Fragging LPS and SPS

[gooyferret]

Just wondering if anyone has had luck fragging LPS and SPS corals. Since they have a hard shell i was wondering how and if you are able to frag them? Also how fast will SPS and LPS grow under good conditions?
TIA

 

[klam]

be more specific on the corals you are talking about and more will be able to answer your question.

Lot's of sps can be fraged by breaking off a piece and attach it to something.

 

[steve-s]

Just wondering if anyone has had luck fragging LPS and SPS corals. Since they have a hard shell i was wondering how and if you are able to frag them?

SPS are pretty easy to frag. The main concern being not to handle them too much, being sure to place them in water right after gluing so as not to burn them and maintaining good water parameters and NSW chemistry.

LPS greatly depends on species. "Para" or branching species are quite easy as long as there is enough growth. The coral can be fragged by breaking the "Y" and the base of the stock. I would suggest being sure there is a good 2" or more of skelatal growth below the fleshy crown. Corals like brains and plates have been successfully fragged but very very rarely. More often than not they do not survive.

Also how fast will SPS and LPS grow under good conditions?
TIA

"Under good conditions" is like using the word "if". Too many variables to be accurate. In general terms though, branching LPS (Para corals) can be fragged a few times a year and will generally grow quite quickly depending on chem, lighting, nutrient and PO4 levels. Same is true of SPS but their growth rates can fluctuate anywhere from a few inches a year or more. Certain SPS species like scroll corals (not montipora types) only grow ½-1" a year while others can easily double in size.

Cheers
Steve

 

[gooyferret]

Im talking about like hammerhead corals, torch corals, candycane, brains (favites) etc. If you break off a branch of an LPS OR SPS will that grow into more other branches or will it just be one branch? For example if you break off a branch of candycane coral, will it branch and produce another branch eventually?

 

[steve-s]

For example if you break off a branch of candycane coral, will it branch and produce another branch eventually?

The candy cane will eventually grow new stocks but it is typically much slower growing than other branching species. It tends to split moreso than bud new stocks anyway. The anchor and torch being much much faster. You will see small buds near the base of the crown that will look like little nubs and evetually grow into small "stick like" projections. After a month or so they will be recognizable as new corals.

Once SPS attach, they will usually gear some of the growth towards strengthening and spreading out the base area. Once done, it will concentrate on new branch's both from the main stock as well as the newly formed base.

As for the brain coral and similar, don't attempt it.

Cheers
Steve

 

[gooyferret]

What about a hammerhead coral are you able to break a piece of that and have it continue to grow? Also about green star polyps are they able to be fragged and the easiest way to frag mushrooms?

 

[steve-s]

What about a hammerhead coral are you able to break a piece of that and have it continue to grow?

If it's a branching species (Euphyllia parancora) yes. If only a Euphyllia ancora, you'd be better off waiting until it divides on it's own. If the seems between each coral "head" are not thin enough before fragging, it can kill it.

Also about green star polyps are they able to be fragged and the easiest way to frag mushrooms?

GPS or Briarium, good luck stopping it. As for the shroom, you can cut them into ¼'s and they'll regrow.

Alot of good info and step by step images on Garf.org

Cheers
Steve

 

[gooyferret]

Alot of good info and step by step images on Garf.org

Where on his site?

 

[steve-s]

9th folder down (in the left frame) labeled Propagation...

Cheers
Steve