How to cut large SPS in tank

[Biglurr54]

I need to cut a few colonies of SPS back. I need to cut through some very thick growth/base. All my rock is one piece so getting it out of the tank is not going to happen. How can I cut things that are too thick for my bone cutters while it remains in the tank? Can I use a hack saw blade? Will the hack saw blade release metal flakes into the water?

 

[ColoredRock]

Will the hack saw blade release metal flakes into the water?

as most blades are painted, I personally would say.. yep dont do it.

What about if you cant "snap it off manually" Getting ..like a plastic mallet take it out.. frag it and then re glue it on its base.

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[Biglurr54]

There is no taking anything out unfortunately. I also though about a bare metal chisel and a hammer. I just worry about hammering inside the tank. Some of the bases are too thick to snap off. Some kind of cutting would be the best. Just not sure how to go about it. Any diamond tipped blades that can be used hand held?

 

[TheDragonsReef]

I would never hammer in a tank. Every blow will get transferred to the glass. The only way id do it is with a wire saw or hand saw.

 

[ColoredRock]

maybe this

 

[sdreef]

I need to cut a few colonies of SPS back. I need to cut through some very thick growth/base. All my rock is one piece so getting it out of the tank is not going to happen. How can I cut things that are too thick for my bone cutters while it remains in the tank? Can I use a hack saw blade? Will the hack saw blade release metal flakes into the water?

Do you have a picture? I agree with @Dragonsreef I'd avoid the hammer. You could still potentially use a bone cutter. I usually just apply the tip to an edge and initially score where I am cutting as circumferentially as possible. I follow this with several sequential cuts. The cut eventually just propagates most of the time. If not, +1 on a wire saw.

 

[nmo0ory]

maybe try Maxspect Coral Hand Saw

 

[Biglurr54]

I just ordered a wire saw. I think that will do the trick.

I dont have photos of the bases but you can see colonie sizes from the top down photos. Things are thick and plated. I have cut with bone cutters at the base and tried to make a score to snap along. It works some time but a way to actually saw will be much better.

 

[mdb_talon]

That is a great problem to have. Beautiful colonies by the way!

 

[PanhandleReef]

Indeed a great problem to have. I hope to have colonies like that one day.

I cringe every time I see that Pocillopora. One of the worst mistakes I ever made. I see it is making it's rounds throughout your tank.

 

[ScottB]

Great looking colonies! Glad you chose the wire saw. I used it first to clear some overhang and then got an easy shot at the base.

I found a good home for a couple of these last year...

 

[Utubereefer]

Rich Ross uses bent needle nose pliers to snap them off. Gorgeous tank!

 

[Biglurr54]

Indeed a great problem to have. I hope to have colonies like that one day.

I cringe every time I see that Pocillopora. One of the worst mistakes I ever made. I see it is making it's rounds throughout your tank.

That pocillapora is everywhere. I hack it down and cover it in epoxy putty when I need space. The LFS loves it so I always have frags available! It works well to keep the system stabilized. Ill let anything grow as long as its not algae! That being said, i even have it growing on the glass in my fuge.

 

[DracoKat]

beautiful tank!

How about bone cutter? My dad gave me an extension for my dremel to use under water, but I haven't tried it yet. Look into that?

 

[therman]

I've used a hacksaw blade, a really long (12"+?) flathead screwdriver and a hammer, and these giant cutters.

The saw blade works ok on Montipora, I dont think it would be that effective on a hard, thick skeleton Acropora. The screwdriver is great as you can use it to pry via twisting or angling it once you've inserted it into the gap, and it gives great leverage at that length. Also if you use a long one the hammer usually stays out of the water.

Most things the giant cutters work for though, they are my go-to unless it is a super thick branch over 1" or I am trying to split the main structure of a colony apart where it is too fused to insert any cutters.

 

[jda]

Grab close to the base with the bone cutters and twist to snap. If you need to, get larger bone cutters. You can also get a stainless screwdriver, put it down in there and pry to snap - this is brutal, but the stuff heals up OK in a week, or so.

 

[rvela]

I was in awe too!!! crazy

 

[jporter17]

I use pvc cutters. If you can get the base between the blade and round part, it works great. Especially since they ratchet. Just clipped a table acro yesterday using them.

 

[ScottB]

I use pvc cutters. If you can get the base between the blade and round part, it works great. Especially since they ratchet. Just clipped a table acro yesterday using them.

That is brilliant.

 

[jporter17]

That is brilliant.

Took this one out in one piece this week using the PVC cutters..