How to take SPS sample for microscope?

Nerdist Aquarist · May 25, 2025

How does one take a sample of SPS (acropora) to be viewed under a microscope? I bought a microscope a while ago and not really using it. I'm not even sure if it's capable of seeing bacteria, but I'm curious to try. Do I take a swab with a q-tip or something?

cdemoss01 · May 27, 2025

@vetteguy53081 might be able to help.

vetteguy53081 · May 27, 2025

Nerdist Aquarist said:
How does one take a sample of SPS (acropora) to be viewed under a microscope? I bought a microscope a while ago and not really using it. I'm not even sure if it's capable of seeing bacteria, but I'm curious to try. Do I take a swab with a q-tip or something?

These specimens have a mucus like coating on them and it calls for a small scrape but yet you dont want to scrape their skeleton
If using a sample glass for microscope, gently run along the coral surface and then view it

Nerdist Aquarist · May 28, 2025

vetteguy53081 said:
These specimens have a mucus like coating on them and it calls for a small scrape but yet you dont want to scrape their skeleton
If using a sample glass for microscope, gently run along the coral surface and then view it

Much appreciated!