Attaching coral
- Thread starter Jamie805
- Start date
Are you trying to attach with or without a plug?
The way I do it is the “epoxy sandwich”. Basically I use Instant Ocean epoxy, put it on the rock where I want the coral, then put epoxy on the frag plug and then a layer of super glue. Then put the coral in the tank and smoosh the two epoxy pieces together like a sandwich (I find twisting a little bit also help).
The way I do it is the “epoxy sandwich”. Basically I use Instant Ocean epoxy, put it on the rock where I want the coral, then put epoxy on the frag plug and then a layer of super glue. Then put the coral in the tank and smoosh the two epoxy pieces together like a sandwich (I find twisting a little bit also help).
Does that work with soft corals like mushrooms and zoas? Never used the sandwich method so, I’m curious.
Only if they’re already attached to a frag plug. Loose, I just rubber band to a piece of rock
Okay, that’s what I do with loose soft corals as well.
I have been having good luck putting a dab of the epoxy on a rubble or frag plug, then carefully dropping a polyp of zoa or paly onto that glue. I have done it with a couple mushrooms too, but changed my process there and would leave my shrooms in a shroom box covered in rubble until they picked a rock to make their home, then I'd locate the rock where I want it.
Since most of my propagation is SPS, I simply cut the coral with a bone cutter, dab the base dry with a paper towel, put a drop of super glue gel on a frag plug, and hold the frag until he glue sets. If I'm mounting an SPS frag in my tank, I simply put the base of the frag plug in a hole in the rock. If there's no hole where I want the frag to go, I gently break it off the plug, dab the base dry, put super glue gel on it and hold it on the rock until the glue sets.
I think the only SPS I've fragged was pavona which I did with the bone cutters as well. I'm really glad I did this last fall because now I have specimens in my new DT since the old elphant ear pavona I had died in the great crash of January. someday I want to try my hand at euphyllia but I have a feeling a saw might be better than a bonecutter as I'm afraid it would crush the skeleton.
I use the bone cutters a lot on pieces of rock though to cut off frags of softies. its a great tool
I use the bone cutters a lot on pieces of rock though to cut off frags of softies. its a great tool
I have mounted hundreds of frags in my displays and this method seems to work best for me.
I prefer this method, especially when mounting several at one time. Get some two-part reef-safe epoxy and some super glue. You can use almost any type of gel superglue, but I find Two Little Fishies works the best. It isn't as cheap as regular gel superglue but it is THICK which is good.
I use this epoxy
This is the Two Little Fishies glue I use. It isn't cheap but you could probably buy it cheaper from other places.
Clean the area of rock with a toothbrush, etc where you plan on mounting the frag. Glue/epoxy sticks best if you eliminate as much algae and bacteria film as you can off of the rock. Knead the epoxy until it turns white. Use half of the epoxy and shape it into a pyramid, with the bottom being flat and the widest part. Take the other half and set aside. Do this outside of the aquarium. Put some superglue on the bottom of the epoxy pyramid and place it onto the rock area you cleaned. Gently push the epoxy down onto the rock to get a good foundation. Do not flatten it, as you need an area for the frag plug to mount onto. The following is a crucial step that enables you to mount large pieces with ease. Give the epoxy a couple of minutes to set on the rock before mounting the frag. If you go too early, then you will run into the risk of the plug peeling off of the epoxy due to the weight of the coral.
Cut the stem plug off, then pat the bottom dry onto a paper towel. Apply a small drop of superglue gel on the bottom of the plug. Put the epoxy you set aside onto the glue. Then put another drop of glue onto the epoxy so that it will bond with the epoxy. Now you can mount the frag with ease. Just make sure you give the epoxy a couple of minutes on the rock first. If you are unsure, then touch the epoxy, and it should feel a little stiff but not soft. If stiff but pliable, then you are good to go. This method is my go-to, especially when I'm mounting 10 or more corals at the same time. I will make 3 epoxy pyramids and use them all at once. This way, when the time is ready, I can just place 3 frags in at the same time instead of waiting a couple of minutes for each one.
If done correctly, then you should never have an issue mounting frags again. I use this method to mount corals sideways and almost upside down.
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Then you’ve been presented with some different options. One thing you’ll learn in this hobby, there’s no one right way to do things. Try different methods, go slow and find what works for you. And, most importantly, enjoy the hobby.
Thank you. I really appreciate the info. I have one question and it may be a dumb one but all this can be done underwater with fish in the aquarium?
Yes. I was going to use the ones JCOLE suggested above.
Then you’re good.
Yes. I forgot to mention to turn off all flow while doing this. I usually turn the return pump and wave makers off for 30 minutes.
