How to Separate Palys and Zoas - Help

[CastAway]

I have this colony of palys, and it has some zoas nested in it. I'd like to get the zoas out, and start a colony of those by themselves. There's about seven zoa polyps, more and more hidden by the growing palys. How can I get them out safe and sound? Or, do I sacrifice the surrounding palys somehow? I can't quite tell for sure, but some of the zoas may be attached to paly stalks only.

Sissors? Exacto? Please help...

 

[Coraloliseffect]

I would razor blade them out, get as much of the foot as possible if you can peal off the zoa foot even better, glue to frag plug. try and not mix the razor blade between the two. dont want to mix the toxins form one to the other. two razor blades if possible.

 

[CastAway]

Thanks!
If I razor blade the paly heads off, will the stalk die back? I really want these zoa polyps, and want the least risk to them as opposed to the palys. The palys have doubled since I got them, so I'm not really concerned with loosing whatever portion may be required. Several videos on YouTube were saying one has to get the base of the zoa, including the substrate. So, they'll live even if I have to cut their foot?

 

[joshporksandwich]

Try some type of pliers and try to cut them off with a piece of rock.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I would razor blade them out, get as much of the foot as possible if you can peal off the zoa foot even better, glue to frag plug. try and not mix the razor blade between the two. dont want to mix the toxins form one to the other. two razor blades if possible.

First time I've heard this about mixing toxins. Interesting... Might explain why some of my zoa frags haven't done well when fragged with other zoas.

 

[CastAway]

Hmmm. I think I'll set up with some containers, rince, Lugols and some razors and see what it looks like all retracted. Hopefully the retracted zoas stand out as different from the Palys, I'll inspect the structure, and see what I can do. I had actually thought about how the paly secretions might affect the zoas. I've got to find some glasses and gloves I guess.....

These palys are not the most desirable I'm told; common and invasive even.

Thanks!