Precision cutting thick acropora underwater

[-Logzor]

Sometimes I need to trim very large colonies in my aquarium, I typically use strong bone cutters. The problem is it still takes a massive amount of force to cut the skeleton, in some cases it's almost impossible. Even if you do apply enough force, the sudden snap of the coral skeleton ends up causing you to break a bunch of stuff that you didn't intent to.

Is there a better way to cut corals underwater? Out of water is easy, diamond dremmel bit.

 

[Viva'sReef]

How about getting the Dremel flex shaft and use that underwater? It's 36" long, seems long enough. I have never done it, but was wondering a few months ago if that would work?

I'm sure you would have to wash and oil the thing after use, and wash the oil off again before using it, but it might work????

 

[Viva'sReef]

That was assuming you have a Dremel, of course

 

[-Logzor]

Yes I do have a dremel and a diamond cutting bit. I was thinking some kind of contraption as you described would be perfect for this application, an underwater flex line. Not sure if it would work though. I already take enough risk with all the aquarium pumps and heaters in the water, using power-tools underwater is pushing it!

 

[fenderguy1]

I would not want to use one of those extentions under water. Im sure they are packed with somekind of grease or oil that would wreck a reef tank. Now if some one made one just for under water that would be awesome!

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Yes I do have a dremel and a diamond cutting bit. I was thinking some kind of contraption as you described would be perfect for this application, an underwater flex line. Not sure if it would work though. I already take enough risk with all the aquarium pumps and heaters in the water, using power-tools underwater is pushing it!

Yeah from what i have read around other forums most people are leery about the possible lubricants from the shaft going into the tank. I wonder if there is any way to use something like a mock pipe cutter...not sure if you have ever seen one but it attached to a pipe and you spin it around manually while a blade scores it until it cuts all the way through...just trying to think outside the box.

 

[Viva'sReef]

I knew that lube was going to be the issue with that.....LOL. Maybe you could take it apart to degrease it and lube it with something safe like KY Jelly? Oh boy

 

[CJO]

What you need is some bone cutters with extra levers like some of the larger branch pruners.

CJ

 

[Troylee]

hacksaw blade by hand...;)
i haven't had to do it yet but i have one of these and it's what i was gonna use....
http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2151/.f

 

[CJO]

Here you go.. let us know how they work :)

Bone Cutter Forceps

CJ

 

[-Logzor]

lol those are almost $400

I'm sure they would do a better job than the ones I have, though.

 

[Kbra]

Here you go.. let us know how they work :)

Bone Cutter Forceps

CJ

Lol for a mere $400 every 6 months or so

 

[CJO]

Hence the smilie face. I did do some research and was able to find them for around $70 on ebay.

CJ

 

[drainbamage]

with real thick branches, I break out a pair of vice-grips. You're going to damage the area you grip a little bit, but it'll work and if it's a thick piece, it should be mature enough to heal up fairly quick. Just a pair of vice grips and clamp them down, the coral will crush/snap fairly easily, but it may be a bit more ragged than you like. Other option is to make your own bone cutters if you're handy with a welder.