reef safe propagation tool?

Derek'sReef · Sep 21, 2014

I am wondering if these are safe to propagate sps with. Also can I propagate in the dt. I have a colony attached to a rock that I can't or dont want to pull out.

Im mainly worried about any chemicals used on it for maybe rust resistance.

Derek'sReef · Sep 21, 2014

Help would really be appreciated I want to frag something today.

Baldguy · Sep 21, 2014

I'd give it a good soak in vinegar to clean off any oil coating. Other than that I don't see any problem.

Eric B · Sep 21, 2014

You would definitely want to clean off the machine oil after that I have used similar in the past, but be sure to wash real well afterwards as they will rust pretty quick.

zesty · Sep 21, 2014

Eric B said:
You would definitely want to clean off the machine oil after that I have used similar in the past, but be sure to wash real well afterwards as they will rust pretty quick.

This! Alls it takes one one time and a week...

Derek'sReef · Sep 22, 2014

The bone cutters that come in frag packs. Do they rust. I might juts buy some of those. Or maybe someone has some used ones they will sell cheap lol. Probably still gonna use these but I would like some different sizes.

Eric B · Sep 23, 2014

Yes most bone cutters will rust after a while also unless you purchase stainless steel ones. Keep in mind what ever you eventually decide to use just wash really well with fresh water and dry well and they will last a long time if you don't then no matter what you use they will eventually rust in a salt water environment.

pickupman66 · Sep 23, 2014

I use a pair of stainless side cut toenail clippers.

Derek'sReef · Sep 23, 2014

So I gotn some distilled white vinegar to soak these cutters. How long should i soak them for and should it be like a 1/2 and 1/2 mix of water and vinegar or straight vinegar.

Eric B · Sep 24, 2014

Soak them in straight vinegar and I would probably scrub them with a toothbrush that you don't use anymore. I would think an 1/2 hour or so should be fine maybe scrub a few times and make sure and open and close them all the way because of any machine oil where the 2 halves are put together.

Derek'sReef · Sep 24, 2014

Thanks im gonna go that right now. Should I rinse in hot water after. Gonna do some fraggin in the mornin. Getting a frag ready for the grow out challenge.

Eric B · Sep 24, 2014

Yes you can rinse in hot water and then dry them off and you should be good to go!

tyler1503 · Sep 24, 2014

Hot water should help wash away any oily residue after the scrubbing. It helps wash away cooking oil, so I imagine it would work the same for machine oil

My "frag kit" is a pair of diagonal pliers like the ones pictured, a razor blade and super glue. Ive never had an issue using them in or out of the water.