to take cigarettes apart; the remaining parts are not needed for our purposes. Such a filter usually consists of cellulose. There may also be a layer of paper around the outside. You should remove this so that only the pure cellulose of the core remains. You can recognize it by its pronounced fibrousness.
This cellulose basically has two functions. First, it serves as a sponge to soak up the super glue; second, it serves as a connecting piece between the two parts to be glued. Through chemical reactions with the glue, the soaked cellulose hardens in a very short time and joins the two individual parts together. In this process, a little smoke can sometimes even be produced, but this is completely normal. We will show how to glue hardscape together using the cigarette filter method with an example.
Preparation
First of all, the whole process should be well prepared, since during the gluing process you sometimes do not have much time and your hands are not free. The following things should be prepared in advance:
- The work area should be well ventilated
- To protect against the glue, put on gloves if needed.
- The tube of super glue is already open.
- Enough cigarette filters are prepared, which you have pulled apart into various sizes and laid out ready.
- To conceal the glue joints, small remnants of stone or wood in the form of dust or splinters should already be prepared and within reach.
- You should also have a pointed object such as tweezers ready.
Application
First, as an aquascaper, think carefully about which parts you want to glue at which point. This should be well planned, because correcting afterwards is very difficult when working with super glue. First, therefore, the individual parts are held against each other as a trial, so you can orient yourself well visually.
Once you have decided on a particular glue joint, you hold the corresponding parts in the planned position with one hand. For the gap, you use a piece of cigarette filter. This should first be freed of any paper sleeve and, if necessary, reduced to a suitable size. This is done by simply pulling the cellulose apart. With your other free hand or with tweezers, you now place the piece of cellulose between the individual parts to be glued.
While one hand continues to hold the structure, you now apply the super glue with your free hand and soak the entire cigarette filter with it if possible. Use only exactly as much glue as the cellulose soaks up, so that no glue liquid runs over the hardscape and leaves visually unattractive marks - super glue turns white on contact with water.
Now put the glue aside and press both parts together with both hands. As described at the beginning, a little smoke can occur here due to chemical reactions. With firm pressure, a period of approx. 20 seconds is usually enough for the reaction. After that, the glue has hardened and already holds both parts together very firmly. With less pressure, the setting time is significantly longer. Then the individual parts should be held correspondingly longer until the desired bonding effect occurs. When applied correctly, the bond is so strong that you can move or even lift the hardscape structure as a whole.
Now you can proceed in the same way and glue additional pieces to the structure. With this method, both stones and driftwood can be glued together in a simple and quick way.
Visual finishing touches
The white cellulose does not look nice and, above all, looks very unnatural (see picture above). You cannot always hide the spots cleverly. If the filters are visible, you can adapt the surface somewhat to the surroundings by pouring stone dust, small wood and stone splinters or crushed substrate over the glue joint as a last step during the gluing process. The individual particles stick to the cigarette filter and are glued in directly. This gives a very appealing result for the eye.
Safety notes and disclaimer
Please observe the safety instructions of the respective product before use. The glue used bonds skin and eyelids together within seconds. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and clothing. The use of appropriate protective clothing (gloves) is recommended.
Misusing cigarette filters in the aquarium is, by experience, harmless, but it cannot be ruled out that the ingredients may cause harm to plants and animals. Use at your own risk! We accept no liability for any damage that may occur.