Just want to share with every1

[giantbicycle]

Coral Fragmentation

Only Propagate Healthy Coral...

It seems like obvious advice, and indeed it is. Surprisingly, many aquarists conveniently or ignorantly (as in, without other knowledge) forget this cardinal rule of coral propagation. While it is true that many corals can reproduce under stress, and even as a final act before death, maximum survivability with asexually fragmented divisions is achieved with prime parent stock. The propagation of unhealthy or unstable animals not only increases the risk of mortality among divisions, but also dramatically increases the risk of infection and mortality among parent stock. It can even lead to the proliferation of a contagious pathogen, which puts the lives of other captives in the system at risk. The best results in coral propagation are achieved when only healthy corals are propagated. Most donors should be maintained undisturbed in the system where farming will occur for a minimum of six months prior to the event and demonstrate normal (and hopefully outstanding) polyp extension and behaviors.

Sharp Razors or Scalpels are Preferable to Scissors...

Although I personally prefer sharp poultry shears for many coral propagation techniques, I must admit that sharp razors or scalpels are preferable to scissors. When used to sever coral tissue, scissors must crush, pinch or squeeze some tissue in the process of cutting. This can cause damage to sensitive corals and extend the healing process. A clean fast cut with a razor-like edge is generally preferable in coral propagation.

Fragmented Donors and Divisions of Coral Should not be Moved Post-Operatively...

The donors and products of asexual fragmentation should be maintained in their original aquarium systems after assisted propagation techniques. Movement of "wounded" corals from their established system dramatically increases mortality and risks of infection. The stress of acclimation to new water quality in addition to the trauma of propagation can cause great harm to parent stock and divisions.

Never Mix Different Species of Propagated Coral...

... in holding tanks and heated baths. The production of mucus and noxious compounds in defense of the assault of propagation, as well as the influence of competitive species, can create a harmful or poisonous environment. At the very least, there is an increased chance of pathogenic and possibly contagious infection with the production of excessive mucus in crowded environments.

Holding Vessels and Water Baths are Strongly Recommended...

... for corals held pending, during and following propagation techniques. The production of mucus and noxious compounds is inevitable with most species of coral using farming techniques. It is important for the health of parent stock, divisions, and other captives in aquarium systems, that such deleterious elements be contained and discarded before participants in propagation are returned to original housing. Heated baths (thermostatically adjusted to maintain water temperature similar to the system from which the animal was taken from) reduce stress and the production of harmful elements during farming procedures. Sequential baths or dips insure the effective purging of undesirable elements like those described above. Five to fifteen minutes with vigorous aeration or circulation in holding vessels should be sufficient to purge mucus. **A water bath can be made simply with a shallow vessel (aquarium, plastic trough) or even a plugged sink. In the filled bath, a thermostatically controlled heater maintains adequate water temperature for livestock holding bowls and vessels immersed and extending just above bath water. This is critical to prevent stress from the temperature drop in small volumes of water used to hold livestock during propagation

Improve Success with Fragments by Strategic Selection of Divisions...

Although all asexually harvested fragments are clones with ultimately the same potential to produce like individuals, the practical application of various propagation techniques can improve success with growth and survivability. Larger segments are logically stronger and more likely to demonstrate greater durability and survivability. More specifically, however, segments should be a minimum of one inch in length and are most successful when fragments are greater than three inches in length or diameter. Segments of branching species are more viable with one or more forks. Soft coral divisions will establish and grow faster if taken with polyps from a branch or part of the "crown" (capitulum), rather than a section of the stalk and without polyps. As always, avoid excessive handling of living tissue using gloved hands whenever possible.

Purge Mucus from Stressed Coral As Often as Necessary...

Some coral produce little or no mucus under stress and from handling, while others produce extraordinary amounts with the slightest provocation. Mucus production may cease within hours, or continue for days. It is critical to remove such organic product, or risk the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms upon vulnerable cut or damaged areas on corals. The chance and portal of infection is obvious, and can be controlled or reduced with appropriate water flow. Bursts of current will often serve mucous animals well when they are under stress.

Reduce the Impact of Defensive Chemical Compounds and Other Noxious Elements...

... through regular partial water exchanges, efficient protein skimming and small, frequent applications of quality chemical filtration media (carbon, PolyFilters and the like).

Saturated Oxygen Levels and High Redox Potential...

... are at least indirectly stimulating to stressed coral, and conducive to overall, high water quality. The use of ozone, protein skimmers, iodine supplements and ion exchange resins are some of the most common ways to improve water quality and decrease the level of dissolved organics (beyond good old-fashioned water exchanges). Such water quality, likewise, is not usually conducive to competitive growths of nuisance organisms, like encroaching algae species.

Dose Supplements Consistently When Known to be Favored by Targeted Organisms...

... and consistently conduct proper, regular water changes, especially when nutritive elements necessary for growth are not clearly defined. Consistency in aquarium husbandry can be a significant boon to mariculture efforts, and can make the difference in otherwise comparatively similar systems.

Btw,thats an extract from pass issues of Reefkeeping

Just extracting some useful tips out & share..

Rdgs:edwan

[giantbicycle]

Btw,the issue of that coral fragmentation is here..That is a sumarised version.. ~COral Fragmentation~

rdgs:edwan