The Goniopora Project

[GoTakuF1]

Alright guys, so the first three volunteers happen to be perfect candidates too: Maz, Ed and Ian. I will have to think this fragging thing through and get back to you all on what would be the best way to go about it. Thanks for your help because making them happy in one tank is one thing, keeping them happy in different tanks using the same philosophy is the only way to get a "success" out of this project.

[limestro]

Alright guys, so the first three volunteers happen to be perfect candidates too: Maz, Ed and Ian. I will have to think this fragging thing through and get back to you all on what would be the best way to go about it. Thanks for your help because making them happy in one tank is one thing, keeping them happy in different tanks using the same philosophy is the only way to get a "success" out of this project.

Diamond Wheel. Make the cuts quick precise and dont waste time! I'll do it! =) eheheheehehe

~Mike

[GoTakuF1]

I know the diamond wheel is sharp enough but is it big enough? How big is yours? The skeleton of the goni is like 4-5" thick.

[limestro]

I know the diamond wheel is sharp enough but is it big enough? How big is yours? The skeleton of the goni is like 4-5" thick.

Can we cut the skeleton from behind, as far as the blade will go then use a flathead to chisel the pieces in two. Other than that the only option would be using a bandsaw. Anyone have access to one?

[GoTakuF1]

Yeah, I was thinking of using a saw too, just to make the cut as quick and precise as possible. Even the littlest infection could lead to tissue recession and a dead goni frag quite quickly. Hmm...other ideas?

[barometer]

How far does the flesh go through before it's just skeleton? Might want to do the flesh side with a brand new single edged razor to reduce tissue infection and get the cleanest cut. Then go through the bottom with a saw/rotary blade to cut only the skeletal part. I imagine the corallites to be pretty deep, think you can navigate between them or will some polyps just have to be cut through and lost?

[GoTakuF1]

Good thoughts, Ed. The corallites, although uniform, isn't in a straight line so there's no way to avoid cutting polyps in half. I think the tissue goes about 1/8-1/4 inch into the skeleton. I like the razor on one side and saw on the other idea but I don't know if razor will cut through 1/4" corallites. Hmm...what do you think? I want to do it soon so we can get this show on the road.

[barometer]

hmmmm, you're the best judge on these guys Minh. I've seen the razor method described for other LPS (acans, favias, etc) but they usually have a much thinner skeletal body to deal with. Might have to dig through some fragging tips on RC or something

[GoTakuF1]

Yeah, that's the problem, not a lot of people frag these things successfully. Well, there's only one way to find out, try it! So who's got some nice sharp tools for us to use?

[mazilla]

http://www.goniopora.org/fragmentation.htm


i'm sure you have seen this by now.

[barometer]

Nice find Maz, makes it look easy. Minh should be able to handle this NP

[GoTakuF1]

Thanks Maz, I've talked to John Kelley about it before but that technique was done on a g. tenuidens, the purples. I believe they're much more forgiving than the greens I think, like the g. norfolkensis that we're attempting so that's why I wanted to pick your brains on the best method for getting the cleanest cut. If it comes down to it, we'll probably have to do it saw-style!

[mazilla]

i would think slow and steady with a prescision instrument would be hands down the best approach. Nobody does heart surgery with a chainsaw

and with that flexible blade you may be able to manuever around polyps as you go on. i would stay away from hammers, chisels, power tools, etc.
Having a person there to help would also be a good idea. In the least case they could "baste" the goni while you work to reduce stress.

[GoTakuF1]

Shoot, "slow and steady and precise," I'm out! Haha, seriously someone else needs to do the cutting. I can't stand watching it happen.

[barometer]

Shoot, "slow and steady and precise," I'm out! Haha, seriously someone else needs to do the cutting. I can't stand watching it happen.

LOL, now who you gonna let cut into one of your babies with sharp tools while you're not looking Minh? I definitely do not volunteer for this one