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FAQs about "Coral" Reproduction/Propagation: Tools, Materials
Related Articles:
Growing Reef Corals For Profit by Anthony Calfo,
Coral Propagation, LPS Corals,
True or Stony Corals, Order Scleractinia,
Propagation for Marine Aquarium Use,
Trachyphyllia Reproduction Event,
Related FAQs: Coral Propagation 1,
Coral Propagation 2, Coral
Propagation 3, Coral Propagation 4,
& FAQs on Coral: Coral Prop Livestock
Selection, Frag Sources (Info.,
Livestock, Supplies), Frag
Tanks/Systems, Frag Methods,
Frag Feeding, Frag Health,
Propagation Economics, Frag Troubles,
Fraggle Rock (just kidding), & FAQs Files on: "Frag Momma
Frag, Whatcha Gonna Do? " by Group:
Cnidarian Reproduction, Caryophyllid
Propagation/Reproduction,
Soft Coral Propagation, Growing Reef
Corals, Livestock
Business, Stony Coral Identification, Stony
Coral Behavior, |
A power saw is a handy tool |
Coral Glue And Coral Light Absorption (Photoperiod) – 04/12/08
Awhile ago I got a couple of corals that came with a silicone type
glue that mounted them to the rock. At the time, I didn't think it
would be so good and don't recall where I got these corals. This
glue bonds to rock just by placing it on top of it. I have tried to
locate this material at all the tropical shops in my area but no one
carries it or knows what it is. It is not "super glue" or putty - it
stays flexible and doesn't need to be reapplied. Can you help? What
is it and where can I get it?
<<I can only guess, but there are
some better “underwater epoxies” that remain flexible. These
products form a molecular bond that is quite tenacious. They’re
quite pricey too…at around $50 per quart>>
On the coral's light
absorption - how many hours of light do they really need daily using
optimum lighting?
<<”Optimum lighting” will vary by species…but
lighting in the tropics where most all specimens we strive to keep
hail from averages a bit more than 12-hours per day…and at an
intensity we can only dream of replicating>>
Does it vary by type
of coral?
<<Indeed>>
I have polyp types, leathers, frogspawns,
elegance and coral plates. Thank you.
<<I suggest you provide a
lighting period of somewhere between 10 and 14 hours per
day…depending on quality/intensity of the lighting. EricR>>
Re: Coral Glue And Coral Light Absorption (Photoperiod) – 04/15/08
Can you give me the name(s) of some safe underwater epoxies? And
where I might purchase?
Thank you!
<<I assume you refer to
the “flexible” epoxy mentioned previously. I’ve not attempted to use
any of these myself nor can I vouch for their “safeness,” and as was
previously stated, can only guess that this was the material you
were describing in the first place. But...a simple Google search of
the NET re “flexible underwater epoxy” or “thickened epoxy” does
turn up some sources if you wish to pursue. One source that provides
a wide array of many types of adhesives is ELLSWORTH Adhesives
(http://www.ellsworth.com/adhesives.html?tab=Products), and if you
are interested in a flexible Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) see here
(http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/29449). Regards, EricR>> |
Superglue gel
Dear crew of WWM,
I've been an avid reader of
your marine articles and FAQs and would like to extend my gratitude
towards such a wonderful public service. I live in Singapore, and the
marine aquarium trade here is run on a lot of myths and misconceptions
with regards coral and fish care so you've been a great help.
I
found out about cyanoacrylate super glue gel from you guys, and went
shopping for some, and coming up only with this product called
Quicktite, by Loctite, and its labeled super glue gel, with the behind
instructions indicating warnings against eye or skin contact as it
contains cyanoacrylate ester. I bought a tube of this though I haven't
tried it out for fear of endangering my fishes. Pls tell me if you're
able to if this product is acceptable for reef use.
<< I think that
sounds like a perfect glue to use for coral frags. I would use it. >>
thank you very much. << Good luck. >>
Ian
<< Blundell >>
Aqua Mend, or Aquamend, epoxy for aquarium use
Hello all!
