Fragging a Goniopora?

[stonecold]

I have had this colony for 2+ years. When it is fully close, the base/rock is the size of an orange/dome shape. When its fully open it is about 10 inches in diameter and about 7 inches tall and its taking too much space. I would like to frag it in half and not little frags. I know that a dremel will not give me the cut that I want due to its base.

Have any of you gals/guys frag this type of coral before? If so, what did you use? Please share your experience.

Thank you.

 

[TurboSnailz]

Since you had it. How is the growth rate on this animal? I have the same species but it doesn't for 6 months and it doesn't grow.

 

[stonecold]

Since you had it. How is the growth rate on this animal? I have the same species but it doesn't for 6 months and it doesn't grow.

Based on my personal experience, mine is a slow grower. When I first bought it, there weren't any polyps/tentacles towards the based. Now it is fully covered and I see tons of baby polyps/tentacles. Originally, I place it on the sand. Recently, I've placed it on a rock to see whether it will grow/spread onto the rock. Only time will tell.

 

[stonecold]

Bumping my original question; therefore, please kindly advise if anyone has fragged his/her Goniopora successfully. Your advise/experience is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[ps1434]

I have fragged an ORA red goniopora twice. I used a dremel with a cut off blade. The first time I took some off the bottom the second time I cut it off the side. Ended up with 10 frags and all the corals are doing well. Took me a couple of years to work up the nerve to do it. Wear goggles and gloves! I had glasses on but still got some slime in the corner of my eye and thought I was going to the emergency room. Also rinse the well before you put them back in the tank. The first time I did not and all my corals went into 'shock'.

Paul

 

[stonecold]

I have fragged an ORA red goniopora twice. I used a dremel with a cut off blade. The first time I took some off the bottom the second time I cut it off the side. Ended up with 10 frags and all the corals are doing well. Took me a couple of years to work up the nerve to do it. Wear goggles and gloves! I had glasses on but still got some slime in the corner of my eye and thought I was going to the emergency room. Also rinse the well before you put them back in the tank. The first time I did not and all my corals went into 'shock'.

Paul

Thank you for time, Paul.

As we are all aware, the base of the Goni's are dome shape. I don't want to make frags, but rather cut the entire colony in half or in 3rd. The dremel blade is too small to cut thru the colony. Is there an alternative tool that I can use? The base of my Goni is ~ 4".

Also, is there any "chemical" that I should dip it with once it is cut?

 

[Epicreefer]

A wet bandsaw is best but hard to come by. I would use the dremel and cut the outline of what you want, I assume right down the middle or something similar. Then you could either use PVC cutters and ratchet through the rest of the cut or a stone chisel(screwdriver) and a hard strike by a hammer. May not break perfectly but it's probably one of your best bets and not a $300 tool. A cheap tile saw and spray bottle full of tank water to spray as you go is a good option too.

 

[ps1434]

I would re-think trying to cut it in half if possible. The first time I did it I had about 2/3 bare skeleton and it took a long time for the coral to encrust all away around. The second time I had small flat pieces and got a lot better growth from the frags that way. I am no expert but just sharing my experience.

Paul

 

[stonecold]

I sincerely thank Epicreefer and ps1434 your your precious time.

My colony is fairly big. It's about 12" x 10" fully open. I don't like frags cause I will be stuck with them. I have had it for quite sometime and I'd hate for it to die due to my inexperience; therefore, I have decided to sell provided that the buyer and I could agree on a reasonable price. With that said, how much would everyone think is a fair price?

 

[Epicreefer]

For a tennis ball size closed Ora red goniapora I have seen $2-300 retail, given yours is a bit bigger and I don't know the color idk. What color is it? Typically frags 1-1 1/2" diameter go for $20 to $50 depending on color colonies are less per size so $1-300 is what I would think at a fish store retail a bit less to another hobbyist.

 

[stonecold]

What color is it?

Here is a pic of mine, red with blue eye.