Removing Frags from Plugs?

[Eienna]

I am finding that I have a major lack of frag-plug-sized holes in my rockwork. I would prefer no plugs anyway. How difficult is it to safely remove acans, leptastrea, montipora and goniopora frags from their plugs and secure them straight to the rockwork? What tools would I need? Would Fluval Sea epoxy work (as I already have that), or do I need something else? Thanks in advance!

 

[reef4beer]

Shouldn't be difficult as long as you can get a screwdriver under the coral. Usually glue isn't too difficult to break off after sealed. As far as gluing down there are several things. Personally I like the super glue over epoxy.

 

[Eienna]

I'd prefer to keep them underwater as much as possible. How long do you have to keep them out of water with the super glue vs the epoxy? Is there a certain brand you know is safe?

 

[db7080]

Super glue is pretty fast. Pull the coral off the plug pull it out of water, dry the base of coral where you ate going to glue. Then using super glue gel put a pea size amount, then directly into water and onto rock. It does work better if you can get the rock out of the water also tho. Corals can be out of water for a lot longer than you think before anything goes wrong. You could easily leave them out a few min.

 

[Eienna]

Super glue is pretty fast. Pull the coral off the plug pull it out of water, dry the base of coral where you ate going to glue. Then using super glue gel put a pea size amount, then directly into water and onto rock. It does work better if you can get the rock out of the water also tho. Corals can be out of water for a lot longer than you think before anything goes wrong. You could easily leave them out a few min.

Okay, thanks!
Any particular glue brand you can recommend as being safe for the rest of my critters?

 

[db7080]

As long as its super glue GEL. It should all be good to go. I have used many brands. The last brand I used for example was lock tight brand.

 

[Eienna]

I hate guessing with my animals >.< maybe you guys could just tell me one you've successfully used?

 

[Eienna]

As long as its super glue GEL. It should all be good to go. I have used many brands. The last brand I used for example was lock tight brand.

You mentioned loctite...do you remember exactly which one?

 

[glb]

I've been able to pop off the coral from the plug by using a blunt knife and placing it between the glue and the plug. My coral pops off every time with no damage. I've actually used the glue underwater by putting some on the tank rock then some on the frag and gently pushing them together. So far it's worked pretty good. I do it this way because I find it easier. Just my 0.02.

 

[Rob in Puyallup]

I use Super Glue Gel... And instead of removing the frag from the plug I break off the plugs' stem using wire clippers. Works like a charm.

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[Eienna]

Okey dokey. I'll see if amazon.com has some so I can throw it in with my next order

 

[Rob in Puyallup]

My wire clippers are cheapies from Walmart. Less than $5.00.

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[Rob in Puyallup]

If on Amazon check out "heavy duty side/wire cutter/plier" made by uxcell. That's what I'm talking about...


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[Eienna]

Thanks for the info

 

[Duffam3434]

Anytime I get a new coral I always put them on my Plug/Discs.. The best thing i've ever used for popping them off is a Scalpel.. Works Perfectly Every Time!! Also I've used epoxy.. Personally I didnt like the look, So I use Frag Glue everytime now. Good Luck hope you find something that works well for you!!

 

[LOVETHISHOBBY]

I use a flat head screwdriver or a chisel to break the glue or epoxy seal of the frag plug. You can purchase small tubes of super glue gel from any dollar store.

 

[Eienna]

Okey Dokey. Thanks, guys.