How to frag hammer corals

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fishdish
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 8:34 pm

How to frag hammer corals

Post by fishdish »

I've got a healthy hammer coral that's getting too big for my 40-gallon tank. What's the best way to frag it without stressing it out too much? I've got bone cutters and super glue gel ready, but I'm nervous about where to make the cut.
hikers_22
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Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2024 4:08 am

Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by hikers_22 »

I've fragged a few hammers before. You wanna cut at least an inch below the head, right where the flesh starts to thin out. Make sure your bone cutters are sharp, and dip the frag in iodine after to prevent infection. What's your water flow like? Too much can mess with the healing process.
starwave8
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:54 pm

Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by starwave8 »

hikers_22 wrote: Sat Aug 23, 2025 11:09 am I've fragged a few hammers before. You wanna cut at least an inch below the head, right where the flesh starts to thin out. Make sure your bone cutters are sharp, and dip the frag in iodine after to prevent infection. What's your water flow like? Too much can mess with the healing process.
Yep, spot on. Also, keep your alk stable around 8-9 dKH. I've seen hammers melt when params swing too hard. What salt mix are you using? Some brands can throw things off.
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SunnyG
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Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by SunnyG »

I tried fragging mine last month and it totally bleached. Maybe I cut too close to the head? Do they always look sketchy for a few days after?
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corvor
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Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by corvor »

The key is clean cuts and stable conditions. Use a razor blade if your bone cutters aren't sharp enough. And don't rush the glue—let it set for a minute before putting the frag back in the tank.
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fishdish
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Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by fishdish »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll double-check my alk and go slow with the light. Fingers crossed!
hikers_22
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Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2024 4:08 am

Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by hikers_22 »

Good luck! Post updates if you can. I'm curious how it turns out.
starwave8
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:54 pm

Re: How to frag hammer corals

Post by starwave8 »

One more thing—if you're using a frag rack, make sure it's not too close to other corals. Hammers can get aggressive when healing.
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