How to glue and frag on a big sps colony ?

Casey8 · #1 03-23-2012, 01:37 AM

I have an 8"x10" sps colonie that I want to glue to my top rock. It is at the bottom of the tank right now and it leans on the back glass wall. I have tried several times to glue it on the rock with Tunze epoxy, but this coral is so big and extremely heavy, no glue could hold it. I also want to cut some of its branches, but the diameter is over 1 inch wide, some branches are about 2" and there is no tool that will open wide enough to cut it straight across. I don't want to take it out of the water and chop it with a big knife like a butcher. Can anyone here tell me what is the best way to glue it on the big display top rock and how to frag it ?

cuz · #2 03-23-2012, 02:03 AM

glue-epoxy-glue should work for you.
Its like a mexican stand-off, see who gives in first!! If you hold the piece still long enough it'll stay put, but lose patience and it'll be back on the sand bed!!lol

Reefie · #3 03-23-2012, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuz

glue-epoxy-glue should work for you.
Its like a mexican stand-off, see who gives in first!! If you hold the piece still long enough it'll stay put, but lose patience and it'll be back on the sand bed!!lol

+1 Glue, Putty, Glue works the BEST! Be careful though, you may not be able to remove it later on. I've got a few pieces that are on so well that the coral would break before the bond does.

Casey8 · #4 03-23-2012, 02:32 AM

Thanks cuz and reefie, if I don't ask you guys I would probably never know how to glue it. For that many layers to use just to hold this piece, I think I may need to spend over $30 for the tube of epoxy and a bottle of glue. The base of this coral is about 5 inches, may have nothing left after glueing it. I have to reconsider spending that much money. Any alternative cheaper way ? I maybe just let it stay at the bottom as it is now.
How about fragging it, do you have any tips for me ?

cuz · #5 03-23-2012, 02:35 AM

for fragging it shy of buying larger cutters theres always the "accidental" drop technique!! Or just try your best NOT to break it!! that seems to always cause pieces to fall apart on me!! lol

Casey8 · #6 03-23-2012, 02:45 AM

No, I don't want to use the "accidental" drop technique LOL
This is my favorite coral that has survived with me for over 3 years from many a tank crashed after crashed though.

fishytime · #7 03-23-2012, 02:46 AM

I find a dremel an invaluable tool for fragging..... and sometimes I wedge a screw driver in between two branches and pry.....

Casey8 · #8 03-23-2012, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

I find a dremel an invaluable tool for fragging..... and sometimes I wedge a screw driver in between two branches and pry.....

That's a good idea ! But is it going to take a long time to heal itself ?

dreef · #9 03-23-2012, 03:12 AM

I cut acropora depending with bone cutters or a diamond wheel and dremel.I've had sps heal over the cut in a month or less,and you would never know it had been cut.

Casey8 · #10 03-23-2012, 03:20 AM

Bone cutters ? Do you mean an electric knife ? I just want to find the easiest way to make it easier for myself without using any force on my wrists. I am injured on my both wrists right now and need to let them have a good rest before I have surgery.