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Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:53 am
by dawny
I've been trying to propagate my Sarcophyton for a while now, but it's not going well. They just kinda sit there and don't split. Anyone got tips on how to get them to grow faster? My tank's a 40-gallon with T5 lighting, and I do weekly water changes.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:26 am
by frostyowl
Sarcophyton can be tricky. What's your water flow like? They need moderate flow to thrive. Also, check your nitrates. If they're too low, they might not have enough nutrients to grow.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:15 am
by koralux
I've had luck with fragging mine. Just cut a small piece off the edge with a sharp blade. Make sure your water params are stable, though. Mine's in a 30-gallon with a powerhead for flow.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 10:34 am
by Florence
frostyowl wrote: ↑Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:26 am
Sarcophyton can be tricky. What's your water flow like? They need moderate flow to thrive. Also, check your nitrates. If they're too low, they might not have enough nutrients to grow.
Yep, flow's key. I've got mine in a 50-gallon with a wavemaker, and they're thriving. Also, try feeding them some reef roids. Gives 'em a boost.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 12:13 pm
by Aurora1
Mine didn't do squat until I bumped up the lighting. Now they're growing like crazy. Maybe check your light intensity? I'm running LEDs at about 70%.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 1:40 pm
by fruity1
I've heard some folks use iodine dips to help with fragging. Anyone tried that? My Sarcophyton's been kinda sluggish, and I'm thinking of giving it a shot.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:12 pm
by schooler
dawny wrote: ↑Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:53 am
I've been trying to propagate my Sarcophyton for a while now, but it's not going well. They just kinda sit there and don't split. Anyone got tips on how to get them to grow faster? My tank's a 40-gallon with T5 lighting, and I do weekly water changes.
How old is your colony? Sometimes they just need time to mature before they start splitting. Mine took almost a year before it started propagating on its own.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:51 pm
by dawny
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try adjusting the flow and maybe bump up the lighting a bit. Appreciate the help!
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:29 pm
by frostyowl
No problem. Let us know how it goes. Stability's key with these guys, so don't rush it.
Re: Sarcophyton propagation methods
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:58 pm
by koralux
Aurora1 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 17, 2025 12:13 pm
Mine didn't do squat until I bumped up the lighting. Now they're growing like crazy. Maybe check your light intensity? I'm running LEDs at about 70%.
Yeah, lighting's huge. I switched from T5s to LEDs last year, and the difference was night and day. Just make sure you acclimate 'em slowly.