How to remove corals from frag plugs??

KirstenB · May 30, 2019

So, I've purchased a few corals from my LFS, Tidal Gardens and WWC. I'm ready to remove them from their plugs. I tried the coral cutter to no success on a few as gave up...not wanting to hurt them. I cannot purchase a band saw. A screw driver and hammer seems a bit rough. Any tips and links on equipment to get these all off the plugs pour favor? Here are my tank pics. Pardon the morning light in my tank. Sun hits it. No lights are on.

Hitman · May 30, 2019

I’ve always just used a big pair of side cutters. Plier sized version of your cutter.

Eagle_Steve · May 30, 2019

If the frag is just glued to the plug and not encrusted, I normally just use my pocket knife lol. Put the tip in between the frag and the plug, work it a little and then twist the knife. Usually the frag pops right off the plug.

Camaro Show Corals · May 30, 2019

just take the bone cutters and snip it at the base.

shred5 · May 30, 2019

Those do not look too bad. I would just pop them off with a flathead screw driver or something.
They might even pop off with a little push.

If there is a problem a Dremel or rotary tool with a diamond cutting wheel works great and for fragging smaller items like most sps. It can cut through most things like butter. Seriously they cut as good as a band saw just more messy and better for smaller stuff. Make sure you wear protective eye gear.

Journeyman · May 30, 2019

Flat putty knife usually pops them right off for me. If not, then the bone cutter will do it.

eggplantparrot · May 30, 2019

standard issue #11 hobby blade between glue and plug = success

Wunderpus · May 30, 2019

Either a scalpel under the glue, or break the plug around the frag using the bone cutters (clip the bottom off, then piece by piece). Eventually, the plug will be so small that it'll be unnoticeable, or the frag itself will pop off with the plug falling apart.

jsvand5 · May 30, 2019

I just use whatever knife I have laying around. Just be very careful where your fingers are..... I know from experience

KirstenB · May 30, 2019

Thanks so much everyone for the tips! I will round up all the tools mentioned...and get to work here soon in the next week or so. Really appreciate your help. Tyty!