How do I seperate mixed zoas from a single rock?

[rubysmomma1]

We bought this gorgeous rock six months ago and it's blossomed. The problem is there are 4 different types of zoas and they are so mixed up. I don't know where to start in separating them. There are two awesome Radioactive Aliens in the middle of the solars and two other morphs. I would like to pull them out of there and place them on their own rock. How would I go about this safely, without harming anyone?

Thanks, Nicole

 

[dc_909]

Using an exacto knife, slide it under the zoas taking some of the rock with them. If you can't do that, I have had success with a hammer and chisel. My last multi zoa rock I had I just scored the rock with my dremel and then smacked it with a hammer and chisel. The scored part of the rock acts as a seam for it to break on.

 

[rubysmomma1]

My only problem with a hammer and chisel is that I am afraid of breaking the entire rock. Also what if I can't get any rock with the exacto knife? Is it possible to remove them with an exacto knife and leave the rock behide? Since there are several types of zoas, would they all be connected on a common mat, or would each morph have it's own mat?

 

[dc_909]

Each type of zoa should be on its on mat, but they will so close they might look like one. No matter how you do it chance are you will have to sacrifice a few of the surronding zoas. If you don't slice off some of the rock, you risk damaging the zoa.

 

[mfinn]

The idea behind the hammer and chisel is to break up the rock.

 

[saltycreefer]

I use tweezers and put the loose zoos in plastic cups on the bottom with bits of live rock.

 

[rubysmomma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8507303#post8507303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
The idea behind the hammer and chisel is to break up the rock.

Since I had asked about only moving a few polyps, I thought the hammer and chisel was drastic. I use that method when I want to frag larger colonies. I don't want to break the entire rock, just move a few polyps safely. I think I'll try saltycreefer's method. That seems like it would be the most precise was of removing the few polyps without harming them.

 

[mfinn]

I admitt that the hammer and chisel can be drastic, but IMO the easiest.
This is a link to a very good article on fragging.

http://www.zoaid.com/articles003.php

 

[Reef Junkie]

You beat me to it!

 

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8513577#post8513577 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Junkie
You beat me to it!

:lol: By 2 minutes.:lol:

 

[rubysmomma1]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll let you know how the fragging goes.