Emily Johnson
Mushroom fragging is a process that exploits the mushroom's ability to regenerate from small tissue pieces. It involves cutting a disc into quarters, using the oral cavity as a starting point for each cut, and rinsing the frags to remove any mucus before placing them in a holding bath of aquarium water. This process can help increase the number and types of corals in an aquarium by allowing for swaps with fellow aquarists or sales of coral frags. When fragging, it is important to wear protective gear, such as latex gloves and facial protection, as the mushrooms produce a large amount of slime, and there may be hazardous chemicals and tissues present.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Mushroom corals, also known as corallimorphs |
| Lighting | Provide lower-intensity lighting |
| Level of flow | Moderate |
| Cutting tool | Knife |
| Safety precautions | Wear latex gloves and facial protection |
| Mucus and gut filaments | Remove and rinse frags before placing in a holding bath |
| Oral cavity | Leave a small piece in each frag for better growth |
| Attachment | Cannot use cyanoacrylate glue due to slime; attach to rock or fragging disc |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom corals divide in half like anemones
Mushroom corals, also known as corallimorpharians, are commonly fragged by aquarists. They divide in half in the same manner as anemones, a process known as binary fission. This ability to regenerate from small pieces of tissue is what makes them ideal candidates for fragging.
To frag mushroom corals, it is recommended to set up a workstation with moderate lighting and water flow. Mushroom corals thrive in such conditions and can be found in a variety of colours and textures. It is also suggested to wear protective gear such as latex gloves and facial protection to avoid any potential hazards from the chemicals and tissues contained within the corals.
The fragging process involves cutting the mushroom coral into pieces, similar to quartering a pie. It is important to rinse the frags to remove any mucus or "goo" before placing them in a holding bath of aquarium water. Leaving a small piece of the central oral cavity in each frag promotes better growth.
Additionally, mushroom corals can be managed by limiting their movement to solitary "islands" of rockwork, preventing them from spreading to adjacent areas. This method of isolation also helps control overgrowth. However, it is important to monitor and remove any detached polyps to maintain the desired growth pattern.
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Set up a suitable workstation
Setting up a workstation for fragging mushrooms involves creating an efficient, well-lit, and comfortable workspace. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
Select an Appropriate Location: Choose an area with minimal distractions, such as noise or foot traffic. Consider a space that allows for natural light, preferably near a window, as it can invigorate your workspace. Additionally, ensure that the location has adequate ventilation to benefit from fresh air, which enhances concentration.
Prepare a Well-Lit Table or Desk: Fragging mushrooms require a wet environment, so select a table or desk that can accommodate this condition without causing any issues. A chopping board can be useful to have a stable surface for your work. Ensure the table's height allows for comfortable arm positioning and easy access to all the necessary tools and equipment.
Organize Your Tools and Equipment: Keep all the required tools, plugs, glues, and other equipment organized and within easy reach. Consider using storage solutions like drawers, shelves, or organizers to maintain a clutter-free workspace. This will help you work efficiently without having to search for items during the fragging process.
Use Suitable Containers: When fragging mushrooms, you will need containers to hold the mushrooms and aquarium water. Ensure these containers are food-safe, well-cleaned, and free of any domestic chemicals. They should also be made of smooth, non-toxic plastic, and their height should be about half an inch tall. You can use a variety of containers, such as Tupperware dishes or yogurt cups, as long as they meet these requirements.
Consider Personal Comfort and Efficiency: Invest in ergonomic furniture, such as an adjustable chair with lumbar support, to promote proper posture and reduce the risk of back pain during extended work sessions. Ensure the workstation accommodates all the necessary equipment without cluttering the surface. Regularly declutter and organize your workspace to maintain efficiency and focus.
By following these instructions, you will create a suitable workstation for fragging mushrooms, ensuring a comfortable, efficient, and productive environment for your work.
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Rinse frags to remove mucus
When fragging mushrooms, it is important to rinse the frags to remove mucus. This is because mushrooms produce a large amount of mucus or slime, which can be difficult to remove. The mucus can also interfere with the adhesion of the frags to another piece of rock or a specially designed fragging disc.
To effectively rinse and clean the frags, follow these steps:
- Prepare a large bowl of cold water. Have a clean, lint-free, or cotton towel nearby.
- Place a few frags at a time into the water and swirl them gently. This will help loosen and remove any mucus or dirt.
- Immediately remove the frags from the water and place them on the towel. Gently pat them dry, ensuring you absorb as much moisture as possible.
- Lay the frags out, caps up, to air-dry completely. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible before proceeding to the next step or storing the frags.
- Once the frags are dry, examine them closely for any remaining stubborn dirt or mucus. Use a damp paper towel, kitchen towel, or cloth to wipe off any remaining debris. Ensure that all visible mucus and dirt are removed.
It is important to note that mushrooms are absorbent, so it is best to avoid soaking them for extended periods. Additionally, always clean the frags right before use, as moisture can promote mould growth during storage.
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Cut into quarters, using the oral cavity as a guide
When fragging mushroom corals, you are taking advantage of their natural ability to survive and regenerate from physical damage. In fact, mushroom corals can divide in half in the same way as anemones.
To frag mushrooms, you will need to set up a workstation. It is recommended that you wear latex gloves and facial protection to avoid any potential harm from the chemicals and tissues contained within the mushrooms, although there is no evidence to suggest that they are hazardous to human health.
To begin the fragging process, use a knife to cut the mushroom disc into quarters, using the oral cavity as a guide. The oral cavity is the white filaments of the animal's gut. Rinse the frags to remove the mucus and "goo", leaving the quartered disc behind. Each resulting frag should contain a small piece of the central oral cavity, as this will help the frags grow better.
Due to the large amount of slime produced by the mushrooms, you cannot use cyanoacrylate glue to attach them to another piece of rock or a specially designed fragging disc.
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Wear protective gear to avoid exposure to chemicals and tissues
When fragging mushroom corals, it is important to wear protective gear to avoid exposure to chemicals and tissues. Although there is no indication that the chemicals and tissues contained within mushroom corals are hazardous to human health, it is always better to be cautious.
It is recommended to wear latex gloves and facial protection when handling the mushrooms. This will help to create a barrier between your skin and any potential irritants. Additionally, consider wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants to cover your skin and avoid direct contact with any mushrooms or their spores.
If you are fragging mushrooms in an enclosed space, ensure that the area is well-ventilated or consider wearing a respirator to avoid inhaling any spores or dust. Mushroom spores can be airborne and inhaled, which may cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Protective eyewear is also advisable to shield your eyes from any debris or spores that may become airborne during the fragging process. This will help to prevent eye irritation or, in the case of metal fragging, any metal shards from entering your eyes.
Furthermore, if you have any cuts or open wounds on your hands, it is imperative to cover them with waterproof bandages or gloves to prevent any potential infection from exposure to the mushrooms' tissues and fluids.
By taking these precautionary measures and wearing the appropriate protective gear, you can safely frag mushrooms while minimising the risk of exposure to chemicals and tissues.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom frags are the common name for mushroom corals, which are corallimorpharians.
Mushroom corals thrive in low-intensity lighting and moderate levels of flow.
You will need a knife, and it is recommended to wear latex gloves and facial protection.
First, rinse the frags to remove the mucus and "goo". Then, when cutting the disc into pieces, use the oral cavity as a starting point for each cut and leave some of the tissue in each segment.
You can swap them with fellow aquarists or sell them.
