Suspension Fragging

graphixx · 01-10-2008, 04:59 PM

This is something that I have been doing quite a while now and thought it would be fun to share it with you guys. I will get some pics up to go along with this.

What I am talking about is suspension grow out. And by this I mean taking a coral frag and tethering it to a piece of polyester thread and hanging it from a rod and suspending it in the water.

Sounds strange doesnt it!

So ask yourself: "why should I give this a try when all I have to do is glue it to a piece of rock?"

Well the advantages of suspension fragging are beneficial.

For one you are going to get a very different growth pattern than just the upright growth of an attached frag.
It also optimizes the flow around the coral and the lighting that it recieves as a whole.
The one thing that I really like about this method is that is uses sooo much unused water in a frag tank!!!
and by optimizing this unused water you are liberating the coral from the influences of shelter and shadow from rockscape, as well as from competators.
This method gives the vunerable divisions further protection from many benthic pests and predators (worms, crabs, encroaching algae). It gives you maximum control over coral colonies from interspecific aggression as well.

I have been reading accounts of other hobbyist practicing this method of propagation. They have reported a very significant increase in the rate of growth. This is something that really caught my attention.

Some of the species that have had very good success with this method are: Pocillapora, (Seriatopora and Slylophora), Agaricids (Pavona), Galaxea, Psammocora and Hyndophora, Acroporas.

I am going to be testing this theory on several diff types of acro and Galaxea and Hyndo.

I will start a log document the rate of growth and will get lots of pics to keep you guys informed of what I find.

Thanks for tagging along.

Greg

**Phurst** · 01-10-2008, 07:21 PM

I gotta tag along for this. It sounds really interesting!

***lReef lKeeper*** · 01-10-2008, 08:57 PM

Ahhh !! suspension propagation !! another tag along ... not many liked it over there, but here i think it will get a much better following.

graphixx · 01-10-2008, 09:01 PM

I have a lot more stuff now. I have some pics that I have taken over a period of time on 2 particular pieces one is a digitata and the other a birdsnest the growth is almost twice as fast as a mounted frag. pretty neat

**CarmieJo** · 01-12-2008, 12:56 AM

I will be following along too!

stevek · 01-15-2008, 05:52 PM

This does sound interesting. How do you keep stuff from blowing around into each other?
Steve

graphixx · 01-15-2008, 06:55 PM

I keep them spaced about 4 inches apart and at different depths the furthes frag to the right is about 2 inches below water and the next over is about 3 inches below water and so on and so fourth

**Phurst** · 01-19-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graphixx

I have a lot more stuff now. I have some pics that I have taken over a period of time on 2 particular pieces one is a digitata and the other a birdsnest the growth is almost twice as fast as a mounted frag. pretty neat

Greg, did you find the photos? I'd be really interested in seeing them.

wildeone · 01-19-2008, 01:22 PM

I am anxious as well. I have never heard of suspension fragging, but it does seem it does have benefits over the other ways.

dkone · 01-19-2008, 01:45 PM

Sounds interesting, I can't wait to hear of some of the results!

**CarmieJo** · 01-19-2008, 06:50 PM

I have heard of (Borneman, perhaps) doing this when collecting wild corals until he is ready to return home because it improves survivability.

**thesaent14** · 01-20-2008, 12:52 AM

where are the

**CarmieJo** · 01-20-2008, 01:01 AM

Here is the article I was referring to. The Holding, Shipping and Transport of Corals, Part 1: Shipping and Transport by Eric Borneman - Reefkeeping.com The part about suspending the frags is about 1/2 way down under corroboratory stories.

doctorthompson · 01-20-2008, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

Here is the article I was referring to. The Holding, Shipping and Transport of Corals, Part 1: Shipping and Transport by Eric Borneman - Reefkeeping.com The part about suspending the frags is about 1/2 way down under corroboratory stories.

Anthony Calfo covers this in his Book of Coral Propagation (recently got my author-signed copy of the newly released 2nd edition! w00t!) as well as the following Reefkeeping.com article:

Coral Culture in Suspension by Anthony Calfo - Reefkeeping.com

**CarmieJo** · 01-20-2008, 03:38 PM

Thanks Lucas. Good article. I asked for the new Calfo book for Christmas, sent my guys the pre-order link, and didn't get it.

Guess I'll have to pay $20 more to get it now.

doctorthompson · 01-20-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

Thanks Lucas. Good article. I asked for the new Calfo book for Christmas, sent my guys the pre-order link, and didn't get it.

Guess I'll have to pay $20 more to get it now.

Still well worth it for the new illustrations and gorgeous new photos.