how to remove zoas from rock

[Das awesome]

Is there a way to remove them from a rock without chipping the piece off the rock? Mine have somehow gotten to a small rock that I have a ricordea on and have completely surrounded the ric to the point that it doesn't want to open completely. Can I just sort of peel them off?

 

[Fishypapa]

Can you remove the entire rock from the tank then kind of cut/frag them off with a razor?

 

[Das awesome]

I think so. The rock is pretty small, but the zoas are connected to another large base rock as well. Can I take the blade and slice through the zoas to remove the smaller one? Sorry if it's a stupid question. I've never fragged anything before. Then what do I do? Just slide the razor underneath zoas and just peel them off or do I continue sliding the blade under them?

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

yes you can just slice through them, i would wear gloves ( at least that is what i tell people though i have never once worn any myself) after you have the rock out you should be able to slide a butter knife or credit card etc under the mat and just peel them off...glue them to a plug or smaller rock and sell frag in a week or so...

 

[Das awesome]

Sweet! Thanks!

 

[Fishypapa]

Never fragged either so that helps me too
Good luck!

 

[SCC315]

I use a very razor sharp knife like an xacto and try to get under the zoas as much as a I can without oding damage to them( like peeling some of the rock underneath too)

 

[A. Grandis]

Is there a way to remove them from a rock without chipping the piece off the rock? Mine have somehow gotten to a small rock that I have a ricordea on and have completely surrounded the ric to the point that it doesn't want to open completely. Can I just sort of peel them off?

If you can peel them off just do it. A small sharp knife will help you.
Best chances you've got is to get them with pieces of the rock.
It takes lot's of practice to peel them off from the rocks and sometimes it's just impossible. Specially when they are embedded into holes.
Good luck!

Grandis.

 

[Reefa25]

A thin layer of rock under a cut zoa is always good! I always use a razor blade and try and get a paper thin layer of rock with the zoa. I wouldn't worry about your rock being damaged, give it a week or 2 and itll look natural and undamaged again.

 

[Bpb]

Yeah I've never had any luck peeling them up. They always just slime over so much and won't peel up. The knives end up just cutting the heck out of them and killin them