SPS Coral growth and trimming question

newreefer_59 · #1 09-22-2010, 10:10 PM

Have had this coral in my tank for about a year now, and has really taken off in growth. My question is what is the proper care if i want to trim the coral and/or frag some off to sell, or whatever.

Is is mainly a question of aesthetics or should it be 'cut back' a certain way, etc? Not the best pic here, but this Montipora Capricornis (monti) and a Seriatopora hystrix (Bird's nest). Also, not pictured are 3 resident crabs with very hairy legs and eyes spread far apart. They seem to live on both of these corals........is there a 'trick' to catching the little fellers. I have been advised they may not be a good thing over the long term.

Thanks

fishytime · #2 09-22-2010, 11:56 PM

If your at the point where you need to start sniping the birdsnest, its probably best to invest in a good pair of stainless cutters.....you can snap pieces off with your fingers, but the breaks will be random(it never breaks where you want it to....sometimes even with cutters

).....as for the cap the same cutters can be used but ive always used my fingers.....montis tend to be a lot more brittle than other sps species and usually break where you want them to

chris88 · #3 09-22-2010, 11:59 PM

Agreed

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

If your at the point where you need to start sniping the birdsnest, its probably best to invest in a good pair of stainless cutters.....you can snap pieces off with your fingers, but the breaks will be random(it never breaks where you want it to....sometimes even with cutters

).....as for the cap the same cutters can be used but ive always used my fingers.....montis tend to be a lot more brittle than other sps species and usually break where you want them to

cuz · #4 09-23-2010, 01:42 AM

I'd just re-locate the birdsnest and grow that monti into a monster showpiece!!!

#5 09-23-2010, 02:58 AM

Hay is that a pink monti or is the color washed from not having a filter on the camera.

Looks great though..

Bill

Lance · #6 09-23-2010, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

If your at the point where you need to start sniping the birdsnest, its probably best to invest in a good pair of stainless cutters.....you can snap pieces off with your fingers, but the breaks will be random(it never breaks where you want it to....sometimes even with cutters

).....as for the cap the same cutters can be used but ive always used my fingers.....montis tend to be a lot more brittle than other sps species and usually break where you want them to

+1 on the fragging............ and KILL those crabs!