How to propagate corals by fragging: cutting techniques, adhesives, frag racks, and growth-boosting environment settings by coral type.
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How to propagate corals by fragging: cutting techniques, adhesives, frag racks, and growth-boosting environment settings by coral type.
Coral propagation (fragging) requires different optimal methods depending on the species. Master the correct procedures to efficiently propagate beautiful colonies. Fragging is a method of cutting fragments from a parent colony and fixing them to plugs (bases) for growth, utilizing the asexual reproduction of corals.
Soft corals like zoanthids and star polyps are the easiest to frag. Cut with clean scissors or a razor blade and fix to a frag plug using gel-type super glue. Thoroughly wiping moisture from the attachment surface is key to success.
For zoanthids, the most reliable method is cutting out a section of live rock where they're attached using a cutter. Star polyps can be cut from the coenenchyme (mat-like base tissue) with scissors and temporarily secured to a plug with a rubber band—they'll self-attach within a few days. Soft corals' strong regenerative ability makes them ideal for beginner fragging practice.
LPS like brain coral and hammer coral require cutting the skeletal portion with bone cutters. Work carefully to avoid damaging polyp tissue, and protect cut surfaces with epoxy putty. Recovery may take 2–3 weeks.
Since LPS frags produce large cut surfaces, briefly dipping in iodine-based coral disinfectant after cutting can reduce infection risk. Polyps will retract immediately after cutting and look poor, but under good conditions they'll recover and re-expand within weeks. Hammer coral has branching skeleton, so cutting at natural branching points increases success rates.
SPS like Acropora can be fragged by hand-snapping branches or cutting with a Dremel rotary tool. Secure fragments of at least 1–2cm to plugs with super glue.
SPS frags tend to grow faster when taken from branch tips of the parent colony. Coral dust disperses underwater during cutting, so be mindful of impact on fish, shrimp, and other tank inhabitants. Ideally, work in a separate container and return the frag to the tank once stabilized.
Manage frags on a frag rack placed in an area with moderate light and appropriate flow. Allow 1–2 weeks for the healing period. To promote growth:
Place frag racks in the mid-level of the tank. Excessively strong light or flow impedes frag recovery. Once a frag has grown enough to overflow its plug, it can be directly glued to live rock and grown as a colony.
Prepare tools including bone cutters, sharp razor blades, gel-type super glue, epoxy putty, and frag plugs. Rinse all tools thoroughly with freshwater before use to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.
Work quickly. Keep the time corals spend out of water as short as possible and minimize air exposure. However, rushing leads to sloppy work that damages tissue, so review procedures beforehand and work calmly.
On Buri-Choku, you can purchase directly from specialist coral growers. Frag conditions and parent colony information can be verified in detail, ensuring high-quality specimens. Propagation advice is also available, providing peace of mind for beginners.
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