Trimming Colt Coral

[DrRichP]

Hi everyone. I purchased a colt coral about 9 months ago. When I got it, it was just a few relatively small and thin stalks. Well it has thrived in my tank. It now looks like a bush and the once thin stalks are now quite thick. How should I go about pruning it? Also I have been thinking of cutting one of the stalks at the very base (where the stalks seem to loosely join each other) and transplanting the other clipping to another part of the tank [or perhaps offering it for trade]. Is it advisable to do this? If so what is the preferred method of anchoring it to a new rock?

[wasabi]

razor blade works like a charm...i have always used the toothpick method with a colt. just shove a toothpick thru it into the rock... instant frag

[sally]

Rich: I cut my colt with a scissors and then put a toothpick through the base. I then rubberband the toothpick onto a piece of rock. Colts seem to take forever to attach. I usually leave it on with the toothpick/rubberband for a good month. Then I remove the tooth pick and the rubberband. Good luck!

[DrRichP]

Thanks Sally!

[DrRichP]

Thanks Wasabi.

[kpatterson]

I've read in Anthony Calfo's book on coral propagation that this type of coral with alot of mucus is troublesome to frag. He recommended binding instead of cutting to minimize the mucus production. I have been a little scared to cut on mine after reading this. So you guys have not had any problems? Do you cut the coral in your display or move it to a quarantine tank? Do you rinse the frag to remove the mucus before placing it?

[DrRichP]

I had someone at an LFS say to take the coral out, fill a bucket with tank water and cut it in the bucket because of the mucus. He said the mucus will stop in a few minutes, wipe away any excess that remains and then return them to the tank. I have never done it before either, but I am starting to feel better about it.

[Pamsreef]

I would recommend (if possible) placing another rock next to it and letting it attach on its own if you want to take the time to do it and then cutting it apart once it's attached. I have about 6 pieces of colt in the bottom of my refugium (110) that aren't attached, I think it's a pain. My colt in the display tank is attached
to the overflow box so I can't remove it for a trim.

Good luck,

Pam

[sally]

If you can take the colt out and cut it that is the ideal method. In my case the colt is attached to a rather large rock I cannot take out. I usually frag it when doing a water change. After I cut it, I siphon the water out around the colt where it does begin to slime. This method has worked for me. I have only soft corals and LPS in the tank. I would think the slime could cause chemical warfare and if you had SPS corals in the tank could be a problem. Just my .02!

[kpatterson]

Good ideas. Thanks! I'll be fragging soon.