Fragging Suns

[MarineSniper]

I know I asked this once before but was told they wouldn't survive. I have about 20 heads of baby suns that are growing throughout my tank that are about 2" long now. I can't target feed them, as many are growing upside down; like they tend to do in the wild, and I can't afford the nutrient load doing so would cost. Can they be safely cut from the rock so that I can consolidate, and begin feeding them? Babies in my colonies are full grown within 60 days and these guys are just surviving. I could have a new colony in a month, if I can successfully move them. Thanks, for any advice!

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

Is that rock removable? Hammer and screwdriver

 

[willietang021]

Same concept, If I cut the top half of your body off but then I start giving you all the attention you need, the chance of you dying will be much greater. I wouldn't say you will die for sure 100%. but the chance is not good.

+1 on moving the rock, if the rock can't be move, maybe use tools to cut part of the rock out?

 

[MarineSniper]

The general consensus I've found is to break the piece of rock off. Will do that and glue the pieces together. Last nights count was 22 large enough to move, 37 that are still too small. No point truong to move those before finding out if they're going to survive

Thanks, Gem. Your thoughts are the same as everyone else I heard from

 

[sea witch1]

Did you decide to move them? I have one lil piece thats in a bad place so i would love to move it..but dont want to run the risk of it dying

 

[MarineSniper]

Haven't moved them yet, there are 22 that are fairly large on about 10 large rocks. It will be a bit of a project and I'm in the end stages of connecting that tank to a 300g basement sump, so they'll need to stay where they are for now

The only safe way, that I've found, is to break the piece of rock that it's on

 

[The J Man]

Depending on the strength of your rock, you could use and exacto knife and carefully shave off a layer of the rock from underneath the suns. The blade must be new and it will dull after a few, but I find it to be less off a chore than chiseling.

You could then easily relocate or stick em to a frag plug.

I have done this with many corals that I do not want to cut directly.

 

[MarineSniper]

They're in spots where that may be possible. Thanks Jesse

On to dendros. This colony has about 130 heads and it would be a lot easier to feed if I was to cut some of the branches off the main body. As much as I hate to break up such a unique piece, I think it's going to be necessary for it to thrive and continue to grow. Body appearance seems to suggest a fairly simple procedure but would appreciate any advice