In-tank Fragging Tools?

Shooter7 · 09/14/2007, 05:49 AM

I know I see some tanks that it would absolutely destroy the corals to try and drag them out of the tank to frag them. So, I was wondering, are there particular types or brands of tools that you use to do in-tank, underwater fragging? I'm speaking mainly of LPS and SPS type of fragging here. Something you can use on calcified skeletons.

Any particular ones NOT to use? And what do you do to keep them in good condition after using them in SW?

Just curious as I have a few corals I'd like to frag, but they are fused to some of my foundation rocks in my tank that I'd prefer not tearing down my whole rock pile to get to.

thanks

michaeljames · 09/14/2007, 06:07 AM

just about any type of cutting tools will work, just make sure they have never been used for anything else, also make sure they have no oils or grease on them marine depot sells a nice set as well as dr fosters and smith

agoutihead · 09/14/2007, 10:25 PM

I would suggest only stainless steel (and surgical at that if you can spare the extra cost)

I just bought a stainless steel scalpel with 20 replaceable blades for 11 bucks shipped off ebay.

forceps (or tweezers as some call them) are very useful.

And then I have seen those crazy cutters for harder calcium cuts. They're like industrial strength cuticle cutters.

Shooter7 · 09/14/2007, 10:35 PM

Are you talking about cutters like the ones that Foster and Smith sell, or some other ones? thanks

agoutihead · 09/14/2007, 10:41 PM

heh yeah sorry. I would like to pick up 1-2 different cutters like they sell.

Can be very handy cutting through any hard coral.

I don't know how well they would cut live rock, maybe nip off small pieces, but that might dull the edges. I would reserve them for cutting coral only.

09/14/2007, 05:49 AM	#1
Shooter7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tolono, IL Posts: 6,754	In-tank Fragging Tools? I know I see some tanks that it would absolutely destroy the corals to try and drag them out of the tank to frag them. So, I was wondering, are there particular types or brands of tools that you use to do in-tank, underwater fragging? I'm speaking mainly of LPS and SPS type of fragging here. Something you can use on calcified skeletons. Any particular ones NOT to use? And what do you do to keep them in good condition after using them in SW? Just curious as I have a few corals I'd like to frag, but they are fused to some of my foundation rocks in my tank that I'd prefer not tearing down my whole rock pile to get to. thanks __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 10 years salty - standard 29g reef - moved from 120 gal reef, 2x250w Reeflux 10k's on ARO electronics and VHO super actinics on Icecap ballast, 2xTunze 6060, MSX 200 skimmer, GEO 612 Ca reactor, mag 12 return

09/14/2007, 06:07 AM	#2
michaeljames Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 737	just about any type of cutting tools will work, just make sure they have never been used for anything else, also make sure they have no oils or grease on them marine depot sells a nice set as well as dr fosters and smith __________________ "This tastes like crap!" "Well here, try it with some selcon and garlic..." Current Tank Info: 180g RR AGA 2 x 250w SE MH 1 x 175 SE MH 2 x 6' Super atinic VHO Iwaki 100 return Reef Octopus Skimmer

09/14/2007, 10:25 PM	#3
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	I would suggest only stainless steel (and surgical at that if you can spare the extra cost) I just bought a stainless steel scalpel with 20 replaceable blades for 11 bucks shipped off ebay. forceps (or tweezers as some call them) are very useful. And then I have seen those crazy cutters for harder calcium cuts. They're like industrial strength cuticle cutters. __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

09/14/2007, 10:35 PM	#4
Shooter7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tolono, IL Posts: 6,754	Are you talking about cutters like the ones that Foster and Smith sell, or some other ones? thanks __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 10 years salty - standard 29g reef - moved from 120 gal reef, 2x250w Reeflux 10k's on ARO electronics and VHO super actinics on Icecap ballast, 2xTunze 6060, MSX 200 skimmer, GEO 612 Ca reactor, mag 12 return

09/14/2007, 10:41 PM	#5
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	heh yeah sorry. I would like to pick up 1-2 different cutters like they sell. Can be very handy cutting through any hard coral. I don't know how well they would cut live rock, maybe nip off small pieces, but that might dull the edges. I would reserve them for cutting coral only. __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...