Encrusting Frag Plates

[dartier]

I wanted to free up the spots in my frag tray currently being used by some encrusting Cyphastrea, but I am out of room in other parts of the tank. Since the existing plugs are fully encrusted, I decided I would frag them into smaller pieces (which is how I created these frags in the first place).

I got thinking of the easiest way to provide a good encrusting environment, and decided that the bottom of a ceramic tile would provide a good medium. To hold the tile on the side of the tank, I glued a ceramic magnet onto the tile, with a matching magnet for the outside of the tank.

When it comes time to frag it, I will use a diamond wheel on a dremel to separate it into small frags. I expect the magnet can be popped off and reused.

Here are photos of 2 of the plates.

The tiles would have been better unglazed, but at least they are white so nothing (from colouring) should leach.

Dennis

 

[IUfan]

Where did you get the magnet. Looks good!

 

[dartier]

The magnets are from Princess Auto, but you can probably find similar ones at various stores locally. Note, they have to be ceramic to be reef safe. The Neodium super magnets are NOT reef safe, unless very well encased.

As luck would have it, no sooner did I post this yesterday and then I noticed that one of my Cyphastrea frags had inadvertently contacted an SPS frag and a quarter of the Cyphastrea had RTN'd. I guess I will be fragging and gluing tonight.

Dennis