How to Frag SPS Corals

Fragging SPS: Easier Than Expected

Many reefers put off fragging out of fear, but SPS corals are actually strong candidates — they heal fast, grow readily from frags, and regular fragging can improve colony health by preventing overcrowding.

What You Need

• Bone cutters or coral cutters — about £10–15 for a decent pair
• Frag plugs — ceramic or aragonite
• Super glue gel — reef-safe cyanoacrylate. Avoid liquid — it runs everywhere
• A small container of tank water — to work in

Optional: a Dremel with a diamond cutting wheel for larger pieces, and coral putty for mounting on rocks.

Fragging by Type

Branching SPS (Acropora, Stylophora, Seriatopora)

1. Pick a branch at least 2–3cm long with good colour
2. One firm squeeze with bone cutters — a clean cut heals fastest
3. Dab super glue gel on a plug, press the cut end on, hold for 30 seconds
4. Place in moderate flow and light for a couple of weeks to heal

Plating SPS (Montipora)

1. Snip a section at least 2cm across from the plate edge
2. Glue flat side down or use epoxy to mount at an angle
3. Plating montis heal fast — new growth shows within days

Encrusting SPS

1. Use a Dremel or chisel to separate a section from the rock
2. Keep some rock attached for better recovery
3. Mount with epoxy onto a plug or new rock

Timing and Recovery

Frag when the colony is growing well and parameters are stable. Most frags show recovery growth within 1–2 weeks. As a rule, avoid removing more than a third of a colony at once.

Common Mistakes

• Cutting too small: Frags under 2cm struggle
• Crushing instead of cutting: Use sharp cutters
• Moving the frag too soon: Let it encrust before repositioning
• Fragging a stressed coral: If it is already pale or receding, fragging makes things worse

Once frags have healed and are growing, they can be traded or listed on the marketplace for other UK hobbyists. Home-grown, aquacultured frags are always in demand.