Softie Fragging 101

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11911471#post11911471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by james37128
Great thread, can't wait to see the next fragging session.

Thanks! I have some zoas I need to frag, they'll be next!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11913195#post11913195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownFish1313
Sweet thread

Thanks, glad I could help! Good luck with your mushroom, and let me know if I can clear anything up for you. Post some pics!

 

[Bkndsdl]

Mushroom Update!

Mushroom Update!

Long story short, I had to make a quick run to Tampa for work Friday, so I haven't been able to post before now. Before I left, I took the mushrooms out of the container, carefully unwrapped the tool from the frags, and set them in a low-flow area of the tank. They've attached, and are doing quite well.

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11913794#post11913794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanyashankles
Ok its your pest again...lol...

You're not a pest. Actually, I look forward to any and all posts, I've never had a multiple page thread before!!

Okey dokey, I am ready to frag the zoas And I was wondering about the ones on the bottom that I told you were reaching for the light? Well I got a good look at them today, and the base of some of them are looonng, like 2-3 inches, and Im not exactly sure how to tackle it. Will it be ok just on a rock or should I tool it?

It depends. If the base has already attached to some sand or some rubble close, then I would cut them off close to the original rock, and superglue the sand or rubble they've attached to onto another rock. If they haven't grabbed any sand or rubble, then I'd use the tool, or maybe even a loose-fitting rubber band.

I have been accused of worrying too much, fyi... lol...

No problem! So have I!

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11916757#post11916757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanyashankles
and by the way, I did it! Thanks so much for all your help!

Guess I should have read first, then posted.

Great! Let's see some pics!

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11925380#post11925380 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oxbeard
Thanks for the steps and pics. I've got a fairly huge Devil's Hand that is definitely going to need the fragging treatment. Had no idea where to start, but this thread has been a big help. Don't feel as hesitant to tackle it now.

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions, and by all means, post some pics/updates!!

 

[tanyashankles]

PICS!!

PICS!!

BEFORE....

AND AFTER:
<a href="http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/?action=view&current=pretties.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/pretties.jpg" border="0" alt="Not sure, I think eagle eyes"></a>
Close UPS:
<a href="http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/?action=view&current=eagleeyes.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/eagleeyes.jpg" border="0" alt="I think eagle eyes"></a>
<a href="http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/?action=view&current=greeneggs.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/tanyashankles/greeneggs.jpg" border="0" alt="Green eggs"></a>

 

[tanyashankles]

My colony looks so much smaller now, it is sad.. But doing well, all are receiving the amt of light they need. The bottom ones were about 3 inches long from trying to find light... But they are perfect little polyps, and beautiful as ever! Thanks again!!

 

[ducklabdad]

great thread!!! Keep it Going .

Question: I have a bunch of busted up old Sand Dollars and old dead coral pieces in an tank with a bunch of macro algae would the snd dollar pieces and dead coral scraps be OK for attaching frags??.

 

[tanyashankles]

Im no expert but I think yes, as long as they are fully cured... Right evry1?

 

[fatrip]

yes, they are the best thing to use IMO. it looks so much more natural then a plug or a disk...

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11944643#post11944643 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ducklabdad
great thread!!! Keep it Going .

Thanks!

Question: I have a bunch of busted up old Sand Dollars and old dead coral pieces in an tank with a bunch of macro algae would the snd dollar pieces and dead coral scraps be OK for attaching frags??.

As the others said, that would make perfect rubble for frags.

 

[vetdog]

great thread. very helpful

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11944282#post11944282 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanyashankles
My colony looks so much smaller now, it is sad.. But doing well, all are receiving the amt of light they need. The bottom ones were about 3 inches long from trying to find light... But they are perfect little polyps, and beautiful as ever! Thanks again!!

They look great. I love the look of rocks that are covered with zoanthids. Looks like you've got quite a bit there!

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11949962#post11949962 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vetdog
great thread. very helpful

Thanks, glad I could help!!

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11916757#post11916757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanyashankles
I tackled one of my zoa colonies, and mounted some of my frags on larger rocks using epoxy, Im kinda scared to test the strength cuz it sure didnt want to adhere when it was wet but I forced it together

That's the bad thing about using epoxy. I usually let it set for about 1 minute after kneading to let it stiffen up a bit before using. It also helps if the two rocks that you're joining have very porous surfaces so the epoxy gets into the little cracks and crevises. Also, it helps to dry both rocks off with a towel.

Most of the time I use superglue on zoas, but usually I'm making small frags so I can take the rocks out of the tank. Epoxy's the way to go when you're having to work inside the tank. Also, there are usually holes in rocks in the tank, and you can put some polyps in those as well.

 

[weaver1429]

Cool thread! I have a question for you. I have a fairly large toadstool that the neck is about 8" tall and the head is about 6". It appears to struggle with the weight of the head. If I cut the neck shorter will pieces of the neck grow out new heads? Trying to decide how to do surgery on this piece. Thanks

 

[Bkndsdl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11958449#post11958449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by weaver1429
Cool thread! I have a question for you. I have a fairly large toadstool that the neck is about 8" tall and the head is about 6". It appears to struggle with the weight of the head. If I cut the neck shorter will pieces of the neck grow out new heads? Trying to decide how to do surgery on this piece. Thanks

Thanks!

When you cut the head from the stalk, the stalk will grow a new head and the head can be attached to a rock to grow a new stalk. How well they do - as always - depends on flow and water quality, but with a toadstool that big, I've got to assume things are going pretty ok in your tank!

 

[edandsandy]

Great thread

 

[BeesGoneWild]

This is an excellent thread, I like the idea of using fishing line and a needle. Im a rubber band man myself but i think ill try this method this week. Two thumbs up

 

[rickofco]

great thread I have some mushrooms that i think i will frag.

thanks for the info.