General zoa/paly fragging safety

With enough poison to theoretically stop an elephants heart, polyps of the zoanthid and palythoa family are amongst the most dangerous corals to frag. The mere presence of these in the aquarium have been known to cause mood changes and even depression.

With that in mind you should always take precaution when thinking of adding either of these types of corals.

So how so you frag something so dangerous?

Gloves, safety goggles, and a bowl of water can prevent you from any side effect they can cause.

I have attempted out of water fragging, but with the risk of blindness or death I was in search of a safer way.

I decided to try to cut the corals submerge in a bowl of water, which works wonders!

The water also acts as a catch all for loose corals. Sometimes when you use scissors the polyp will go flying and could be a risk for your dog, cat, or even child.

I also use this method for the more encrusting types as well.

Any squirting or toxin release is captured and diluted by the water and decreases its potency greatly.

Another warning is if you siphon water out of your reef tank you could very well suck in water tht contains the toxin as well. Don't! There is a much easier way to start a siphon that does not require your lips.

Submerge the tube in the water to be siphoned and then stick your finger over the end of the hose. Pull it out of the tank and point it in your bucket. Release your finger. Your lips are dry and your wife won't call you salty lips anymore.

 

This is a great idea. Thank you very much for sharing.

 

No problem! Love to help and the safer we are the longer we can reef. The more people who can frag the greater impact we have on he hobby. Tang raised specimens are always that much more hardy.