Propagating Colt Coral

I will assume that if you are ready to start propagating Colt Coral, you already know how to run a succesful reef tank. For best results you want premium tank parameters. Ammonia 0.0, Nitrate 0.0, Nitrite 0.0, Phosphates 0.0, Calcium 350 - 450.

Let's talk about some of the requirements of colt coral propagations. Colt is one of the most hardy and easy to maintain corals for the reef hobbyist.

Water flow plays an important part in colt propagation. Each of my propagation tanks has 3 Hagen Aquaclear powerheads running on a Red Sea Wavemaker Pro to supplement the main pump. This Kaotic water motion is an attempt to duplicate reef wave action.

I have made over 40 successful propagations from colt corals. A key to this is that the mother colonies where healthy thriving individuals before they were fragmented.

All the tools you need

All the tools you need are a good pair of scissors, base rock or plugs, a bowl, some plastic toothpicks and some elastic bands.

I mount my frags on home made aragonite, oyster shell and portland cement reef plugs. These plugs are cured for many months in a barrel with good water motion.

I start by cutting off a branch of the colt. I have had difficulty with small fragments remaining mounted to my reef plugs. I usually take at least an inch of a branch. I place the newly fragged pieces of colt coral in a bowl of tank water to wash away any debris. The colt frag will generate a slime to protect itself. Please note the very important Silver Toy Millennium Falcon in the background. I always use "The Force" when I frag

I cut the branch on an upward angle to the stalk

I take a firm grip as I pierce the colt frag

I now take my plastic toothpicks. (I sharpen the points in advance for easy penetration) I pierce the colt frag about 1/2 inch up from the point it was severed. If I pierce to close to the cut edge, the frag can loosen from the toothpick before it has time to adhere to the reef plug. I am ready to place the frag on the reef plug.

With the toothpick piercing the frag, I place the severed edge of the frag on the reef plug. I then wrap an elastic band over each end of the plastic toothpick and around the reef plug. This will keep the frag in place while it heals and develops a bond to the plug.

Colt frag held in place with toothpick & elastic bands

The frags are now back in the tank with other propagations. In 2 weeks you can remove the elastic bands and slide the toothpick out of the coral. The Colt should have a firm grip on the rock by then.

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