fragging an acan

[fade2black]

OK, I have fragged many corals, but never an acan. So what is the best way to do this? What size should I frag? 1 polyp or multiples?

 

[gastone]

I use a dremel with a diamond wheel and just hack away. With acans you don't have to be too particular about getting entire polyps. Half and quarter polyps will quickly grow into full polyps, so a frag with 2 full polyps and 3 slices of other polyps will quickly become 5 full polyps IME.

Garrett.

 

[salt newbie01]

As gastone said they aren't real particluar - I have used a dremel as well. Also I have used a wet tile saw to get through thicker or tougher pieces. Once I am done fragging I put them in a bowl of tank water for 15 minutes or so to let them slime then I swish them around in another bowl of tank water before putting them back into the main tank. Sometimes I cut through the flesh with the power tool and other times I use a razor blade to get the flesh. Sometimes I worry the heat from the power tool blade might burn the flesh.
I have done it both ways and cannot tell which one is better, just depends on my mood I guess.

 

[gastone]

Here's an awesome photo-documentation on acan fragging.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1331080

G.

 

[fade2black]

Great link, just what I was looking for too. Thanks.

 

[JuniorMC8704]

Inland Wet Band Saw, with a diamond blade....you can get them on ebay for $180 and it comes with 2 blades...ive cut literaly thousands of polyps with one, and only lost maybe 2-3 polyps, and the best part, it no healing time because you can go right in between the polyps.

 

[FateX8]

what junior said, inland wet band saw BEST thing to get for acans
easily cuts through thick pieces and through the rock their attached too

 

[fade2black]

I'll keep that in mind. Once my collection grows some more and fragging becomes more often I'll look into one. For now, the $15 dremel diamond wheel will work.

 

[tunicata]

hey there,
Also, I just found that local hardware/online hobby shops sell the diamond wheel comparable to Dremel 545. I'm picking one up tomorrow:
$5.49 for wheel and $2.99 for mandrel.


Works just as well I'm told by folks that helped me save that extra $6 from home depot.