What do I do with this thing?

[Spyderturbo007]

I was at the LFS yesterday picking up my first piece of coral, when my wife said, "I want this", as she pointed to what was labeled as "Assorted Polyp Frag". It was only $20 and I have other Zoas on a piece of live rock I bought so I figured I would be able to keep them.

So now I have these polyps that are attached to a frag plug and am clueless. I know some people cut the frags, but where do I cut it at? Do I cut off the post at the bottom and leave the circular disk, or am I supposed to remove the disk as well?

Also, how do I know where to put this thing in the tank as far as light goes? Actually, I don't even know if they are photosynthetic or not. If not, do I need to feed the little buggers?

I guess I should have done some reading before buying a polyp frag, but you have to keep the wife happy. :lol2:

 

[KafudaFish]

You could leave everything as is on the plug for some time since your first spot in the tank may not be the last.

Simply light acclimate them in your tank. Most start at the bottom and work their way up until you find that "perfect" spot. They will want flow too.

They can open up immediately or they can take a few days. If they don't open immediately don't freak out and start doing anything to them. As long as they look clean ie no white mats or anything coming off then they should be healthy.

Eventually you can knock off the the frag shaft and attach the disk to your rock. If you want after the plug is covered you could always cut it in half using a clean razor blade for the zoas and a screw driver or wood chisle and have two mini colonies in your tank or take the second and trade with someone.

 

[A. Grandis]

... and as far as feeding it, you could try to target feed them after they get used to the tank. You can get a coral food, like Reef Roids or Coral Frenzy. Turn off your pumps and offer just a little to each poly, target feeding them slowly. Let them close and then turn the pumps back on. Once a week is ore than sufficient for most species.

Do you have a picture of the polyps?

Grandis.