Removing Zoa from a plug

[mpderksen]

I picked up an 8-head frag of Rasta Zoa yesterday. Fairly small heads, and it looks like it could take a while to grow enough to cover the plug. Plug, the plug has the typical stem on it, and where I want to put it I need it to sit flat.
Is it possible to use a razor blade to cut off the plug, and if so, how do I glue such a small polyp to my rock without killing it?

[Mark9]

What I do is use something sharp, like a razor blade to scrape (not cut) everything off the plug.
Split them if you want.
Then use super glue gel to glue it to a rock.
2 tubes for a buck at the dollar store.

[Ryannn]

Your best bet is to either do as Mark9 mentioned, or to cut the plug itself with the Zoas. The last option would need a saw to do.

I've never had good luck with cutting flat across the top of the plug to separate Zoas, but I am sure that is just me.

Whatever you do, take proper precautions, and work in a nice clean space. Wear gloves and eye/mouth protection, and wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.

You could also just cut the stem off the plug, but then you'll forever have a weird bump where it is.

[CrookedStick]

Would cutting them off a rock be ok also? I have a rock with a 100+ sunny delights that I would like to remove a few and give the others away.

[joshky]

Would cutting them off a rock be ok also? I have a rock with a 100+ sunny delights that I would like to remove a few and give the others away.

Yes it can be done, but more care needs to be taken since rocks generally aren't flat like plugs.

[phillrodrigo]

I actually find it easier to frag off a rock. I have a way harder time fragging from a plug not sure why. Just use a razor and slide it underneath

[Mark9]

Would cutting them off a rock be ok also? I have a rock with a 100+ sunny delights that I would like to remove a few and give the others away.

Some rocks are real easy to cut. Depends on the rock though.

[Ryannn]

I actually find it easier to frag off a rock. I have a way harder time fragging from a plug not sure why. Just use a razor and slide it underneath

I actually completely agree. It seems like most of the rocks in that Zoas come on are really porous and easy to break apart. The plugs are a pain in the butt to cut.

[joshky]

I find it really simple to get zoas off of plugs personally, one swipe with a razor blade is all it takes generally...

[mpderksen]

I find it really simple to get zoas off of plugs personally, one swipe with a razor blade is all it takes generally...

And to reattach without damaging?

[pisanoal]

And to reattach without damaging?

Zoas a very hardy. If you are concerned about damaging them, give them an iodine dip to help reduce chances of infection. I've removed them from frag plugs and glued them to rocks many times without issue.

[kriv4o]

If it was me in this situation, and depending how healed the frag is, I would just cut the stem of the frag plug leaving the disk with the zoas on it. Then use reef putty to attach in the desired location. Over time the zoas would spread over the putty and you won't even know it's there.