Sinularia flexibilis propagation

[taybay]

Has anyone had success propagating Sinularia flexibilis? I've got a healthy colony in my 75-gallon mixed reef, but every time I try to frag it, the cuttings just melt. Running Radion XR15s, salinity at 1.025, temp 78F. Maybe I'm cutting wrong?

[Whiteron]

Yep, I've done it a few times. Gotta use super sharp scissors, like the Coralife ones. Also, dip the frags in iodine right after cutting. My tank's a 40 breeder with T5s, and they bounce back in a week or two.

[tidal_flow]

Yep, I've done it a few times. Gotta use super sharp scissors, like the Coralife ones. Also, dip the frags in iodine right after cutting. My tank's a 40 breeder with T5s, and they bounce back in a week or two.

That's solid advice. I'd add that flow matters too. Keep the frags in low to medium flow until they attach. High flow can rip them off the plug.

[happyone]

Mine took forever to attach, but they finally did. I used a bit of superglue gel to hold them down. Also, maybe check your alk? Mine likes it around 8.5 dKH.

[Slice]

The melting is likely due to bacterial infection. Ensure your tools are sterilized and the water quality is pristine. I recommend testing for phosphate and nitrate, as elevated levels can exacerbate the issue. My system runs at 0.03 ppm phosphate and 2 ppm nitrate, and I've had no issues with propagation.

[coastr]

Slice nailed it. Also, don't stress if the frags look sketchy for a bit. They're drama queens but usually pull through. Mine took a month to fully attach, and now they're growing like weeds. Just chill and let 'em do their thing.

[anglerite]

I'm new to this, but my LFS guy said to cut near the base where it's thicker. Worked for me, but I only got one frag to take. Tank's a 20-gallon with AI Prime, salinity 1.024.

[floraborn]

The melting is likely due to bacterial infection. Ensure your tools are sterilized and the water quality is pristine. I recommend testing for phosphate and nitrate, as elevated levels can exacerbate the issue. My system runs at 0.03 ppm phosphate and 2 ppm nitrate, and I've had no issues with propagation.

Absolutely. I'd also suggest using a frag rack in a shaded area initially. Too much light right after cutting can stress them further.

[taybay]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the iodine dip and lower flow first. I'll report back if it works.

[Whiteron]

Good luck! And don't forget the sharp scissors. Dull blades crush the tissue, and that's a one-way ticket to melt city.