Unable to frag red planet ... need tips

[miserkris]

I have a huge red planet colony. It's in the middle tank height in my 75.

They are too hard to frag with garden sheer or pvc saw. Can't use dremel since I can't drain the tank. Plus dremel can only cut from bottom of colony. ... To avoid damage to coral.

How can I remove a chunk somewhere?

Pls advice. Thanks

 

[benihana]

Search for "bone cutter" on bulkreefsupply.com I have always used these and have good luck

 

[ReeferBill]

Hammer and carefully placed chisel will work .....

 

[reefer999]

Coral cutter pliers work well with sps, if I recall the name correctly.

 

[miserkris]

Great. I also have a laser for killing pests in Dt . U think laser can cut a main stem away from the polyps?

 

[dahenley]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2117166

 

[Biotopes]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2117166

:lmao: :lmao:

 

[miserkris]

Search for "bone cutter" on bulkreefsupply.com I have always used these and have good luck

Which one here would you recommend? THANKS

http://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?w=bone cutter

 

[benihana]

Depends in how full your tank is with SPS, how thick the coral is, and if they are growing close together, but I have used a couple of them and the Oceans Wonder has a little bigger handle so it doesn't take as much pressure to frag the corals as the smaller ones, which allows you to be more precise.

Let us know how it goes

 

[leveldrummer]

go to the auto parts/home depot store and get a big set of wire snips, they come in all different designs, and anything you can find that will work is fine to use. just wash it off really good with fresh water when your done, and then oil gently with some cooking spray/vegetable oil after you dry them. They will rust some, but wont hurt anything.

 

[benihana]

That is a good idea, but I am definately not the one to remember to dry and oil lightly when done so I find it easier to go the stainless steel route. But you way probably saves $10 or so

 

[dahenley]

get the biggest ones you can haha. (boston aqua farms sells 2 different ones and the larger ones have pointed ends so you can reach in to tighter places. and there is enough leverage when things grow out.)

also, no matter what tools you use… there will be a time when they become hard to use. so… i put a drop of "Olive Oil" on the hinges because its non toxic and safe for humans so its safe for fish. and it will loosen them up and fell like new.

 

[dahenley]

also, i only use the straight blade ones not the curved large ones. (get the largest straight ones)

 

[leveldrummer]

That is a good idea, but I am definately not the one to remember to dry and oil lightly when done so I find it easier to go the stainless steel route. But you way probably saves $10 or so

Honestly I don't oil mine, rinse then off. They will get a little rusty. It won't hurt anything.

 

[kingpin9995]

Oil both sides, sprinkle salt , pepper, and italian seasoning on them and put them in the broiler for four minutes. They will never rust.

 

[suzig]

ive always noticed cutter type tools like the bone shears or wire cutters make kind of a nasty break and can damage tissue where you cut. a hammer and chisel, or just a little hammer make a nice clean break which helps the coral to recover faster.:fish2:

 

[bravanc]

Hammer and carefully placed chisel will work .....

+1. This is what I do except I use a large long flat tip screwdriver well placed and a slight tap until the piece I want snaps off. The snapping off on the coral is better for it than trying to squeeze with pliers or bone cutters. Saves on injuring the corals tissue

 

[miserkris]

+1. This is what I do except I use a large long flat tip screwdriver well placed and a slight tap until the piece I want snaps off. The snapping off on the coral is better for it than trying to squeeze with pliers or bone cutters. Saves on injuring the corals tissue

Nice. My rock where the red planet is in top and its not glued. .. so it might disturb rock work. That's why I'll go for the bone cuter. .. Thanks all. Just ordered ocean wonders bone cuter

 

[powderhound]

Just use a flathead screwdriver, place it between 2 branches and twist. Gets deep into tight spots and doesn't damage the coral.

 

[BiggsTheGoalie]

Have a pic of the colony? I've never found an SPS that wasn't able to be fragged relatively easily (on purpose or accidentally/clumsily). All good suggestions thus far. Sometimes a gentle push with a fingertip on a branch does the trick. No oiling required afterwards.