When is the best time to frag Goniopora?

[justonix]

I've got a Goniopora colony that's been thriving for about six months now. It's in a 75-gallon tank with stable parameters, 78°F, salinity at 1.025, and weekly 10% water changes. Wondering when's the best time to frag it without stressing it too much.

[zenbox4]

Frag it when it's showing solid growth, like new polyps extending daily. If it's been happy for six months, it's probably acclimated enough. Just make sure your tools are clean, and maybe feed it some amino acids a day before to boost its energy.

[furnace]

Agree with zenbox4. Also, avoid fragging during peak light hours. Early morning or late evening is better since they're less active then. I've had success with a bone cutter on mine, just gotta be quick and precise.

[pids]

Yep, timing's key. I fragged mine mid-afternoon once, and it sulked for weeks. Now I only do it right after lights-out. Also, keep some iodine dip handy in case the cuts get sketchy.

[Rushi]

How do you know if it's growing enough to frag? Mine's got like five polyps but they're all open wide. Tank's a 40-gallon with T5 lights, 0 nitrates.

[zenbox4]

How do you know if it's growing enough to frag? Mine's got like five polyps but they're all open wide. Tank's a 40-gallon with T5 lights, 0 nitrates.

If it's only five polyps, I'd wait till it doubles. Gonis are slow growers, and fragging too early can set 'em back big time.

[Lavida]

Mine's tiny too, but I wanna frag it so bad. Gonna try feeding it more reef roids, see if that speeds things up. Heard they like dirty water, is that true?

[tigron]

Nah, they don't like dirty water, just some nutrients. Keep nitrates under 10, but don't starve 'em. And yeah, reef roids help, but don't go overboard or you'll get algae.

[justonix]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll wait till mine's got more polyps and try fragging after lights-out. Appreciate the advice on the iodine dip too.

[furnace]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll wait till mine's got more polyps and try fragging after lights-out. Appreciate the advice on the iodine dip too.

No prob. Post pics when you do it, curious to see how it turns out.