Suggestions on how to frag this

[Salt4Us]

It's just getting way too big! Infact it's curlling under and pressing up against the acrylic! Well it survived having a hole in the middle which is now healing, but now the base of it has a huge hole where it looks like it is being eaten by something, did see a brittle worm down there but not sure if that is what is doing it. Regardless we need to frag and need suggestions on how and if we should just do the whole thing. I've included 3 pics front, side and the base where the hole is. Look forward to any help.

Thanks,

Kaurene

P.S. need suggestions on what to attach it to and with what we are picking up the stuff tonight.

 

[steve-s]

I would cut it across the stem just below the crown. Then cut the crown into 4 equal pieces. Make sure you use a very sharp razor blade or exacto knife. Once the stem starts showing signs of regrowth, cut it again and repeat the steps below.

As far as attaching, I prefer to use a HOB breeder box with extra holes drilled in. Place small rubble pieces of rock along the bottom and then add the coral frags. It will attach quite quickly.

Alternate options are a rubber band wrapped around the frag and rubble rock. Not too fond of that as the elastic can often cut through the coral. The other is similar to the box but instead use a shallow plastic container again filled with rubble. Add the coral and cover with veil material and position on the substrate.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Salt4Us]

HI Steve,

Our crown on this leather is about 13" in diameter. This makes cutting into 4 equal peices as still being rather large frags. Should we still think about 4 equal peices or maybe going a little smaller (perhaps 8 equal peices or more)?

Thanks for your advise & input!

John

 

[steve-s]

Should we still think about 4 equal peices or maybe going a little smaller (perhaps 8 equal peices or more)?

8 would be just fine. The number I gave was just a suggestion. Try to cut it pie shaped though. Reason being, less areas to heal. Other than that, there's no concern.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Salt4Us]

Another quick question.

Is there another method besides using a rubberband or veil to attach the frags to the rubble? We're afraid that the veil will not allow the polyps to come out & we don't like the rubber band method.

should we use glue or will the frags attach themselves to the rubble? If we use glue, what glue do you recommend?

Thanks again!

 

[steve-s]

should we use glue or will the frags attach themselves to the rubble? If we use glue, what glue do you recommend?

Glue won't work usually. The slime from the coral will make it impossible to stick. You can dry gentley dapping the coral and rock to be attached to with a paper towel and see if that works. If you try this use a superglue gel that contains cyanoacrylate (HD carries it). Be sure to allow a few seconds for the glue to set and then place it in some water. Too long out of water with the glue will burn the coral tissue.

If the frags are big enough, you can also try glueing a plain toothpick to a rock and impailing the coral. Not a prefered method though as it can lead to necrosis or the hole created will widen and the coral won't attach.

Cheers
Steve

 

[juskeepswiming]

Do you want to sell a piece?