How do I detach my soft coral?

[charliewww]

I am getting a new tank in a couple of days and I just noticed that my coral has attached itself to multiple rocks. Im not sure I can move the rocks with it attached like this. Is there a process to detach it so I can move thing to the new tank?

 

[jjlittle]

Use a very sharp razor blade and cut as close as you can to the rock all will be fine

 

[charliewww]

Wow actually cut it? That is better than pulling it off? I wont kill it by cutting it?

 

[dogstar]

Most soft corals will grow back from cutting, ripping, biteing, ect. Many people frag them buy cutting in half, quarters, all branches and attaching each peice to new rocks.. Might want to just frag it now. Will take a while for it to grow back in were it looks more natural but other choice is to cut close to the one rock you choose like jj said or try and chip the rock under it.
Got a photo ?

 

[charliewww]

As you can kind of see it has attached itself to the larger rock on the right.

 

[dogstar]

Ah, xenia, Want hurt it a bit, just cut right in the middle of it, they both will grow into new branches. Thats how they spead, One day it may take over compleatly.
Looks Nice.

 

[charliewww]

Great thanks!

 

[trainfever]

It cuts a lot quicker and easier with a pair of scissors.

 

[charliewww]

So just chop it? Does it matter where I cut it? I ask because if it doesnt matter I might separate them.

 

[dogstar]

Yep, just cut in the middle of the strand going between the rocks, snip, done. They will shrink up as a reaction but will open back up in a couple hours or the next day and be fine.

 

[mikeyjer]

Those Xenias are tough!!!!! :happyfish

 

[symon]

I have seen folks chop them up pretty good , they come back quite fast!

 

[jumpfrog]

I recently moved a rock that had a part of the xenias stalk attached to it. Didn't realize it at first so it just ripped off and left a small 1/4' piece on the rock. In 3 days that spot sprouted what must be 15 tiny polyps.
So in summary, no worries!

 

[mikeyjer]

I wouldn't worry about a thing! They're very tough....They like a little bit of phosphates though, better then none. :happyfish