Bob
I purchased you book, I think it is well written and very enjoyable. I
really like that you never "hawk" the book on your website.
<Am
opposed to such blatant self-promotion... likely a cultural artifact of
growing up in the Far East... not cool to "blow one's own horn">
Anyways a quick question, I have a reef tank and would like to know if
you have ever heard of a product by the name of "Aqua Mend" it is a
underwater bonding putty looks like the same as the bonding putty they
sell at fish stores but it is much cheaper. It is made by "Polymeric
Systems, inc." I bought it at "the Home Depot". Thanks for all you for
our great hobby.
Dan Taylor
<Mmm, this is likely a very similar
formulation that others have re-labeled and sold for aquarium use... we
have a statement re as well as others if you want to put the string:
using Aquamend in aquariums" in your search tools... And, of all
coincidences, I have a friend also named Dan/ny Taylor, in the HHH, now
residing in Houston. Bob Fenner> - Two Part Epoxy in Bulk -
Hey crew..
Does anyone know of a good aquarium safe 2 part epoxy
putty, that I can buy in bulk? <Have not seen the aquarium-safe
varieties available in bulk but obviously they are to someone... I just
don't know the source.> the 2oz pet store tubes are just way to
expensive. I'm not convinced there is anything special about them
besides the color. they look just like the roll of two part found at my
local hardware "which i have used with success," I was looking at the
POR-15 and Milliput brand epoxies, which can be bought by the pound...Is
there any way to tell if they are aquarium safe? I have contacted both
dealers and they both said they are not designed for aquarium use
although they will cure under water and bond to most anything... not
much help.
Thanks for any info..
A.J.
<Perhaps someone
reading our dailies will know where you might source this stuff. For
certain it is available somewhere. Cheers, J -- ><<Go to Home Depot,
Lowe's... look for name, address of manufacturer's... Not made by
"fishy" folks, just re-labeled. BobF>>
Zinc in epoxy 7/5/05
Hi WWM Crew,
First I would like to
thank you for your help. I recently bought and read (in about 2
days) Bob Fenner's book and am really enjoying the learning process.
I got excited about aquascaping after reading that part of the book
went out to the local hardware store and bought epoxy putty. I ended
up with two kinds. One is Ace brand plumbers epoxy which I think
will be safe, as I found reference to it being used successfully by
others on the web. I ended up liking this one better and bought more
of it. It is the majority of what I used. (About 5 10' sticks.) The
second is PC marine epoxy. This one I am worried about because it
lists zinc sulfide on the materials (5-10% of the composition). I
only used one 5' stick of this. I unfortunately already used both of
them to build a fairly large rock structure for my 55 gal fish and
invert tank. My question to you is: Do you think that the PC epoxy
will be harmful?
<The Zinc is to be avoided... but over some
time it should be of little to no consequence. I would place a pad
of PolyFilter in your filter flow path for now... to remove this
metal as it comes into solution from the Epoxy>
What if I cover
the exposed areas of PC epoxy with the other Ace brand epoxy?
<A
worthwhile suggestion, yes>
And finally, if it should not go in
the tank do you think that breaking down and reusing the rocks
(coral skeleton) that were exposed to it would be OK?
Possibly
with new and extra carbon in the system?
<I do think you are
right here>
I presently have 2 large hang on filters, a UV
filter, new (3 days old) Aqua C remora pro skimmer, and an
undergravel filter. I change 10% of the water twice a week using
Waikiki aquarium filtered water.
<Ah, "the gathering place",
O'ahu>
I tried calling the company and am waiting for a call
back, although not sure they will be able to answer my questions. I
did search this site extensively and although I found reference to a
link regarding epoxy, I could not locate the link.
Thank you so
much. Looking forward to seeing what you have to say.
