Fragging Torch

[memnoch]

I've got a torch that is outgrowing it's place in my tank and some of the branches appear to be doing less than good. I'd like to frag it and give a portion of it to a friend of mine. I know it needs to be fragged at the base of the branch but I'm curious what you guys use to make the break? I don't want it breaking into three or four pieces. Any help would be great.

 

[naclh2o]

I have simply snapped them by hand in the past like a wishbone........as well as other corals like trumpets, hammers, and branching corals in general......all seem to do fine. When I started, I was told bolt cutters, but they snap so easy it doesn't seem needed. Of course this is not exactly an expert way of doing things, and you should wait for more experienced answers. Good luck.

 

[nm reef]

In truth I've never actually fragged corals in this manner...but I have amputated a diseased section from a hammer coral with a new/clean hack saw blade. I would rather make a clean cut rather than simply breaking the branch myself. I do have a large multi headed torch that could be fragged...and if I were to do so I'd cut it clean at the base of the branch. I've also heard that its a good idea to seal the cut with some type of super glue to prevent infection. Like I said I've never done any actual fragging in this method...maybe somebody with more experience can be more helpful.

 

[barracuda]

Originally posted by NaClH2O
I have simply snapped them by hand in the past like a wishbone
I did the same thing in my friend's tank.

 

[mlm]

I have always fragged frogspawns and candy corals simply by pulling them apart. I do not reccomend this method though b/c sometimes you can break it to close to the polyp. The best and safest way to do it is to get some shears and cut it that way.

 

[jonthefb]

if you frag the coral at the base you dont have to worry about actually damagining the animal, because it no longer inhabits this portion of its skeleton...ive always either snapped it off with my hands, or used a pair of scissors to cut it apart! and you really dont have to worry about sealing the wound off at all because there is no chance that it is going to hurt the animal!
goodluck
jon

 

[memnoch]

Thanks for all of the thoughts guys I appreciate it. I have a pair of concave cutting blades that I use for bonsai, I think I might use them to try and make it precise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.