Fragging is the process of cutting a coral into smaller pieces to promote growth, prevent overcrowding, or share with other reefers. It’s also a sustainable way to expand your reef without buying new colonies.
Done correctly, it causes little stress and can even make corals grow faster.
Tool | Use |
|---|---|
Coral cutters or bone snips | Precise cuts for LPS & SPS |
Scalpel or razor blade | Clean slicing for softies |
Frag plugs or rubble | To attach the coral |
Super glue gel / coral epoxy | Secures frag to base |
Iodine or coral dip | For disinfecting cuts |
Safety gloves and goggles | For handling zoas, acans, or chemicals |
Slice with a razor blade
Attach to rubble with mesh, glue, or toothpick
Heal in low flow for 5–7 days
Use bone cutters between polyp heads or skeletons
Dip in iodine to prevent infection
Mount to frag plug and place in moderate flow
Cut branches or plates cleanly with snips
Frag tips or branches; avoid base cuts
Glue to plug and return to stable, high-flow area
Place frags in a frag rack in a quiet section of the tank
Avoid high light for the first 48 hours
Dose iodine or coral supplements to aid tissue regeneration
Observe daily for signs of stress (recession, slime, bleaching)
Don’t frag stressed or newly added corals
Frag cleanly; avoid crushing tissue
Use only gel glue, not liquid (won’t hold underwater)
Label your frags—especially in grow-out systems
Always dip after cutting to avoid bacterial infection
⚠️ Use extra caution when fragging zoanthids—some release palytoxins. Always wear gloves and eye protection.
Fragging isn’t just for experts—it’s a sustainable, rewarding way to grow your reef. Once you understand how to handle each coral type and give them time to heal, you’ll be propagating confidently in no time.
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