Elizabeth
<I would not be overly concerned here... with the size, type system,
availability of good source water, use of chemical filtrants... the
Zinc should be a small concern soon. Bob Fenner> Re: zinc in
epoxy 7/6/05
Hi again,
In reference to the attached email
regarding epoxy putty.
I received a call from PC marine. They
assured me that the product, once cured, was harmless in a saltwater
fish tank. The said that once cured that it will not allow any water
entry or react with anything.
They also said that they had given
this advice to others and had them use it successfully. I am still a
little hesitant and would love your opinion.
Thanks!
Elizabeth
<You did get my email from this morning? I am in
agreement with the statements above. This putty should be safe once
cured. Bob Fenner> Re: zinc in epoxy 7/6/05
Hi Bob,
<Elizabeth>
Thank you so much for your response. I was thinking
that I would have to break down my big rock structure that I spent
so long on. For some reason I did not receive your response to my
first email, but I went to WWM and found it.
<Bizarre... the
Net...>
I will buy some poly filters and put my masterpiece in!
<Ah, good... get some help lifting!>
Thank you very much for
what you have done for this hobby. I recommend your book/site to
every person I see in the pet store buying unsuitable livestock.
Aloha,
Elizabeth
<Ahh, thank you for your kind, encouraging
words, good works. Bob Fenner> |
Am
I Crazy or is this the same Glue? - 10/13/05
Hello again,
<<Hello, TravisM here with you.>>
Sorry for all these questions in
one day.
<<Not a problem.>>
The glue (Zap Gel ) at my LFS that
looks and smell like a "Crazy/Super Glue" , is that the same as the
"Crazy / Super Glue" that you can find at the hardware stores ?(diff
brand)
<<Yes>>
It contains " Cyanoacrylate" on both glues but
according to my LFS the one that they sell (Zap Gel) contains no harmful
chem that will affect my tanks water chemistry, I don't know if this is
true or they just want to make money since their price is almost triple
than the one of the hardware store.
<<Super glue will not affect
your water chemistry.>>
They told me that the this glue their selling
is made for Aquariums, but again it looks and smell like a regular
"Crazy/Super Glue".
<<Because it is the same stuff.>>
Please
enlighten me and the rest of my kind, this hobby is expensive enough to
purchase such item that's triple in price but of the same effect or use
than of the cheaper one.
<<I personally use and suggest the cheapo
super glue gel you can find at your local Wal-Mart.>>
Thanks so much.
<<Glad to help and happy fragging.>>
Nemo1
<<TravisM>>
Propagation of "Rose Leather"
Hello, I will be acquiring a large
"rose leather" in the near future and am wondering if they can be
propagated as most other leathers can be by cutting off the cap and then
sectioning into smaller pieces?
<certainly>
How would I go about
this with this type of leather being that is has numerous folds and
valleys in the cap of the leather? I love the way they look and would
like to propagate it. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks
again for the replies, Jeff
<this would be hard to describe in the
simple body of an e-mail but with your experience of cutting other
leather corals, it is somewhat intuitive from an aesthetic point of
view. Be sure to use a very sharp single edged blade like an Ex-acto
knife or scalpel. Best regards, Anthony> Super reef gel -
2/15/03
Dear crew, hello again, can you guys let me know if you
have ever used reef gel,
<yes>
i am looking at buying some of the
super reef gel from GARF in warm springs, 1 tube at $18.00, have any of
the crew used this type of gel or come across it, i can always buy
Loctite super glue gel (cyanoacrylate) but i was wondering if the GARF
stuff is more reef friendly.
<superglue gels are fundamentally the
same. I personally don't like using them for much of anything except
stony coral. I have outlined my complaints about using superglue in my
book of coral propagation... noticing your UK addy, I believe that
several of the larger aquarium clubs in the UK have a copy of the title
in their club libraries if you care to peruse it. The chapters on
specific propagation and settlement techniques are about 50 pages too
long to e-mail <G>>
I know its a lot more expensive that normal
Loctite and some of the other commercial brands, but i suppose it's more
specialized, am i thinking along the right lines or am i falling for the
old chestnut (if its expensive its good).
