anemone fragging

[Mr S]

Anyone have tips on how to frag (split) bubble tip anemones? Cut from the top or the bottom of the anemone? Use a razor blade? Thanks

[Rick]

I used a set of sharp fabric shears to cut one. Made a nice quick clean cut, Mine was a bit unique though as it already had 2 feet. I saw it attached in 2 spots stretched across them one day so I reached into the tank with the shears and cut it right in the tank. Dennis I believe does them out of the tank with a sharp knife. He then puts them into a container to rinse the slime off before putting them back into the tank. (I never saw any slime coming off mine) He also suggests running carbon for a few days. (I didn't see any negative effects from not running it but I don't think it would hurt either)

[coralreefer]

I think Dennis is the bubble tip cutting king...I've never done it, but have read of others losing fish due to the slime after effects...I believe they should be placed out of the tank after cutting, into a different container for a while to let slime accumulate elsewhere...ask Dennis...

DrMerle

[Rick]

The question though I would ask is whether the slime is due to cutting or from taking it out of the tank to cut it? (Every anemone I had in the open air had slime on it afterwards) I couldn't see any slime on the one I cut but I don't know for certain that there wasn't any. I do know that there were no negative effects from the method I followed but I only have that one experience to go from. The method Dennis suggests seems to work well for him and he's done more than I have so his method has more merit.

[Mr S]

I will pm Dennis. How long do people leave the sliced anemone in a different container?

[Michael7979]

If I remember right Dennis leaves them for just a few minutes, like 10-15.

[Mr S]

And I assume one quick slice rather then hacking away at it. Nick from Rose City gave me an anemone for free. Will try it as soon as the school frag tanks are set up.

[reef165]

Ya, just like ripping off a band aid! Quick and painful, one quick slice! If there anything like mushrooms as long as there's part of the mouth, it should regenerate.

[dsoz]

Yep. all that was said is good so far.

I have not fragged for a little while. My anemones are all growing and I have had an outbreak of red cotton-candy algae that is starting to make me want to take the tank down. Overall I have had not a good experience with the tanks as they are setup. :(

Fragging the anemones has been fine. I have even cut a Ritteri anemone twice. One clone did not make it each time, but one clone is doing fine and ready to be cut again when I get around to it.

dsoz