How to frag hammer ?

[Nickel]

Hi, I have a hammer which has a skeleton of about 6 inch long between the top tips of a 'Y'-shaped base skeleton. When open, the tentacles spread over a space of more than 12 inches.

Anyone can advise how do I frag (saw the 'Y' skeleton?) into 2 pieces without hurting the coral ? In the first place, should I ?

Thanks for advice.

[xiggie]

yeah saw or break the y shape ...

[eaquarist]

Well, I've done this before but I believe a lot of our SPS big boys out there can do this with their eyes closed ....if you want to frag the piece, make sure you allow the coral tissue to fully retract before you do this. Lay the coral on a wet towel, hold with your hand, an arm and main stem of the "Y", using the plier, break with a quick twist the other arm. The tissue normally occupies the a shallow portion inside and the tooth ridges plus a thin layer on the outside of the exoskeleton. If you have somehow damaged the coral tissue, can put in some SEACHEM coral dip for a few minutes to prevent bacterial infection before placing frags back in tank.

http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?webt..._ite=0011606160

[Nickel]

Thanks for advice. Was worried that the soft coral part goes too deep into the skeleton and when sawing, gets head one side, body in the other. Then need magician to put them back.

Do I put the separated parts back into main tank under strong or weak currents as they normally give out slime when disturbed ?

[eaquarist]

I normally place frags under weak or moderate currents to allow recovery but make sure they are not upstream of other corals or their exudates might kill your other tank inhabitants.

[Nickel]

Thanks. Will bear that in mind after operations.