Discover the fundamentals of coral fragging in this beginner-friendly guide. Learn which tools are essential, how to safely cut and mount coral frags, and the best practices to promote healthy healing and growth. Whether you’re looking to grow your reef or share frags with others, this article covers everything you need to frag with confidence and care.
Coral fragging is the process of cutting a coral colony into smaller pieces (frags) that can grow into new, independent colonies. It’s commonly done to:
Encourage propagation
Share corals with other reefers
Control overgrowth
Save corals from damage
Proper fragging promotes healthy growth and sustainability in reef aquaculture.
Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
Coral cutters/bone shears | Clean cuts through hard coral skeletons |
Scalpel or razor blade | Precision cuts for soft corals |
Super glue gel / epoxy | Securing frags to plugs or rocks |
Coral plugs or rubble | Mounting surfaces for new frags |
Iodine dip solution | Disinfecting fresh cuts |
Gloves & eye protection | Personal safety during cutting |
Frag rack or container | To keep frags organized while healing |
Not all corals are ideal for beginner fragging. Good options:
Zoanthids
Mushrooms
Green Star Polyps
Branching Euphyllia (like Frogspawn or Hammer)
Montipora digitata
Avoid high-risk SPS or LPS corals with massive skeletons until you gain more experience.
Clean your tools with freshwater and then soak in a coral-safe disinfectant
Lay out a sterile workspace (preferably outside the tank)
Fill a small container with tank water to hold frags
Use cutters or a scalpel to divide the coral tissue cleanly
Cut in areas that avoid the central mouth (for mushrooms and zoas)
For LPS or SPS, cut between branches or along natural splitting points
🔒 Always wear gloves and eye protection—some corals (e.g., Zoanthids) can release harmful toxins.
Soak the frags in an iodine solution (per label instructions)
Rinse in clean tank water to prevent residue
Apply a small dab of coral glue or epoxy to the frag base
Press gently onto a plug or rubble rock
Let it cure for a few seconds before placing back in the tank
Place frags on a frag rack in moderate flow and light
Watch for signs of stress: tissue recession, closed polyps, discoloration
Most frags recover and begin new growth within 1–2 weeks
Work in short sessions to reduce coral stress
Frag during water changes to avoid extra disturbance
Always label and date your frags
Document growth to track recovery and performance
If you’re a coral seller, fragging is the first step to building inventory. Take high-quality macro shots once healed, and use your branding (e.g., DWC frag plugs) for consistency in listings.
Fragging isn’t just about making more corals—it’s about sustainable reefkeeping and sharing the hobby. With proper care, your frags will thrive and bring value to both your reef and your community.
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Dream World Corals is a trusted online coral retailer specializing in hand-selected, ethically grown WYSIWYG corals. With an unwavering commitment to reef health, we provide hobbyists of all levels with premium corals backed by expert care, safe shipping, and our industry-leading 72-hour live arrival guarantee. Our mission is simple: help your reef thrive.
