GSP Problem

[Srh444]

Hello,

I have a GSP that's been on the sandbed for a couple of years. I would like to stick it on the back wall. There is sand stuck firmly on the back of it. I have tried a turkey baster and soft toothbrush but it won't budge. Please see photos. Any idea how I can do this please?

 

[EnterName]

Green Star Polyp and other "soft corals" still create something similar to bones called "sclerites". Together with substrate they form a quite sturdy bond and I don't think you can really get it off without hurting the coral.

As GSP is quite fast growing, I would just leave it near the back wall until it attaches on its own.

(A single sclerite)
​

(many sclerites together forming the base of the coral which attaches to rock, substrate or the back wall)
​

 

[Srh444]

Green Star Polyp and other "soft corals" still create something similar to bones called "sclerites". Together with substrate they form a quite sturdy bond and I don't think you can really get it off without hurting the coral.

As GSP is quite fast growing, I would just leave it near the back wall until it attaches on its own.

(A single sclerite)
​

(many sclerites together forming the base of the coral which attaches to rock, substrate or the back wall)
​

Thanks very much for replying. As the coral is about 10" across when I place it against the back wall, there is a place on it where it folds. If I place it low on the back wall with a rock against it to stay in place, would that work? How long does it take to attach?

Many thanks, Steve

 

[BryanM]

Why not just superglue it to the back wall? You're in good shape since substrate is already attached to the bottom of the GSP.

 

[EnterName]

If I place it low on the back wall with a rock against it to stay in place, would that work? How long does it take to attach?

Should probably work. I assume that only newly grown GSP will attach to the wall. Therefore, it will depend on how fast GSP grows in your tank. I assume that you will have a small chunk of GSP on your wall after 1 - 2 months. You can cut off the stuff that has grown on the substrate at that point and get rid of it (or give it to someone who wants GSP).

You could (like @BryanM suggested) glue it to the wall, but if you change your mind later, I don't know how bad it will be to get the glue off. This is surely the fastest way if you want your whole backwall to be overgrown.

 

[exnisstech]

Can you peel a piece off and glue it. This grew from a little 1-2" piece. Placing the existing one against the wall would probably work also. Mine grows toward the light and never spreads downward so that's something to keep in mind.

 

[dvgyfresh]

As others said just glue to back wall, I glued a frag plug with GSP to back wall / along with freshly cut GSP it will do fine

 

[Srh444]

Can you peel a piece off and glue it. This grew from a little 1-2" piece. Placing the existing one against the wall would probably work also. Mine grows toward the light and never spreads downward so that's something to keep in mind.

No I can't peel a piece off. The back of the GSP is literally covered in substrate.

 

[Srh444]

Why not just superglue it to the back wall? You're in good shape since substrate is already attached to the bottom of the GSP.

I thought the GSP needed to have its proper purple mat on the back in order to glue it to the wall? That's what I've read anyway. As you know, I can't see any clear purple space on the back of it, just full of substrate.

I also have a much smaller piece of GSP, also on the sanded. The back of this piece is exactly the same. The substrate is caked on the back of it . Should I try gluing the substrate and try sticking it to the wall? Or, should I place it against the wall with a rock and see if it attaches normally?

Sorry for all the questions, your help is really appreciated.

Thanks, Steve

 

[dvgyfresh]

I thought the GSP needed to have its proper purple mat on the back in order to glue it to the wall? That's what I've read anyway. As you know, I can't see any clear purple space on the back of it, just full of substrate.

Nope , it will expand out and eventually encrust I put a frag plug with GSP on back wall

 

[exnisstech]

I thought the GSP needed to have its proper purple mat on the back in order to glue it to the wall? That's what I've read anyway. As you know, I can't see any clear purple space on the back of it, just full of substrate.

That has been my experience with the purple mat. I'm able to peel sections of mine off but it has been on rocks and never have what you are describing on the back side. I typically just peel a piece off and super glue it as @BryanM described.

 

[BryanM]

I thought the GSP needed to have its proper purple mat on the back in order to glue it to the wall? That's what I've read anyway. As you know, I can't see any clear purple space on the back of it, just full of substrate.

I don't think this is true.

What's the worst that can happen? I'd go for it!