Removing Polyps from a frag rack.

[jmurray551]

I have this DIY frag rack that has been over run by what I think are 3 different types of polyps. My LFS says they can't be removed. What do you guys think? Any ideas? I can't use the frag rack as it sits now. View attachment 19149

 

[Fish_wiz2]

Do you want to keep the polyps or not?

If not, take some tank water in a bucket, wear gloves, take the rack out the tank, and use a flat edge razor blade and just scrape them off. It might scratch your rack if you care about looks but the polyps should come off. Throw the water away, it could have the toxin zoa's give off when they're stressed.

 

[jmurray551]

Could that be done carefully so they could be saved, put on a rock or frag plugs?

 

[Irsug1]

You can use a razor blade to carefully remove them and reglue to rock or plug.

 

[jmurray551]

Thats what I thought but too many people have me concerned about the toxins. I could remove them outside of the tank and quarantine them. I have fragged small colonies before but this is a bigger project.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

Toxins can dilute easily with fresh tank water. Just scrap in a bucket of tank water, glue them to a plug, maybe dip in a cup of fresh tank water then put back into tank. Probably best to do this during a water change.

 

[fishyfish22]

Toxins can dilute easily with fresh tank water. Just scrap in a bucket of tank water, glue them to a plug, maybe dip in a cup of fresh tank water then put back into tank. Probably best to do this during a water change.

and wear goggles... also don't cut yourself fragging.

 

[trackfast]

I would also recommend using a slim Exacto blade/handle instead of a razor blade for better control.

 

[Captain]

you could cut your loss on the rack cut it up?

 

[ogfancysauce]

1. Wear gloves, wear goggles/glasses, and something to cover your mouth.
2. Blow some water over the zoas to have them close up while in the tank. Remove frag rack after all zoas are closed.
3. Take the rack out of the water and set it on a flat surface to work on. I like to work on a large towel to soak up any water.
4. Have a little bucket of tank water to put the zoas back into once removed
5. Use a combination of razor blades, exacto knives, bone cutters, tweezers, etc to get under the zoa chunks.
6. Clean the area well and your tools. wash the towel.

You can glue the polyps directly onto frag plugs or rock rubble in my experience. Good luck!