Best way to "detach" SPS?

[Yodeling]

I think I have a problem. I will be moving soon, and most of my SPS have bases encrusted over very large rocks. I would like to devise a way to remove the SPS from the large rocks without damaging them. Is this possible? I have thought of chiseling off the rock close to the coral base, but I'm thinking my corals will break apart in the process. Advice please!!!

 

[reefdood]

Dremel?

 

[SunnyX]

I second the use of a dremel.

Chiseling the rock will most likely cause the coral to break apart from the incurring vibration.

 

[jackson6745]

third for dremel

 

[Yodeling]

That sound good, I haven't thought of that! I don't have one but I'll buy one for this. I know they come with different attachments, which one would be best for cutting through the rock? Also, how long do you think is safe for the SPS colonies to be out of the water?

 

[ApexPredator]

I just went through having to remove a lot of my arcos from the rocks and what I mainly used was a flat head screw driver and a dremel with a diamond cut off wheel.

 

[drake66]

acros will slime out of water, i'd say 3minutes tops. so i suggest you work fast as i would.

 

[Yodeling]

Excellent advice as I have come to expect from RC members! Thank you all!

 

[NoSchwag]

If need be, you can actually thru rock with a hacksaw. Like butter.

This crazy dude I know actually busted out a reciprocating saw and did it.

I was waiting for him to come back with a angle grinder.

 

[clkwrk]

I recently had to remove a good # of colonies from my rockwork before I reaquascaped. Luckily I was able ti get the right leverage on each one and was able to pop them off . I even used my fine point bone shears to cut away at the live rock arounf a couple that did great . Corals are very strong where they are thick .

 

[clkwrk]

Btw the live rock chips and breaks away easy IMO