what to use to frag coral

[fishguy4]

Hey everyone im trying to frag 2 of my chalices but ive never done it before. What kind of tools should i use to do it, and how should i do it? Thanks!

 

[SaltyChick]

a dremel is best

 

[fishguy4]

really/ They seem kinda expensive, are there any more economical options?

 

[SaltyChick]

well i dont know how safe it is for a coral. but my blenny is extremely clumsy and knocks things over all the time and he broke a monti once. we sold the piece and as far as we know its doing fine. so maybe if its big enough you could just break it with your hands? not sure though. im gonna let someone else chime in here...

 

[SaltyChick]

also...not sure where you live, but i just checked craigslist real quick. they have a few dremels on there for anywhere from $10-$60. used ones arent hard to find. if your willing to wait just go to yard sales and such. ebay maybe.

 

[fishguy4]

do i use like a hand held dremel or what? And what kind of bit do i use too

 

[dmatt88]

Dremmels work but the metal blades build up heat and damage the tissue. I use a coral saw with a diamond tipped blade. Chalices r sensitive coral. Make sure u iodine dip after cutting to help heal the frag.

........cutting n glueing living things to stuff. who'd have thought

 

[fishguy4]

can u explain how to do an iodine dip? Sry im new to fragging lol

 

[fishguy4]

just found this, what do you think about this method?

Kraylen's Lab - How to Propagate a Chalice Coral Cheap and Simple. - YouTube

 

[dmatt88]

can u explain how to do an iodine dip? Sry im new to fragging lol

Buy Lugols solution. Mix according to directions about the color of tea. Set the frag in the dip for a few minutes. Wha la. Keeps the tissue from receding.

........cutting n glueing living things to stuff. who'd have thought

 

[fishguy4]

ok so after i frag it i will dip it in that solution for awhile. but is the method above ok do you thing?

 

[dmatt88]

ok so after i frag it i will dip it in that solution for awhile. but is the method above ok do you thing?

Works like a champ. Just use stainless equipment. Salts hard on tools. No grease/oil on the tool. He did great with the Lugols. Just cigarettes optional.

........cutting n glueing living things to stuff. who'd have thought

 

[fishguy4]

haha ya lol i will prob do his method because it doesnt look like it will cost much. Im so cheep

 

[fishguy4]

the fragging was a huge success! Thanks for everyones inputs and recommendations!

 

[dmatt88]

the fragging was a huge success! Thanks for everyones inputs and recommendations!

Right on. U made babies.

........cutting n glueing living things to stuff. who'd have thought

 

[fishguy4]

haha you know it! Thanks for your help!