I cut my coral!

[Ichthus]

I have a med to lg colt coral (dyed bright pink) and it is was coming off the rock that it came on, and so I took a razor blade and finished off the job that UPS stated and cut it into 2 peices. However, it is now not attached to any rock at all.

My question is...should I use some type of underwter apoxy and drop a few drops here and there so it will stay on a rock? I am using rubber bands now (not too tightly as I didn't want to cut off circulation) but I fear that due to the shape of the stems and the current that the base will not affix to the rock.

Are glues safe for the colt? Any other suggestions if not?

[Mrs Smith]

Hey there,

Colts are IMHO one of the hardest corals to manage and mount, partly due to the slime that they profusely generate. So what works? Superglue, rarely. The only time it's worked for me, I ended up making a "nest" of glue that would be similar to just dropping the cutting in a small cup of rubble.

Along those lines, that seems to work: put a small cup of rubble in the tank, and set the colt in it. It'll attach to the rubble, and then you can mount that.

Another thing that works is using monofilament line and sewing the colt onto the rock. Tricky, but works for some. You can also try looping some tulle (what they make bridal veils out of) around the base and tying it to the rock.

Some people spear the base with a toothpick and rubberband the toothpick to the rock.

Just some suggestions, as these guys are notoriously difficult to work with.

HTH,
Danielle

[Ichthus]

okay...then the next question...how long doe sit nor mally take for the colt to attach? I would have thought that the piercing the coral would damage it. I guess not. I might try the tule or t-pick.

I have 2 rocks with small cavities and placed them on that. In your opinion would the rubble work better or should I try for the rock?

[alf2]

Well when I got my colt coral he was suppose to be attached to a
rock but when I got home he came loose! So I used the rubberband trick. Well I had the rubberband to tight, so then it split and now i have 2 colts lol. But it didnt seem to hurt it at all, thank goodness! My understanding it these are very tough coral. And it does seem so! HTH

[Doug1]

I have had colt attach the stalk to ajacient rock it leaned up against. You might try wedging it between 2 rocks and see what happens

[Ichthus]

Hmmm. So many solutions. I might try he toothpick trick tonight since it is such a hearty critter. One thing I noticed that it is sort of bent over right now. I am sure he is not happy with me anyway sice a took a razor to him. Actually I don't think I would be to happy if someone cut me come to think of it. I am hoping he will perk up in a day or so...that is after I stab him with a piece of wood and strap him down to a rock. heh heh.

[Mouse]

Make sure ya havs some current on the cuttings to clear away the slime

[Ichthus]

I have found that out the hard way. I also have a candy coral that is emitting a slimy string and must move it too.

My tanks is set up in such a way that it is hard to place corals in mid current. I am going to have to re-do my tank soon and re-arrange the rocks so it is better for the corals.

I am still new to this hobby and did not know that when you buy corals thatthey come on LR, which in turn jacks with your LR display. So Everytime I buy corals I am trying to rearrange as some have low light needs other need more current.

What would I do without The Reef Tank?

[Ichthus]

Okay, I went home at lunch and pierced my colt. Does anyone know about how long I should wait to remove the toothpicks and rubberbands?

[Jeremy1973]

When I went to attach one of my colts, it took a week for it to decide to stick, the other, well, let's just say, it still has not taken root, and is now lost in my tank somewhere until I decide to rearrange again. heh heh

[Mrs Smith]

You could always add a couple of powerheads if you aren't getting enough current where you want it - we have a lot of extra powerheads to create current, as do many reefers.

Just a thought,
Danielle

[Ichthus]

That is a question I have been pondering for some time now. I have a 65g and it sits on the left side of tank near top. My tank is 48" long and 12" deep and 24" high. What size power head would you rec.? I have a maxi-jet 900 now. Would I place the other power head at the same place just on the opposite side of tank? Should my power heads be on the back wall instead? Boy...am I filled with Q's today or what?

[Jeremy1973]

I don't think it really matters where you place the power heads as long as you get some current. Some like to place them opposite each other to create some turbulence. One thing you can do is put some phytoplanton in your tank, and watch how it disappates. This can help you isolate huge dead current areas. Just a thought. I would offer my 2 cents, but, I don't even have that anymore. Do you accept credit card?

[Ichthus]

I guess I am worried that 2 power heads would be too much current. Hmmm...so what size should I get? 2 of the same?

Is there a formula for the gpm and the size of my tank i should be following?