How to Frag Hammerhead

dochoot · 12/21/2020, 09:14 PM

I originally posted on LPS but maybe better here?

I have an extensive amount of Hammerhead and I have been trading with a local store. I am trying to get better about it. I have just been giving large pieces but seems more desirable to trim down and mount on frag plugs (I would prefer the longer piece if me). Watched some videos and will start doing that.

My question concerns if I trim it with a Dremel 2 inches proximal to the fleshy top, will it grow back out of the stem? They are pretty long.

Thanks in advance.

Reef Bass · 12/27/2020, 07:56 AM

If by "Hammerhead", you are talking about branching Hammer coral (Euphyllia sp.), then yes, one can frag off each branch, cutting the exposed skeleton, NOT THE FLESHY PART. leaving 2 or 3 inches of exposed skeleton on the bottom.

In general each stalk grows skeleton upwards and the top polyp and couple inches of fleshy "collar" beneath it go with it.

A Dremel will get the job done. I use bone shears.

Personally I form a small marshmallow with epoxy, put a dab of cyanoacrylate (super) glue on the top and bottom, and press the exposed skeleton into the top and the bottom onto a frag plug or disk.

If you are talking about wall hammer coral, I suggest not trying to frag it. There are many reports of the frags not surviving, likely due to infection induced by cutting through it.

dochoot · 01/03/2021, 09:43 PM

Yes, I am referring to branching Hammer coral (Euphyllia sp.). I watched a youtube video and did as you suggested with diamond bit dremmel. Was curious if the fleshy part grows back in the stalk that is left. I put some back under light and was gonna see.

Reef Bass · 01/04/2021, 07:51 AM

In my time reefing I estimate I have generated upwards of 100 Hammer frags and have never seen Hammer flesh regrow on a bare skeleton branch that was left after fragging.

dochoot · 01/07/2021, 09:48 PM

Sounds definitive. Nothing on my short experiment. Apparently, no relation to a rose bush.

Reef Bass · 01/08/2021, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dochoot

Apparently, no relation to a rose bush.

Yes, no relation.

I grow roses too.

12/21/2020, 09:14 PM	#1
dochoot Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 418	How to Frag Hammerhead I originally posted on LPS but maybe better here? I have an extensive amount of Hammerhead and I have been trading with a local store. I am trying to get better about it. I have just been giving large pieces but seems more desirable to trim down and mount on frag plugs (I would prefer the longer piece if me). Watched some videos and will start doing that. My question concerns if I trim it with a Dremel 2 inches proximal to the fleshy top, will it grow back out of the stem? They are pretty long. Thanks in advance.

12/27/2020, 07:56 AM	#2
Reef Bass colors and textures Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 6,233	If by "Hammerhead", you are talking about branching Hammer coral (Euphyllia sp.), then yes, one can frag off each branch, cutting the exposed skeleton, NOT THE FLESHY PART. leaving 2 or 3 inches of exposed skeleton on the bottom. In general each stalk grows skeleton upwards and the top polyp and couple inches of fleshy "collar" beneath it go with it. A Dremel will get the job done. I use bone shears. Personally I form a small marshmallow with epoxy, put a dab of cyanoacrylate (super) glue on the top and bottom, and press the exposed skeleton into the top and the bottom onto a frag plug or disk. If you are talking about wall hammer coral, I suggest not trying to frag it. There are many reports of the frags not surviving, likely due to infection induced by cutting through it. __________________ The human desires for instant gratification and immediate problem resolution cannot be satisfied with this hobby. Former president and co-president of the Wine Country Reefers. Current Tank Info: 60 gallons of Scleractinia and Zoanthidae lit w/ T5s

01/04/2021, 07:51 AM	#4
Reef Bass colors and textures Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 6,233	In my time reefing I estimate I have generated upwards of 100 Hammer frags and have never seen Hammer flesh regrow on a bare skeleton branch that was left after fragging. __________________ The human desires for instant gratification and immediate problem resolution cannot be satisfied with this hobby. Former president and co-president of the Wine Country Reefers. Current Tank Info: 60 gallons of Scleractinia and Zoanthidae lit w/ T5s

01/03/2021, 09:43 PM	#3
dochoot Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 418	Yes, I am referring to branching Hammer coral (Euphyllia sp.). I watched a youtube video and did as you suggested with diamond bit dremmel. Was curious if the fleshy part grows back in the stalk that is left. I put some back under light and was gonna see.

01/07/2021, 09:48 PM	#5
dochoot Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 418	Sounds definitive. Nothing on my short experiment. Apparently, no relation to a rose bush.