new corals

[DS5000]

getting ready to get my first few corals. Running a 50gal Red Sea 170 with plans for mixed reef with lps and softies.

My question - is it recommended to cut off the 'peg' that the coral is attached too?, as parasites/worms/eggs likely attach there - I was watching BRS and saw them do that.

If I place a coral in the sand can I place it directly in the the sand, or shoulder I attached it to a small rock first?

I also plan to dip.

Any other recommendations? Thank you

 

[PicassoClown04]

Hi! It doesn’t really matter. I only cut the peg off if I want the coral to sit flush against the bottom, I accomplish this with bone cutters. You can remove the coral from the plug in some cases but don’t hurt the coral trying to do so, a single edge razor between the coral and the plug has been the best way ime. Extra careful with things like hammer, I’ve shattered the skeleton trying to remove it from the plug and the coral died. I usually just put the whole plug into my rock work or remove the peg and place it on the bottom, very rarely do I remove the coral from the plug. If you’re buying from a hobbyist, many will not glue the coral to a plug if you ask them not to that’s how I have a bunch of acans on my rocks without plugs