propping encrusting corals

[donfishy76]

How exactly do you propagate such things? Putting a new rock next to it to let it grow onto it seems like it takes too much time. Any advice?

[hail_sniper]

dont take my word for it, idk either, but a couple things come to mind, dremel, or a hammer and chisel

[tekknoschtev]

From what I've read (no personal experience... yet) but for encrusting SPS corals, a dremel is or chisel seems to be the tool of choice. The dremel is easy to make calculated cuts. This gives the coral a greater area to spread from so it'd get more surface area faster.

[ahenson]

Softies that encrust can be peeled away or scraped off with a razor blade, try to take a little rock with it. A straight razor blade surprisingly will cut thru rock.
Zoanthids that encrust I cut with scissors if long polyped or I etch them out with a razor if the cling to the rock.
I don't try to immediatly attach anything. I throw it in a slow flow tank with rock rubble and give them time to attach.
Anything that peels off clean you can superglue the backing or mat immediatly.
I like tree pruners to cut small rocks up or smaller ones I use wire cutters. You really shouldn't be afraid to cut stuff up, they will heal.

[donfishy76]

I was actually referring to encrusting hard corals, but thanks for all the info. I figured a dremel would work, but wanted some opinions. thanks to all!