Question about mounting frag plugs to rocks

[brianjfinn]

I have a number of corals on frag plugs that I want to mount onto rocks, but what do I do if there's no hole to stick the base of the plug in? Is there any way to remove the base, turning the plug into just a disc? Without damaging the coral, of course. Also, I don't have a way or the desire to drill the rock, so that's out. Am I forced only to mount the plugs between the rocks?

 

[mr difficult]

Cut the bottoms off the plugs with whatever you can find to cut through the plug. Make sure it does not get too hot if using power tool.

 

[brianjfinn]

beccamc10;593298 wrote: I cut the nipple of the frag plug off with dikes. Then I use coral putty to build a small mount and set the plug in. The coral will encrust over the putty and its semi easy for removal if needed

Any particular type, or do you use the typical wire cutting dikes?

 

[budsreef]

Heavy duty wire cutters work just fine.

 

[brianjfinn]

Nice. Would epoxy work to then mount it to the rock?

 

[lilrobb]

I snap the coral off the plug, place the plug back on the frag rack, let it encrust again and trade for a different coral.
For the coral - I form a ball of two-part epoxy, add two drips of superglue on opposite sides and stick that with the coral on the rock.
It encrusts in no time and I don't have all the round frag plugs/discs in my tank...

 

[miami dolfan]

I cut the plugs with a ceramic tile cutter...they come right off

 

[cr500_af]

The cutting blades of the electrical pliers called "Kleins". Snips right off.

 

[brianjfinn]

LilRobb;593308 wrote: I snap the coral off the plug, place the plug back on the frag rack, let it encrust again and trade for a different coral.
For the coral - I form a ball of two-part epoxy, add two drips of superglue on opposite sides and stick that with the coral on the rock.
It encrusts in no time and I don't have all the round frag plugs/discs in my tank...

You don't have much loss that way? I'd be worried about damaging the coral.

Miami Dolfan;593317 wrote: I cut the plugs with a ceramic tile cutter...they come right off

I forgot about those. I should pick up some.

 

[lilrobb]

brianjfinn;593361 wrote: You don't have much loss that way? I'd be worried about damaging the coral.

I lose the entire encrusting portion, but don't have to worry about where to place it. I also generate a "backup" in case something does go wrong with the piece I cut off...

 

[brianjfinn]

LilRobb;593367 wrote: I lose the entire encrusting portion, but don't have to worry about where to place it. I also generate a "backup" in case something does go wrong with the piece I cut off...

Oh, I get it. When you said "snap off" I just pictured you taking the frag and breaking it in two. But it seems you're fragging with tools. I think I like this idea the best, just need to pick up some tools and I'll have to wait for the frags to grow just a little more. Thanks!

 

[lilrobb]

Oops, yes - "snap" wasn't the right vocabulary, "cut" fits better