Pry tool for frag removal?

JCOLE · Dec 30, 2019

Does anyone have a good recommendation for something to help assist with the removal of some frags? I am going to overhaul my tank in a week and have a good bit of corals to remove. I have removed them by hand a lot of times. However, All plugs are glued with expoxy and I would like to work easier with this amount of corals.

Looking for a screwdriver or something similar to help pry that is reef safe. Worried about residual oils, etc that could cause harm.

Flippers4pups · Dec 30, 2019

Screw driver, butter knife, piece of stainless steel rod ground to a edge...... I've used them all. Lol

GabeM · Dec 30, 2019

These came to mind: https://www.harborfreight.com/nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-4-pc-63594.html

Do you think that may work?

motortrendz · Dec 30, 2019

A 1/4" wood chisel. New and washed with soap and water to remove any oil from manufacturing.

Vinman · Dec 30, 2019

Flat head screwdriver

Daddy-o · Dec 30, 2019

I use a pair of diagonal snips.

MnFish1 · Dec 30, 2019

h2oh2o said:
Does anyone have a good recommendation for something to help assist with the removal of some frags? I am going to overhaul my tank in a week and have a good bit of corals to remove. I have removed them by hand a lot of times. However, All plugs are glued with expoxy and I would like to work easier with this amount of corals.

Looking for a screwdriver or something similar to help pry that is reef safe. Worried about residual oils, etc that could cause harm.

I would use a cutter/bone cutter - or even tin-snips

JCOLE · Dec 30, 2019

GabeM said:
These came to mind: https://www.harborfreight.com/nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-4-pc-63594.html

Do you think that may work?

That looks really good! Thanks for the idea

JCOLE · Dec 30, 2019

I just bought these. Thanks for the tip. They are made from reinforced nylon. The prybar hooks might work well under a frag plug.

LARedstickreefer · Dec 30, 2019

When a coral needs to get dealt with:

JCOLE · Dec 30, 2019

LARedstickreefer said:
When a coral needs to get dealt with:

Lol!!

mfinn · Dec 31, 2019

I go to Harbor Freight and buy the cheapest set of wood chisels they have. Usually $5-$6 for a set of 4 or 5, ranging from 3/4" wide up to 1-1/2" wide.
Great tools to have around that are cheap and disposable. ( I do clean them up with a file and my bench grinder )

Will Wohlers · Dec 31, 2019

Go to your local head shop and look at the dab tools. I have about 8 different ones that I feel are a must have for a reefers toolbox. They are also surgical stainless and only cost a couple bucks each.

MurphyJ · Dec 31, 2019

Wax carving tools. Can get a set on Amazon for $10 or less. They are great for fragging all kinds of corals. The paddle ends work well for Zoas and GSP mats. Pointed flat blade ends work for encrusted Monti and frag plugs. They are SS and very durable.