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Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:30 pm
by 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?
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:14 pm
by 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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:36 pm
by tidal_flow
Whiteron wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:14 pm
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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 6:39 pm
by 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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:18 pm
by 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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 9:33 pm
by 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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 9:54 pm
by 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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 10:30 pm
by floraborn
Slice wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:18 pm
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.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 12:21 am
by taybay
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the iodine dip and lower flow first. I'll report back if it works.
Re: Sinularia flexibilis propagation
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 1:44 am
by 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.