How Do I Frag a Micromussa???

[MarineGirl411]

Hi Everyone,
I'd like to frag some of my Micomussa's to trade with fellow reefers. I'd like some advice on how to do it? I believe people use dremel's with diamond bits, but can you describe how to do it? I don't want to kill the colony. That would be horrid! Any pictures or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

Gina

 

[jadeguppy]

Use the diamond bit to cut the rock and skeleton under it up to the point of the tissue. Then use a sharp razor in one stroke to cut the flesh.

 

[circusordie16]

i use a chisel and hammer but diamond blade would be much more precise

 

[benihana]

diamond blade straight through the colony where you want to frag it at

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13011997#post13011997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jadeguppy
Use the diamond bit to cut the rock and skeleton under it up to the point of the tissue. Then use a sharp razor in one stroke to cut the flesh.

Thats how I do it...with acans too. Depending how far the coralites are apart, sometimes you dont have to stop with the dremel and razor-blade the tissue. You will get better survival rate by cutting the tissue with razor blader over a dremel, if its necessary.

 

[MarineGirl411]

Does anyone have pictures of the process? Do you dip the colony in anything to promote healing afterwards?

 

[benihana]

check www.jendub.com A while back she posted pics on how to frag an Acan (Micro's would be the same process) I generally only dip my corals when I get them, but it wouldn't hurt to dip them after fragging

 

[MarineGirl411]

Hi. I looked there last night. =( Could not find anything.

 

[benihana]

I think it was in her blog a while back....either that or just read this, it is directed to acans, but Micros will be fragged the same way - http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-08/ebac/index.php

 

[MarineGirl411]

Thank you so much! That helps me quite a bit. ;-) God bless!

 

[Snprhed]

reefdoctor micromussa does a lugols dip after fragging his, 1 full eyedropper to a couple of cups of tankwater. I'm guessing for several minutes.

 

[benihana]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13014879#post13014879 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarineGirl411
Thank you so much! That helps me quite a bit. ;-) God bless!

you're welcome. let us know how they turn out

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13011997#post13011997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jadeguppy
Use the diamond bit to cut the rock and skeleton under it up to the point of the tissue. Then use a sharp razor in one stroke to cut the flesh.

I found this to be best method for me as well, frags come out much cleaner and more precise. I just use a small container with tank water to let the mother and frags sit for a few minutes before putting back in the tank. This lets the dust/debris settle, as well allows the cuts to coagulate and reduces the slime being brought into the tank and sloughing off on unsuspecting victims
Good time to make sure your carbon and other media isnt exhausted as well, so everything is kept clean.

-Justin