Fragging some Z's

[ReeferRob]

I have a very unique morph of a zoo right in the middle of a colony of different zoo's.
Anyone ever have any luck plucking just a few polyps out of the center of a colony?
What method did you use? Did you then just super clue it to a plug or piece of rubble rock?
Looking for advice!
Tx

[Sir Patrick]

This can be done, but can be very tricky to do.

Best bet is to try to remember exacyly which ones they are first. Then shake the rock a bit to get them all to close up. They will be easier to frag off closed. Next, cut the mat around the small colony to seperate them from the others (if they are conected). I like to use an exacto knife for this. Next, dig into the live rock, very shalow, under the mat of zoas you want to frag off. Try to keep a thin layer of rock under the mat. After you get them removed from the rock, use super glue gel to mount them where you want them mounted.

Good luck!

[graphixx]

I agree with Patrick 100% I have had to do that MANY MANY MANY times when I got zoo's in.

works perfect!! the key is when chipping away the frag is to ge some rock/rubble along with the frag.. makes mounting them on a frag plug/rock much easier

[ReeferRob]

Should I use a scalpel to cut the tissue as well as chip up some rock from underneath? Seems like it would dull or damage the scalpel. Should I use something else for that step?

Thanks for the advice guys!

[Sir Patrick]

I would use an exacto knife in place of the scalpel. Much cheaper to ruin, and works well. I have also used a razor blade, but be carfull, its easy to slip and cut yourself with the razor blade.

[jojo22]

I once found that the little round cigar cutters worked well for removing single polyps if you were ever to want remove just one of each type to start a frag plug with different types of zoa's

[ReeferRob]

That's a great idea! I used to manage a cigar martini bar ten years ago and probably have one around here somewhere!

[jojo22]

And you can buy them cheap so it you press really hard you can somewhat cut into the rock as well, then I just used a REALLY little screwdrive (only used for the tank) and chipped it out.