Softy Removal

[Joncelone]

Just as a little backround, I have never fragged any coral in my life. I've mostly dealt with softy corals that frag themselves, but now I'm to a point where I don't need my softies going crazy and spreading everywhere. SO my question is, I know it is easiest to use a razor blade to cut softies off a rock, but should I remove the rock from the tank and cut it in a separate bucket or something? Does that matter? I know with zoa's you should to avoid releasing unwanted toxins.

Please do educate me!

 

[Wes]

depends on what you are talking about...what are you trying to remove? one thing for stuff growing on rocks, if you want it removed for good just cutting it wont do it. that little nub of tissue left will regrow.

 

[Freshandsalty]

Exactly which softies are you wanting to frag? Also it's a good idea to run fresh carbon if you cut them in the tank. I usually use a filter sock as well for 20 minutes or so afterward.

 

[Joncelone]

@Wes wrote:

I have a mini colony of pom pom xenia that sprouted up..... 6 stalks, really beautiful, but blocking the view of all my zoas from the front lol.

SO my list is:

Pom Pom Xenia
Texas Trash Paly
Frogspawn - I think I can literally just take this out and break off of branched pieces right?
Mushrooms


Thanks for the response Wes. It's nice knowing I have a place to go to get answers to stuff like this and learn something new.

 

[Wes]

all but frogspawn will regrow if you dont remove rock and scrub it, even then it still could. most anything is easier out of the tank, i would never try cutting something in place except a large sps colony that breaks easily. corals can be exposed to air for a while, especially softies. the mushrooms will slime a bit in tank after cutting so carbon can help keep that from being a problem.

 

[Joncelone]

@Wes wrote:

Interesting. It wouldn't be hard for me to pull out the rock full of mushrooms. Now for the frogspawn, mine is very large now and branching like crazy. The braches are pretty large and easy to get to. If I litereally just break off the branches, do I risk killing the coral all together or does that not matter? BTW, when I break this frogspawn, I plan on just selling it and I'll give you a few branches for free if you're interested.

 

[psteeleb]

Here is a process I use for removing softies

It is best to remove the rock as many softies will gel up pieces will float off and can spread in the tank

1) Get the softy to deflate while in the water without agitating to the point where it slimes. You can skip this step but just be prepared to deal with a lot of slime

2) Remove as best you can - I find using a serrated knife works best as you can carve or saw into the live rock a bit

3) Get a stiff brush and clean of the residual goo left by the soft coral. I bought a nice stiff (non metallic) brush in the paint section of the local hardware store and use it often, it?s a good addition to your reef tool box.

4) mix some kalc powder into a thick somewhat dry paste and smear it over the surface - this will sterilize the area essentially eliminating the potential for re-growth from any residual goo

I've used this process for xenia, shrooms, rics and zoas with great success.

 

[Wes]

Frogspawn is pretty hardy, I wouldn't be worries about it and I'm good, thanks tho, I have a big colony myself.

 

[Joncelone]

@psteeleb wrote:

Thanks for the advice! Where do you pick up kalc powder?

 

[psteeleb]

if you dont have kalc powder check with other reefers in your area for a small bag, you don't need much
or you can use pickling lyme found at a grocery store with canning supplies

 

[Joncelone]

@psteeleb wrote:

You are one resourceful man Pete. I think if I were ever stuck on an island, I'd have you stuck with me. You'd probably be able to feed and clothe me before the sun goes down.