Comprehensive Guide to Fragging LPS Corals
LPS corals (Large Polyp Stony corals) are popular in the reef-keeping hobby due to their large, fleshy polyps and vibrant colors. However, as they grow, they may need to be fragged to control their size, propagate new colonies, or prevent them from crowding other corals. Fragging LPS corals requires careful handling since they have a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. This guide will walk you through the process of fragging LPS corals, from selecting the right coral to proper aftercare.
What is LPS Coral Fragging?
Fragging LPS corals involves cutting or breaking off a portion of the coral’s skeleton and tissue to create a smaller, independent piece called a frag. Unlike soft corals, LPS corals have a stony structure that needs to be cut carefully to avoid damaging the coral’s delicate tissue and polyps.
Why Frag LPS Corals?
Fragging LPS corals serves several important purposes:
- Control coral growth: LPS corals can grow large and occupy significant space in a reef tank. Fragging helps keep them from overtaking other corals.
- Propagation: Fragging allows you to propagate new coral colonies, either to expand your own tank or to share or sell them to others.
- Coral health: Removing damaged or dying parts of the coral can promote better overall health and prevent issues from spreading.
Materials Needed for Fragging LPS Corals
- Bone cutters or rotary tool with diamond blade
- Scissors or coral shears (for trimming soft tissue)
- Coral frag plugs or small pieces of live rock
- Reef-safe super glue gel or epoxy
- Rubber gloves (optional, for handling corals)
- Container of tank water (to hold the frag during the process)
- Iodine-based coral dip (optional, to prevent infections)
Step-by-Step Guide to Fragging LPS Corals
Step 1: Choose a Healthy Parent Coral
Selecting a healthy parent coral is the first step to successful fragging. Look for LPS corals that are showing good growth, have healthy polyps, and are free of diseases or pests. Popular LPS corals for fragging include:
- Frogspawn (Euphyllia divisa)
- Hammer corals (Euphyllia ancora)
- Acans (Acanthastrea)
- Blastomussa (Blastomussa wellsi)
These corals have distinct, fleshy polyps that can be easily divided without causing too much harm if handled properly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean workspace with all of your materials within reach. It’s important to work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see the coral’s skeleton and tissue. Keep a container filled with water from your tank nearby to place the coral in as soon as you cut it.
If you’re using a coral dip, prepare it in a separate container according to the instructions. The dip helps prevent infections after fragging by disinfecting the frag’s exposed tissue.
Step 3: Identify the Cutting Point
Before making any cuts, examine the coral carefully to find the best place to frag it. Ideally, you want to frag sections that have separate heads or branches. For example, in corals like frogspawn or hammer corals, each branch can be cut off to form a new frag.
For LPS corals with a single skeleton structure like Acans, look for areas where the coral has naturally expanded and grown. Cutting between these polyps is the best approach.
Step 4: Cut the Coral
Using bone cutters or a rotary tool with a diamond blade, carefully cut through the coral’s skeleton. Be gentle and make sure not to damage the fleshy tissue in the process. If you are using a rotary tool, wear protective gear like gloves and goggles, as cutting through the skeleton may produce debris.
For branching corals like Euphyllia species, make a clean cut between the branches. For non-branching corals like Acans, you may need to slice through the base of the coral where it has grown and formed separate polyps.
Step 5: Trim the Tissue
Once you’ve made the cut, inspect the coral for any loose or damaged tissue. Use coral shears or sharp scissors to gently trim away any excess or unhealthy tissue. This will help the frag heal faster and reduce the chance of infection.
Step 6: Attach the Frag to a Plug or Rock
Now that you have a frag, it’s time to attach it to a frag plug or piece of live rock. Use reef-safe super glue gel or epoxy to attach the frag securely. Apply a small amount of glue to the base of the coral and press it onto the plug or rock, holding it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.
If the frag has a larger skeleton base, you can also use reef-safe epoxy to create a more secure bond.
Step 7: Heal and Acclimate the Frag
After attaching the frag, place it in the container of tank water to let it settle. If you’re using a coral dip, follow the instructions on the product label and gently dip the frag in the solution for the recommended time.
Once the frag has been treated, place it in your tank, ideally in a frag rack or a low-flow, moderate-light area. This will reduce stress on the frag while it heals and adjusts to the new environment. LPS corals typically heal faster in low-flow areas, where their fleshy polyps won’t be damaged by strong currents.
Step 8: Monitor the Frag’s Progress
Over the next few weeks, monitor the frag for signs of healing and new growth. Healthy frags will begin extending their polyps and encrusting the frag plug or rock. If you notice signs of stress, such as tissue recession, loss of color, or closed polyps, try moving the frag to an area with lower light or less flow.
LPS corals can take time to fully recover after fragging, so patience is key. Avoid moving the frag too often, as this can slow the healing process.
Pro Tips for Successful Fragging
- Use sharp, clean tools: Always use sterilized tools to prevent infections and ensure clean cuts.
- Frag healthy corals: Only frag corals that are healthy and growing well to ensure successful healing and growth.
- Dip your frags: Using an iodine-based coral dip can help prevent infections and promote faster healing.
- Don’t rush the process: LPS corals can take time to recover, so give your frags plenty of time to adjust before moving them around.
Conclusion
Fragging LPS corals is a rewarding process that allows you to propagate new coral colonies and control the growth of your reef tank. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully frag LPS corals and ensure healthy growth and recovery. As you gain more experience, you’ll find that fragging LPS corals becomes easier and more enjoyable.