Why is it that the aquarium market cannot seem to create a suction cup that lasts? There are none that last for very long, before the plastisizers are gone and the thing is stiff and flat and does not adhere.

The clear ones sold for airline tubes go opaque and let loose. They used to be 10 for about $1.50. Now it is $2.50 for 6! They last about 2-4 weeks depending on application.

The black ones that come with the heater covers give out after about 6 months to a year. You cannot buy replacements - you have to buy the stupid cover again.

The larger ones sold for heater holders - clear plastic with a plastic ring attached last approximately 1 week and go completely bad.

The large suction cups that are sold for general use last about 2-4 weeks, and, also, let loose.

I am sick and tired of constantly buying suction cups and replacing them. Now that they have gone up so much in price it is ridiculous!!!!!

Has anyone out there EVER found a brand of suction cups that will last in the water for more than a month or two?

Im with you on this one! I made the mistake of taking the planters off my fake plants and siliconing the root base onto the suction cup. Good idea right? WRONG. The darn things came of at the sight of a gravel vac! I did however come across some black air line tubing and put up a black background. I now leave the tubing suspended in the corner and it blends in so the tubing isnt as noticeable. The heater is still holding its own but Im sure it will give out from past experience. Will somebody please invent "AQUA_VELCRO"!

You've really hit the nail on the head with this one Daryl. I think, the pure silicon suctions cups are the best and longest lasting, but they don't last very long either.

I have found a little trick that works pretty good for holding permanently mounted objects (heaters, powerheads, etc.) in glass aquariums... Put a little dot of marine epoxy on the inside of the suction cups before you stick the heater or whatever in place. The epoxy will hold that suction cup there forever... Or at least until you cut it free with a single edged razor blade. If you want to move the heater, powerhead, etc. for cleaning, the mounting clips will pull out of the back of the suction cup leaving the suction cup in place. When you're done cleaning, just push the clips back into the suction cups.

Once again, you have come to the rescue!!!! I was about ready to drop kick the whole kit and kaboodle heater covers out the back door!!!!

I got a tube of the marine epoxy over at the boat store this morning for rocks and such (mine keep popping off the bottom of my fake plants - and I, too, hate that plastic green boat look)

I am going to have fun glueing tonight!

Once again, you have come to the rescue!!!! I was about ready to drop kick the whole kit and kaboodle heater covers out the back door!!!!

I got a tube of the marine epoxy over at the boat store this morning for rocks and such (mine keep popping off the bottom of my fake plants - and I, too, hate that plastic green boat look)

I am going to have fun glueing tonight!

I like that steath tubing, too. That is good stuff....kinda like automatic algae covering!

Have fun Daryl... And don't go crazy and glue a fish to the side of the tank... lol

Well, they better move fast!!!!

All my suction cups lasts for more than 6 months am I the only one or what?

Bak2it, marine epoxy can cure under water?

Mine too!

D_golem, Yes, marine epoxy can cure dry, damp or underwater.

I think what Daryl was getting at, is that of all our aquarium equipment, suction cups have the shortest life span. I agree with this... Why can't aquarium equipment manufactures come up with an aquarium safe compound that will make suction cups last for three or four years.

Quote from Bak2it:

Why can't aquarium equipment manufactures come up with an aquarium safe compound that will make suction cups last for three or four years.


At times I have problems keeping fish alive for 3-4 years (thats why I found this board.. ) I would hate to see my suction cups out live my fish

Said with toungue in cheek of course.

Keeping your fish alive for longer than your suction cups is the whole purpose of this message board.

They need to make money, so they make cheapo stuff so we gotta buy them again & again. Old story I know, but that's what we get