Fragging Chalices for the first time

[ExpensiveHobby]

Looking for specific tips/tricks/advice on what to expect. I have 80 chalices in my display. Some of them are rather larger and could easily be fragged. I have a frag system that will be setup in October with the same exact type of lighting in my display. I plan on filling the frag system with water directly from my display system.

- I do not have a liquid bandsaw, I have a dremel with a new diamond blade. Any concern with this?

- Should I leave the frags in the display to heal for a week or two before moving to the frag tank or will it be ok since its the same water and light?

- should I cut from the bottom of the chalice or the top so I can avoid the eyes?

any other advice would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Reef Frog]

Never fragged any chalice beyond a Hollywood Stunner which you can break of like a corn chip. I imagine the technique will differ depending on if the colony is encrusted or plating.

I watched a guy with a Dremel do it on chalices mounted on thin rock (maybe 1"
Thick). He did it from the underside, right up to the calcium skeleton underneath then broke it by hand. I have no idea if that's the right of the best way however. Hopefully you'll find some more expert advice!

Good luck & kindly consider sending a PM if you're advertising for sale & could meet for the sale. I may be in the market if you have stuff I'm not finding locally.

 

[Reef Frog]

Double post.

 

[ExpensiveHobby]

Never fragged any chalice beyond a Hollywood Stunner which you can break of like a corn chip. I imagine the technique will differ depending on if the colony is encrusted or plating.

I watched a guy with a Dremel do it on chalices mounted on thin rock (maybe 1"
Thick). He did it from the underside, right up to the calcium skeleton underneath then broke it by hand. I have no idea if that's the right of the best way however. Hopefully you'll find some more expert advice!

Good luck & kindly consider sending a PM if you're advertising for sale & could meet for the sale. I may be in the market if you have stuff I'm not finding locally.

Thanks man. I think we have spoken before are you located in western MD?

 

[Reef Frog]

You're welcome. I was going to add that it's probably a good idea to make the final cut on the top side with a scalpel or sharp razor blade once you have the bottom cut done.

I've talked with a few fellow Marylanders on the forum. I think you may have commented on a thread I did on my tank in the LPS forum. Yes Frederick County, about 3/4 to 1 hour from Baltimore. BTW there's an excellent SW only store in Frederick with some excellent corals & fish if you're looking for a recommendation. They will buy hobbyist reared coral. PM me if interested.

 

[dadummy]

I use a dremel, cheap diamond discs from harbor freight. I cut from the bottom up, buzzing right through the new growth. If piece is thick, I cut the bottom as deep as I can and score the sides. Flip the coral over and connect the scores right through the top. If it is still not cut all the way through the piece can be snapped off.
My experience has been to put the fresh cuts back in the same tank mother came from for best recovery rate.

 

[Marcoss]

I personally use a Gryphon so I have no advice with a dremmel.

Anyway- when you frag:
Be sure to frag around the eyes and make sure each frag has several eyes
Use something like iodine after you dip to clean and heal the frags

Also- I would add rocks and some other media to the frag tank. Water by itself won't cut it.

Good luck!

Marcos

 

[ExpensiveHobby]

I personally use a Gryphon so I have no advice with a dremmel.

Anyway- when you frag:
Be sure to frag around the eyes and make sure each frag has several eyes
Use something like iodine after you dip to clean and heal the frags

Also- I would add rocks and some other media to the frag tank. Water by itself won't cut it.

Good luck!

Marcos

Thank you. I just got the frag tank this morning. I am ordering the ocean revive light now so I will have the same exact light and lighting intensity on the frag tank as the main tank. I have a ton of rubble rock in my sump I will be moving to the sump on the frag tank. The only real difference between the two systems will be bare bottom in the frag tank and there wont be much fish, Maybe a pair of clowns or a few damsels.

Thanks for the advice on the Iodine that is something I was thinking about grabbing too.