How to Coral Fragging

Choose a robust parent coral colony with active polyp extension and vibrant coloration, then identify optimal cutting points for maximum frag survival. Example: Select colonies showing consistent polyp extension for at least 2 weeks without signs of bleaching, tissue recession, or pest infestation, identify branch tips or growth points that are 1-2 inches long with healthy tissue coverage extending to the base, plan cuts at natural branch joints or narrowing points where stress concentration will be minimized, ensure parent colony has been in stable conditions for minimum 30 days before fragging to reduce stress, choose cutting locations that will leave adequate parent tissue for continued growth and recovery, mark intended cut sites mentally or with aquarium-safe marker for precise execution, verify water parameters are stable with salinity 1.025-1.026, temperature within 1°F of normal, and alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium at optimal levels, and time fragging session during peak coral activity periods when polyps are extended and feeding response is strong.

Sterilize all cutting implements and prepare a clean work area to prevent bacterial infections and cross-contamination between coral colonies. Example: Rinse all cutting tools in fresh RO/DI water then soak in concentrated iodine solution for 2-3 minutes to eliminate pathogens, prepare shallow container with tank water for holding frags during processing, keeping water temperature stable with heater if needed, set up work area with good lighting, preferably LED to avoid heat buildup that stresses corals during extended fragging sessions, have frag plugs, mounting materials, and adhesives ready and organized for efficient workflow, prepare recovery container with pristine tank water and gentle circulation to minimize handling stress, sterilize hands thoroughly and consider powder-free nitrile gloves to prevent contamination from skin oils and bacteria, organize tools in order of use with backup cutting implements ready in case of damage during cutting, and ensure adequate time allocation without rushing to reduce stress on both fragger and corals.

Execute clean, decisive cuts through coral skeleton and tissue using proper technique to minimize crushing and tissue damage. Example: Position cutting tool perpendicular to coral branch at predetermined cut site, ensuring clean access without damaging surrounding tissue, apply steady, firm pressure in single decisive motion rather than sawing or crushing action that damages tissue, cut through skeleton completely in one motion to prevent partial breaks that create jagged edges and increased infection risk, immediately move cut fragment to recovery container with tank water to minimize air exposure, inspect cut surfaces for clean edges and intact tissue coverage, removing any loose skeleton fragments that could harbor bacteria, make multiple frags from single branch by cutting at 1-2 inch intervals, ensuring each piece has adequate tissue coverage for survival, avoid cutting during coral feeding times when polyps are extended and more vulnerable to damage, work efficiently but deliberately to minimize total time corals spend out of optimal conditions, and maintain consistent technique across all cuts to ensure uniform healing and survival rates.

Provide optimal conditions for initial tissue healing and stress recovery before permanent mounting to maximize frag survival rates. Example: Place fresh frags in recovery container with gentle water circulation to prevent detritus accumulation while avoiding strong flow that stresses damaged tissue, maintain water temperature within 1°F of display tank to minimize thermal stress during vulnerable healing phase, monitor for 30-60 minutes watching for polyp extension and normal tissue appearance as indicators of successful cutting, add amino acid supplements to recovery water to accelerate tissue regeneration and provide building blocks for new growth, ensure adequate lighting but avoid intense illumination that can stress newly cut tissue during initial recovery, observe cut surfaces for signs of tissue recession, unusual coloration, or bacterial infection requiring intervention, remove any loose skeleton fragments or debris that settled on cut surfaces using gentle flow or soft brush, test cut stability by gentle manipulation to ensure structural integrity before proceeding to mounting phase, and document frag source, cutting location, and initial condition for tracking success rates and refining techniques.

Attach coral fragments to appropriate mounting substrates using reef-safe adhesives for stable positioning during growth and healing. Example: Select appropriate plug size matching frag base diameter to provide adequate surface contact for strong bonding, apply thin layer of cyanoacrylate gel to plug surface, avoiding excess that can damage coral tissue or create unsightly bonds, position frag with cut surface firmly against plug ensuring good contact across entire base area for maximum bond strength, hold firmly for 10-15 seconds allowing initial cure while monitoring for proper alignment and contact, ensure frag orientation promotes natural growth pattern with polyps facing optimal light and flow direction, verify secure attachment by gentle manipulation test before proceeding to next fragment, work efficiently as adhesive sets quickly but avoid rushing which can result in poor positioning, consider using coral putty for irregular surfaces or multiple contact points that require gap filling, avoid getting adhesive on living tissue which can cause burns or prevent normal polyp function, and prepare mounted frags for transfer to grow-out system or return to main display tank.

Place mounted frags in carefully selected locations with appropriate lighting, flow, and spacing for optimal growth and development. Example: Position frags at appropriate depth for species requirements with SPS corals higher in water column for intense lighting and LPS corals in moderate light zones, ensure adequate water flow across all surfaces to prevent detritus accumulation while avoiding excessive flow that prevents polyp extension, space frags appropriately to prevent competition and allow for natural growth expansion over time, place in stable areas away from aggressive tank mates or mechanical disturbance that could dislodge healing frags, provide slight downward angle on mounting to prevent sediment accumulation on frag surfaces, consider using frag racks or specialized holders that elevate frags for optimal flow and lighting while allowing easy monitoring, group similar species together to simplify care and feeding requirements while preventing chemical warfare between different coral types, ensure easy access for monitoring, feeding, and maintenance without disturbing neighboring corals, document exact placement locations and conditions for tracking growth rates and optimizing future frag positioning, and verify stable placement that will remain secure as frags grow and increase in size and weight.

Closely observe frag development and maintain optimal water chemistry to support healing and prevent complications during critical recovery period. Example: Check frags daily for first week monitoring polyp extension, tissue coloration, and any signs of recession or infection at cut sites, maintain stable water parameters with extra attention to alkalinity (8-11 dKH), calcium (400-450 ppm), and magnesium (1250-1350 ppm) which are crucial for skeleton formation, test salinity every other day ensuring stability within 1.024-1.026 range as fluctuations stress healing tissue, observe for bacterial infections indicated by white or brown tissue around cut sites requiring immediate intervention, document growth progress with photos taken from consistent angles and lighting to track development over time, adjust feeding frequency and supplement dosing based on frag response and growth rates, monitor for pest introduction or aggression from tank mates that might damage vulnerable frags, maintain gentle circulation around frags while avoiding direct strong flow on healing tissue, watch for signs of successful attachment indicated by new tissue growth extending onto plug surface, and be prepared to relocate frags showing poor response to different lighting or flow conditions.

Establish ongoing care routine to promote healthy growth and prepare frags for trading, selling, or adding to main display tank. Example: Develop consistent feeding schedule using appropriate coral foods sized for frag species and growth stage, gradually increase lighting intensity and duration as frags adapt and show positive response to avoid shocking sensitive tissue, implement regular dosing schedule for calcium, alkalinity, and trace elements to support rapid growth phase typical of healthy frags, plan for periodic frag rack cleaning and maintenance to prevent algae buildup and maintain optimal flow patterns, monitor growth rates and document successful techniques for future fragging sessions of same species, establish protocols for pest prevention including quarantine procedures and regular visual inspections, prepare frags for eventual relocation by gradually acclimating to display tank conditions if intended for main system, develop record keeping system tracking frag source, cutting date, growth milestones, and any treatments applied, consider establishing relationships with local reef clubs or retailers for frag trading and sales opportunities, and plan follow-up fragging sessions as original frags grow large enough to become parent colonies for further propagation.