Removing Duncan coral from plug. Need Help

ScottyD36 · Oct 31, 2020

Hi, I have a Duncan coral that is on a plug that is getting covered in hair Algae. I am trying to see how I can remove the Duncan coral from its plug to glue onto a new one. Is it like other corals where I just use a razor blade and remove it or will this stress it out. I understand this isnt long term solution for my hair algae in tank but it is a easy option to remove a chunk of algae if i am able to refrag.

Brandon3152134 · Oct 31, 2020

Has it encrusted itself to the plug or is it still kinda new.

Brandon3152134 · Oct 31, 2020

A pic would help

ScubaFish802 · Oct 31, 2020

It might be easier to use a toothbrush to clean the frag/duncan off really well. You might find that you transfer plugs only to have algae grow on the new one

Topekoms · Oct 31, 2020

With Pliers or hemostats take hold of base of coral then gently tap the plug on something should pop off. Or if you have bone cutters that will fit you can cut the glue with them. Razor probably won't work.

Cell · Oct 31, 2020

If you can't just pop it off by prying a flat tweezers under the stem or glue, then I'd just keep it intact and dip the plug in H2O2 stopping at the skeleton.

nereefpat · Nov 10, 2020

Brandon3152134 said:
Has it encrusted itself to the plug or is it still kinda new.

Duncans don't encrust

ScottyD36 said:
I am trying to see how I can remove the Duncan coral from its plug to glue onto a new one.

Cut the skeleton below the flesh with bone cutters/side cutters.

Brandon3152134 · Nov 10, 2020

nereefpat said:
Duncans don't encrust

I just started keeping Duncan's in the last month and was not aware that they dont ever attach themselves to rock work or plugs. Learn something new everyday in this hobby. Makes me wonder how they attach to rock in the wild like other corals.