Attaching frags to rocks

[ReeferJoe]

How does everyone attach their frags to rocks? I have frags that I just placed into holes in my rocks and my turbo snails kept knocking them over. I've seen pictures where some epoxy their frags with and/or without the frag plugs onto the rock? But what if you need to move it? Do you just break it off and epoxy it again somewhere else?

Joe

 

[KillerKlownFish]

I'd like to know as well. So far I've been told to place them around the tank find a location they like and use an epoxy that later can snap off in case you need to reposition.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Yea, when you use epoxy to attach them, you can break it off at the epoxy point, it sticks, but you can break em loose.

 

[KoleTang]

I've heard lots of people have problems with skimmers being inoperable for up to a week after using epoxy.

I use any brand of cyanoacrylate super glue gel. It cures in water, holds the plug in place well, and isn't hard to break off.

 

[ReeferJoe]

I didn't know that you can use superglue and it won't harm the animals in the tank. Thanks for the tip! What about using frag plugs or not? Is it just a preference thing? I assume with a plug, it's easier to detach if I need to move it

 

[mtnrunner]

I've found that if you remove the 'peg' on the bottom of the plug, then the flat part that the frag is actually attached to is much easier to attach to the rock using your choice of glue or epoxy. Bone cutters can be purchased for removing the peg.

 

[bigredneck]

yes joe thats pretty much the plug thing. all preference. it does make them easier to move around till you find the right spot. i use super glue also. i go to the dollar store and buy em out of gel lol.

 

[Fin]

Super glue for me too. I usually try to take the frag off the pkug and glue it to a medium sized piece of rubble rock. Looks more natural in the tank, because I don't like to see frag plugs in my display.

Tunze has a new product called "Coral Gum" that I have yet to try, but it is supposed to be easier to use than the two-part epoxy putty and doesn't cause skimmers to go nuts. Plan to get some soon. Pricier than the super glue gel or epoxy though.

 

[ReeferJoe]

Fin how do you take the frag off of the plug? Some frags like Ora are already encrusted. Do you just cut it as closed to the base as possible?

 

[EricTMah]

I'll cut the peg off the plug if the coral has started to encrust. But if not I remove the frag totally from the plug. And I've always used super glue to attach to the rocks. Just get the gel type and make sure you have a good amount on the plug/frag and hold it in place for about 30 seconds and it'll cure in place. They're easily removable with super glue as well. I find this way works best for me

 

[ReeferJoe]

Cutting the peg off...ending with a frag disc. Ok great advice guys. Thanks!

 

[Fin]

Fin how do you take the frag off of the plug? Some frags like Ora are already encrusted. Do you just cut it as closed to the base as possible?

Yes. Not as bad as it sounds. Cut the frag as close to the enrusted base as you can, glue it down on rubble rock or your rock structure and put the plug in your frag rack. Since that part is encrusted, it will usually grow pretty quickly and then, in time, you will have a coral in your tank and one to sell or trade.

 

[watchguy123]

Superglue gel works well. A little trick to help the frag and glue adhere underwater to the rockscape is to first rub some glue onto the rock, place a dab of superglue gel on the end of an old peg. Then just rub it somewhat vigorously on the spot you want it on. It seems to leave a thin layer well adhered to the rock scape. Then add a drop of superglue gel to the bottom of the frag and place it. The bond seems easier to make this way.

I always suggest all frags should be removed from their original plug, inspected for pests, dipped in Bayer or your preferred insecticide and preferably quarantined if you have the capability or if not then placed in the display. There is a propensity for nasty pests at the base so that is why you remove a frag from its original plug

 

[ReeferJoe]

Fin, good idea about putting the encrusted plug into the frag tank to grow out a new piece...never would've thought of that.

Thanks Watchguy I will try that. I didn't know parasites can be attached to the plug. Will dipping get rid of it?

Joe

 

[watchguy123]

Pests can be found anywhere and everywhere. Often eggs are attached at or near base of corals, so good idea to
separate frag from plug and discard plug as simply an additional preventative measure.

 

[KoleTang]

Pests can be found anywhere and everywhere. Often eggs are attached at or near base of corals, so good idea to
separate frag from plug and discard plug as simply an additional preventative measure.

I am not a fan of completely encrusted plugs for this reason. If the plug is just encrusted on the top it is easy to pop off with a flat-head screw driver. If it the entire thing is encrusted then it get cuts as close to the base as possible (or scraped off if I can) then I remount onto rubble.

 

[SudzFD]

I've heard lots of people have problems with skimmers being inoperable for up to a week after using epoxy.

I use any brand of cyanoacrylate super glue gel. It cures in water, holds the plug in place well, and isn't hard to break off.

This is exactly what I do. It works great, my frags never break off. Just make sure it is gel super glue with the active ingredient cyanoacrylate.

 

[SudzFD]

Fin how do you take the frag off of the plug? Some frags like Ora are already encrusted. Do you just cut it as closed to the base as possible?

I just snap them off. hold the plug in one hand and the base of the frag in the other and snaps right at the base.