<the latter IMO my friend>
Any advice fellas would be greatly appreciated.
Paul, Manchester
<kindly, Anthony> Aragocrete?? 3/19/03
Hi, Thank you for
all of the valuable information that you are providing!
<thanks
kindly>
My question regarding Aragocrete is as follows: Does
Aragocrete release any chemicals/substances into the aquarium water?
<somewhat caustic when first made... can be leached quickly with a good
soak and rinse>
Do you foresee me having a problem with frags mounted
to Aragocrete?
<not likely>
I have a great reef setup and
definitely do not want to take any chances! Thanks in advance for your
reply. Cheri
<somewhat a matter of personal preference. I like to use
live rock rubble instead (available from the bottom of LFS live rock
shipment boxes weekly and cheap/free/natural). Anthony> Coral
Identity & Tethering - 11/11/03
Anthony:
I read in your BOCP
on pg 391 on "Tethering". I want to use the rubber band technique, but
I am unclear as to exactly where to wrap the band around.
<rubber
bands are generally used for firm Octocorals (soft coral) that have
polyp cycles (expanding and contracting significantly ) that make being
with inflexible string, thread or line less secure. Its fast and easy...
but also not the best method overall (stitching is best most often... a
needle and thread and throw one or two stitches into the coral near the
base and tie it off to piece of rubble)>
It can't be that you wrap it
vertically around the rock and frag, can it?
<yes... its that simple>
Also, I was hoping you could identify these pictures of a coral I am
thinking of getting from my uncle's tank.
<it is the Alcyoniid
"Lobophytum". Very hardy and durable. Lends to this prop technique well>
I have looked through the pages here and cannot find a match. My uncle
says it's a leather coral, but I was hoping for more specifics.
<correct... a Lobophytum "Leather" coral>
This one is attached to a
rock already, but 2 others are not. Will the rubber band negatively
affect this particular
coral? Thanks, Rich
<best regards,
Anthony> Mr. Sticky's® Underwater Glue
Dear Robert,
I
noticed your website through a search at yahoo and would like to let you
know about a new epoxy which is stunning most experts. Mr. Sticky's®
Underwater glue has three major breakthroughs:
1. It is very sticky
underwater (salt or fresh)
2. It has very strong bonds to Plastic as
well as glass, metal, ceramic etc.
3. It is not rigid, so resists
bond failure due to shrinkage/expansion/vibration etc.
Duke
University has tested it in conjunction with Coral and found that it
caused no tissue degradation. It is also currently being tested by
scientists at the Florida Keys Sanctuary, Mole, Cheju Island in Korea
and Eilat in Israel. It has also passed the bioassay for fish safety.
You may want to check our website at http://www.underwaterglue.com, we
would also be pleased to send you a sample for testing.
Most of our
customers love the glue because there are so few failures after initial
bonding. You can fix very small parts, wet or dry.
Kind Regards,
Art Quinn, MSI
<Okay... will post your note to the WWM site... and
you may kindly send along a sample for our anecdotal testing (we have a
4k gallon pilot culture/experimental facility here) to:
10251
Thanksgiving Lane
San Diego, CA 92126
Thank you, Bob Fenner>
Glue SPS corals (reason for articles, books...)
what kind of glue
should be used to glue SPS to small rocks. and how should it be done.
Linda Gibson
<the short answer is thick gel superglue or underwater
epoxy. Corals are to be handled minimally, with latex gloves if
possible, patted dry where they are to be adhered. So much more to
say...purging mucous, heated prop baths, iodine dips, safe placement in
grow out. Too much for a simple e-mail. This may be a perfect place for
a plug of my, Book of Coral Propagation. Bob has a review of it here on
our WWM site. Some of the advertisers sell it and you can buy it direct
as well (signed if you like). Check out www.readingtrees.com for other
reviews/samples. Best regards on your information gathering and coral
propagation endeavors! Anthony Calfo
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