Soft corals are a group corals that do not develop stony skeletal structures, unlike LPS and SPS corals. The way in which they grow is varied. They can split from the mother when she moves position, as can be seen when keeping mushroom corals. They can split from the colony, like the Pulsing Xenia, or they can grow outward from the colony continuously increasing the size of the colony itself, such as Zoanthids or Green Star Polyps.
To take advantage of the relatively rapid growth rate of soft corals, and frag them when it becomes necessary, you are going to need a couple of items:
New Utility razor blade – This is your number one tool to frag soft corals, but make sure it is new and clean. It needs to be very sharp for a clean cut.
Superglue Gel – Every reefer should have this in their fragging arsenal.
Rubber bands – These are extremely handy for settling newly fragged soft coral.
Frag Plugs – You will need something to secure your new to onto.
Rock rubble – For some soft coral frags, it is easier to secure them to rock rubble instead of a frag plug.
Spudger tool – A very handy tool for removing soft coral from live rock or glass.
Fish breeder box – A great investment to nurse soft coral back to health out of direct aquarium flow.
Safety Eyewear – A must for fragging Zoanthids and Palythoa soft corals.
Gloves – Another must for Zoanthids and Palythoa. Also great for keeping your hand dry!
Iodine Coral Dip – To keep your corals frags healthy and help them heal quicker.
You will not need the items above for each soft coral that you frag, but you will need all of them at some point depending on what soft corals you keep and what you hope to frag.
The assumption is that you will be using protective eyewear whenever you are fragging corals to protect your eyes from damage. The choice to wear gloves is an individuals’ choice. If you have to handle a coral frequented by bristleworms, or you will be handling Zoanthids or Palythoa it will be a good idea.