Fragging and Fraggin Tools

[Atomikk]

I recently posted an article on the reasoning behind fragging. Today I continued with it and wrote about the actual tools that I (and some) use. Here is the snippet from the first:

"Every reefer will encounter a problem that is inevitable. Some might sooner, and others later. But it will happen. What is this event, that no one can avoid? Its called overgrowth. And I am not talking about your facial hair.
Many reefers will be stuck for space over time. In fact, many loose their tanks in crashes because of this ‘phenomena’. Corals grow and expand beyond their limitations, that are set forth by their holding tanks. Over time, the will find no more space for growth and will die.. causing a chain of events (that no reefer wants to experience)."... to read more follow the link.

http://blog.fragd.it/2008/07/01/fraggin-and-fraggin-tools-part-1/

And this is from the second post:

"Now that you know why we frag, continuing from part 1, I am going to touch up on some tools that we pros use. They are grouped in obvious categories; SPS, LPS, Soft/Zoa.

SPS

Wave Coral Clippers : http://www.aquariumline.com/catalog/images/wave_coral_clipper2.jpgHas a long grip for those hard to reach areas. The blades are made from stainless steel (which don’t rust), and can cut through bone (calcium). They can cut that thick branched A. abrotanoides (http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/001-100/Species%20pages/21.htm)without a problem. ".. to reasd more, follow the link.http://blog.fragd.it/2008/07/16/fraggin-and-fraggin-tools-part-2/

I want to use this thread to discuss tools and fragging methods that you may have used or have worked well for you. Or if you have a serious question about fragging or some tools used, please post it in here. I am sure many reefers who have been fragging (or are in the business of fragging) could spill their knowledge and help you.
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[Mikee]

I am far away from overgrowth :P. This is a great thread.. bookmarked!

[jackiechandc]

As always, great info Vlad! Thanks!
Wei

[M007]

I recently posted an article on the reasoning behind fragging. Today I continued with it and wrote about the actual tools that I (and some) use. Here is the snippet from the first:

"Every reefer will encounter a problem that is inevitable. Some might sooner, and others later. But it will happen. What is this event, that no one can avoid? Its called overgrowth. And I am not talking about your facial hair.
Many reefers will be stuck for space over time. In fact, many loose their tanks in crashes because of this ‘phenomena’. Corals grow and expand beyond their limitations, that are set forth by their holding tanks. Over time, the will find no more space for growth and will die.. causing a chain of events (that no reefer wants to experience)."... to read more follow the link.

http://blog.fragd.it/2008/07/01/fraggin-and-fraggin-tools-part-1/

And this is from the second post:

"Now that you know why we frag, continuing from part 1, I am going to touch up on some tools that we pros use. They are grouped in obvious categories; SPS, LPS, Soft/Zoa.

SPS

Wave Coral Clippers : http://www.aquariumline.com/catalog/images/wave_coral_clipper2.jpgHas a long grip for those hard to reach areas. The blades are made from stainless steel (which don’t rust), and can cut through bone (calcium). They can cut that thick branched A. abrotanoides (http://www2.aims.gov.au/coralsearch/html/001-100/Species%20pages/21.htm)without a problem. ".. to reasd more, follow the link.http://blog.fragd.it/2008/07/16/fraggin-and-fraggin-tools-part-2/

I want to use this thread to discuss tools and fragging methods that you may have used or have worked well for you. Or if you have a serious question about fragging or some tools used, please post it in here. I am sure many reefers who have been fragging (or are in the business of fragging) could spill their knowledge and help you.
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Hey Vlad, where do I get a set of those?

[Aurel]

Got a varierty of medical scalpels, tweezers, etc from Coralscaping for using with softies. For harder LPS and some of the larger SPS I use: hammer and chisel (brutal but effective, if not accurate). Usually removing an encrusted piece from LR. For accurate work I use an angle grinder with a diamond blade and my fav, a wet saw with a diamond blade (also gets used with ceramic and stone tile LOL).

[Atomikk]

Ceramic and stone cutter.. interesting. Its probably more hands on, and safer than a wet saw with a diamond blade on it.

Sometimes while fragging, things may look really brutal, but keep going. Your coral will recover.

[Atomikk]

Mike, only so far overseas (in Europe). I am sure some one might bring them in here (cough cough Coralscaping)

[Old Yeller Tang]

I've seen them at the Big stores, but they're way expensive (50-ish). I find garden shears to be a cheaper substitute. They're one of the best tools for fraggin the sps.

For anemones and softies (rics, shrooms, and xenias), i've always just used a fresh razor blade, although i recently picked up a nice fillet knife that i'm itching to use on my next softie fragging session.

For the lps, a dremel with diamond bit is my favourite because it allows for control and accuracy. Sometimes with a hammer and chisel the coral breaks the opposite way you want it to.

[M007]

Mike, only so far overseas (in Europe). I am sure some one might bring them in here (cough cough Coralscaping)

Well Vlad, I guess the next time I'm in Europe i'll pick up a set. :bananas: I'm really looking for a set of SS SPS cutters. The rest just rust and seize. Also not happy with the cut. I want it clean and precise. :thanks: