Requesting detailed info

[nm reef]

Several months ago I bought a xenia and it is now ready for fragging(about 10 of 'em probably). I want to start a few more in a different location in my reef and there are a few LFS's that I can return small frags to.
The info I need is this. There are numerous large stems...how and where do I cut these. Plus .. once they are cut I plan to attach them to small piecies of LR for placement. Will super glue work or will I need epoxy. Once they are cut and attached then I'll have no problem with relocating them...in my reef I have a site ready for placement. I've never done the frag thing so any and all help would be appreciated. I do know that I could place rock next to the existing colony but that is not workable in this situation due to where these are attached. I will need to cut them and attach them....any help for me?

 

[don berry]

Have you ever checked out GARF's slide show on fragging Xenia's? It might be more helpful than any of us.
<a href="Http://www.garf.org" target="_blank">Http://www.garf.org</a>

 

[trailer trash]

Super glue doesnt work too well with xenia.
I dont keep xenia anymore but when I did, what worked best for me was to wedge it between two rock. It will attach real fast.
I would cut the stalk as close as possible to the base. Netting will also work.
<a href="http://www.atlantisaquatic.com/xenia.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is a good read.

 

[nm reef]

Thanks gents.......I'd almost forgot about the garf info...and the link from trailor was good too. Maybe this weekend I'll try it and see how they do. I think I'll cut them low on the base and use net to keep them secure to small rock until they attach. Any other experiencied fraggers got tips for a rookie coral fragger!!?!!
By the way trailor trash....I've seen your site a few times and its impressive. Great to have you around on a regular basis.....good info and experience. Pleasure to see ya helping out with the masses...*_^

 

[don-9]

The original piece of xenia I bought was on the sand in the store so I had to attach it myself. I did use superglue. I did not hold very well(just one small area), but I did hold long enough for it to attach to the rock. I don't recommend super glue because I don't know that it would work all of the time. I would use a more reliable method such as described at garf or as trailer trash said just let it spread to other rocks itself. This would be the easiest and safest(no cutting required) method to do but not the best if you want to produce large numbers of cuttings quickly.

 

[adrian]

IME super glue dosnt work well with any soft coral I usually try to cut the Xenia right at the bottom of the stalk, or if I can peel them off I gp that route. When attaching them I use a rubberband, wrapped just tight enough to keep the frag on the rock, too tight and the rubber band will cut the frag in half. HTH

 

[jumpfrog]

I'm a rookie fragger too but I have done xenias. I just took a piece and attached with a rubber band just tight enough to hold in place on a small piece of live rock rubble. Place where there is relatively little current and in a week the xenia will attach. Just place the rock where you want.
I'm sure cutting is better but honestly my lfs guy just ripped some apart and gave them to me. Shocked the h#$* out of me but seem to have no affect on the xenia.
Good Luck!