Splitting Zoas

[kpete4]

I have rather large group of zoas (60-70 polyps) It spans perfectly between 2 rocks. I'd like to seperate the 2 rocks and split the coral. Can I just take a scissors and cut the base of the zoas or what's the best way to split them??

[droinablunt]

I use a razor blade and try not to cut them open, just cut between them.

[hypertech]

And watch your eyes. I think its palys not zoas, but some of those guys have some potent juice in them.

[Fish'InMN]

Indeed, safety precaution is advised. We usually wear nitrile gloves and some sort of eye protection (shoot glasses work well). Even plain saltwater from our tanks can be quite painful if it gets into your eyes, and the additional risk of palyotoxin (though quite low) should be enough to make you think twice.

As for the OP, as has already been said, take a razor blade or scalpel and cut between the polyps into the base. Should be very easy.

Cheers,
Marty

[kpete4]

What if I actually did the cutting under water?? like in a separate little plastic tub or something filled w/ tank water?? You'd think that I would avoid the zoa acid from squirting into my eyeball

[Turf]

I'd just wear glasses... no need to go through the hassle of a tub

[kpete4]

So i went to split them, and before I got the chance they split themselves as I was pulling the rock out of the water.

[wildflower]

;) I was going to suggest that you just do that. They seperate easily.

[KPAX]

If you ever want to frag them again in the future, I find that if you make sure you scrape off some of the rock they are attached to with them, the survival rate is better. You can just just peel them off too but I recommend taking a chisel to the rock to get part of it with the frag. Food for thought. Wear glasses to be safe.