The idea of cutting/splitting polyps is derived from cutting mushrooms in half, most often it is ricordea. This practice has been performed for many years. They grow very slow and by cutting them, proliferation is achieved, albeit slow, but in an instant, you go from 1 polyp to two polyps.
"HAS ANYONE ON HERE TRIED SOMETHING SIMULAR WITH ZOANTHIDS FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH?"
I haven't, I just can't refer to it as accelerated growth. I have read on other sights last year the discussion of splitting zoanthids. I will try to find the links and post them here. If one takes the time to read, research, set up a system properly and learn what it takes to keep a polyp happy healthy and alive, then and only then will they be able to see persistent/consistent growth per week the natural way. If zoas and paly grew as slow as ricordea, I could justify cutting, however good growth can be equally achieved through basic reefing knowledge from this or anyone of several dozen reefing sights such as RC. I would hate to see knowledge from those of you who willingly share it, being replaced by a razor blade as a means of reproduction. The joy for me is knowing that I can grow my way to a fuller colorful reef.
The rush will be on for razor blades and husbandry, lighting, PAR, proper ballast selection, bulbs, water parameters, good current etc, will be replaced by Exacto knives along the possible rise in Palytoxin exposures.
Cutting polyps exposes them to possible infections which could result in mortality. The same holds true for mushrooms, which is why an iodine dip is most often performed after they are cut. Lugol's iodine has medicinal properties which help aid and heal the mushrooms that are cut.
Happy, healthy, persistent/consistent growth can be achieved with threads like the ones listed below to name a few. These threads will receive limited attention and slide off the first page quickly. Instant polyp threads will last much longer for obvious reasons. I just choose to do it the old fashion way as it is most gratifying to me. Just my opinion and I force it on no one.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1323511
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1329581
If someone’s polyps aren't reproducing, there's a reason. The facts are, you can cut every polyp and double your count, but if you don't have adequate PAR, good ballast/bulbs, adequate current, good parameters, good weekly maintenance etc, those cut polyps will never prosper and reproduce on their own.
Just my 2 cents
Mucho
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and we can all agree to disagree.
