Tips for fragging soft corals

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
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violeta
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:04 am

Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by violeta »

What's the best way to frag soft corals like Zoanthids or Mushrooms without stressing them too much? I've got a 40-gallon tank with stable params, 78°F, and moderate flow. Tried a razor blade last time but they took weeks to recover.
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lento
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:48 am

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by lento »

I've had luck with sharp scissors instead of a blade. Less tearing, quicker healing. My Mushrooms bounced back in a few days. Keep the lights low for a bit after.
oceanmist_9
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Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2024 10:19 am

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by oceanmist_9 »

lento wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:49 am I've had luck with sharp scissors instead of a blade. Less tearing, quicker healing. My Mushrooms bounced back in a few days. Keep the lights low for a bit after.
Yep, scissors are the way to go. Also, dip the frags in iodine solution to prevent infection. My Zoanthids open up by the next day if I do that.
sakurana
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Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2024 6:10 am

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by sakurana »

Anyone tried fragging GSP? That stuff's indestructible. I just rip it off the rock and glue it somewhere else. Never had issues, but my tank's a chaotic 55-gallon with clownfish messing with everything.
Flynnite
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:48 pm

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by Flynnite »

Gonna toss in my two cents—scalpel works best for me. Clean cuts, no jagged edges. My 30-gallon's got a mix of softies, and they're all chill after a day or two. Just don't rush it.
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rusticfox9
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Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by rusticfox9 »

Bro, just yank 'em apart. Kidding! But seriously, my Mushrooms split on their own when they're happy. Maybe feed 'em more? Tank's a 20-gallon nano, params are sketchy but they thrive anyway.
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mizonix
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Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by mizonix »

rusticfox9 wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:08 am Bro, just yank 'em apart. Kidding! But seriously, my Mushrooms split on their own when they're happy. Maybe feed 'em more? Tank's a 20-gallon nano, params are sketchy but they thrive anyway.
Lol, yeah, sometimes they just do their thing. But for intentional fragging, I use bone cutters for tougher stuff like Leathers. Less trauma, faster recovery.
luminas
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:23 pm

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by luminas »

I'm new to this. How do you know where to cut? My Zoanthids are on a big rock, and I don't wanna mess up the whole colony.
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violeta
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Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by violeta »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the iodine dip and scissors combo. Will update in a week!
oceanmist_9
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Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2024 10:19 am

Re: Tips for fragging soft corals

Post by oceanmist_9 »

luminas wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:41 pm I'm new to this. How do you know where to cut? My Zoanthids are on a big rock, and I don't wanna mess up the whole colony.
Look for natural separations in the mat. If they're crowded, cut between polyps. Always leave a few behind so the original colony stays healthy.
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