Plastic FRAG plug question.

Montreal Ray · 12/03/2009, 09:11 AM

Hi all,

I got my order of Frags yesterday. Some are on "rock" while some are on plastic frag plugs. Would I be correct in assuming that one could epoxy the plastic plugs directly onto the live rock and the frag will eventually out grow the plug?

thanks,
Ray

P.S. I will post some pics of my set-up and new Frags this later this week.

CH · 12/03/2009, 09:59 AM

I am by no means an expert, but I have used the plastic plugs in the past, and your assumption is correct, the frag will eventually just cover over the plug, especially if it is an encrusting type of coral. If you find a nice hole or opening in your rock, just put it in there, and eventually it will all get covered.

One thing to consider when locating the frags, is to try to get part of it touching rock. It will grow a bit quicker, and will anchor itself to the rock better, especially in the case of a branching coral, like a digitata. If you lay it down on it's side on a rock, rather than stick it straight up in the air, it will a) get a lot of light exposure, leading to better initial growth, and b) have a lot of opportunity for growth from all edges rather than just at the tips.
I'm not sure how your frags are already attached, but these are just some good tips to keep in mind when deciding on placement.

Montreal Ray · 12/03/2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH

especially if it is an encrusting type of coral.

Thanks! My Acros are in plugs. Does this apply?

Ray

CH · 12/03/2009, 10:12 AM

Yep, and those would be a good canditate for laying on it's side, like I mentioned. It seems odd, but I have heard it over and over from several experts. Yeah they grow up in a branching formation, but they start off better if they have something to attach to. I'm assuming these frags are attached to the plugs straight up. I would try to get the plug inserted into a crevice or hole, and have some part of the coral itself touching the rock, or at least very close so that when it does grow, it will anchor itself nicely.

Montreal Ray · 12/03/2009, 10:13 AM

Alright, Thanks CH!

marve467 · 12/03/2009, 11:40 AM

In my experience the frag plugs will either be grown over as other have said or eventually get covered with corraline masking their surface.

Montreal Ray · 12/03/2009, 11:52 AM

So I'm good to go :-)

thanks guys!

luther1200 · 12/03/2009, 02:57 PM

I actually like the plastic plugs better. You don't have to cure them, and the frags stick to them better, IME. Plus the get covered in coraline faster if you have a slow grower that doesn't cover the plug fast.

12/03/2009, 09:11 AM	#1
Montreal Ray Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montreal Posts: 428	Plastic FRAG plug question. Hi all, I got my order of Frags yesterday. Some are on "rock" while some are on plastic frag plugs. Would I be correct in assuming that one could epoxy the plastic plugs directly onto the live rock and the frag will eventually out grow the plug? thanks, Ray P.S. I will post some pics of my set-up and new Frags this later this week.

12/03/2009, 09:59 AM	#2
CH Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Omaha Posts: 850	I am by no means an expert, but I have used the plastic plugs in the past, and your assumption is correct, the frag will eventually just cover over the plug, especially if it is an encrusting type of coral. If you find a nice hole or opening in your rock, just put it in there, and eventually it will all get covered. One thing to consider when locating the frags, is to try to get part of it touching rock. It will grow a bit quicker, and will anchor itself to the rock better, especially in the case of a branching coral, like a digitata. If you lay it down on it's side on a rock, rather than stick it straight up in the air, it will a) get a lot of light exposure, leading to better initial growth, and b) have a lot of opportunity for growth from all edges rather than just at the tips. I'm not sure how your frags are already attached, but these are just some good tips to keep in mind when deciding on placement. __________________ Chris Holmes Current Tank Info: My current algae farm is 75 Gallon reef + 40 gal sump + 29 gal refugium

12/03/2009, 10:12 AM	#4
CH Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Omaha Posts: 850	Yep, and those would be a good canditate for laying on it's side, like I mentioned. It seems odd, but I have heard it over and over from several experts. Yeah they grow up in a branching formation, but they start off better if they have something to attach to. I'm assuming these frags are attached to the plugs straight up. I would try to get the plug inserted into a crevice or hole, and have some part of the coral itself touching the rock, or at least very close so that when it does grow, it will anchor itself nicely. __________________ Chris Holmes Current Tank Info: My current algae farm is 75 Gallon reef + 40 gal sump + 29 gal refugium

12/03/2009, 02:57 PM	#8
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I actually like the plastic plugs better. You don't have to cure them, and the frags stick to them better, IME. Plus the get covered in coraline faster if you have a slow grower that doesn't cover the plug fast. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

12/03/2009, 10:13 AM	#5
Montreal Ray Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montreal Posts: 428	Alright, Thanks CH!

12/03/2009, 11:40 AM	#6
marve467 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 57	In my experience the frag plugs will either be grown over as other have said or eventually get covered with corraline masking their surface.

12/03/2009, 11:52 AM	#7
Montreal Ray Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montreal Posts: 428	So I'm good to go :-) thanks guys!