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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the iodine dip and scissors combo. Will update in a week!

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.