Emma Wilson
Ricordea mushrooms are a beautiful addition to any reef tank, but they can be tricky to frag. While some people have successfully fragged their Ricordea mushrooms, others have found it challenging and frustrating. The process involves cutting the mushroom, which can be intimidating as they are pretty and expensive. It is important to use a proper blade and cutting technique to ensure the mushroom's survival. Some people have cut their mushrooms into halves or quarters, and others have even put them through a cuisinart to create multiple tiny mushrooms. After cutting, the mushrooms need to heal and attach to a new surface, which can take several weeks or months. It is recommended to maintain calcium levels and add iodine to the tank to aid healing.
How to frag a Ricordea mushroom
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting tool | Scalpel, blade, knife |
| Cutting technique | Cut between two mouths, cut at the base to separate from the rock |
| Healing | Takes longer to heal than normal mushrooms, may take months to recover |
| Growth | May take a long time to grow to 1/4 inch, may show little growth in two months |
| Number of fragments | Cut into halves or quarters, can be cut into six pieces |
| Water parameters | Maintain calcium levels, add iodine to the tank to help healing |
| Container | Use a plastic cup, shot glass, or Dixie cup with small holes and no flow |
| Substrate | Sand, crushed coral, or rubble |
| Lighting | Provide adequate lighting |
| Attachment | Use glue to attach fragments to frag plugs or rocks |
| Netting | Use netting and a rubber band to cover the container if needed |
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What You'll Learn
Ricordea mushrooms take longer to heal than normal mushrooms
Ricordea mushrooms, also known as flower mushroom corals, are a popular choice for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts due to their ease of care and vibrant coloration. They are also known for their ability to take over reefs, forming a carpet of small, round bodies with short club or berry-shaped tentacles.
While Ricordea mushrooms are relatively easy to frag, they do take longer to heal and recover than normal mushrooms. One user reported that their Ricordea frags took months to recover, compared to weeks for normal mushroom frags. This extended healing time may be due to the fact that Ricordea mushrooms are slower-growing than other mushrooms. It is also observed that they take longer to attach to anything after fragging.
The process of fragging Ricordea mushrooms involves cutting the mushroom with a scalpel and removing it from the rock. This can be a daunting task, as Ricordea mushrooms are often quite beautiful and expensive. Once the mushroom has been cut, it is important to give it time to heal and attach to a new surface. Some hobbyists use a small glass bowl full of rubble, placing it in a spot with sufficient light and covering it with netting and a rubber band if needed. Once the mushroom has attached, it can be glued to a frag plug or directly onto the desired surface in the aquarium.
To ensure the health of your Ricordea mushrooms during and after fragging, it is important to provide them with the proper care. Ricordea mushrooms are photosynthetic and derive most of their nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within their body tissues. They require moderately bright lighting, preferably above 50 PAR, to mimic their natural environment in shallow waters. They are also known for their wide tolerance for lighting conditions and their ability to thrive in various lighting setups.
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Ricordea yuma are less likely to survive fragging
Fragging, or fragmentation, is a process of cutting a coral cleanly with a razor blade and separating it into pieces. The larger the piece, the larger the newly fragged colony will start. The hardest part about fragging Ricordea is getting the pieces to attach where you want them. You cannot glue Ricordea frags to get them to stay in place on a frag plug the way you can with other corals.
To frag a Ricordea, first, pick the coral you want to frag. It should be a fairly large, healthy specimen to increase healing time and the likelihood of success. Get your materials ready, such as a sharp hobby knife, a towel, and a plastic cutting board or glass to cut on.
Next, place the ricordea on a piece of wet glass and hold it in place with your fingers. Make one clean cut straight down the middle of the ric's mouth and foot. Take each half separately and swirl them in some tank water for a few seconds to get the slime off. Then, place them on some rubble or crushed coral in a low-flow area so they don't get blown around and let them heal and attach to the rubble.
While fragging Ricordea corals is generally easy, it can be more challenging with R. yuma due to their slower recovery and growth rate compared to R. florida. They may take longer to attach to the rubble or frag plugs after fragging, and there is a higher risk of losing the frags during the process. As such, R. yuma are less likely to survive fragging compared to other Ricordea species.
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Ricordea florida are hardier and heal better
Ricordea florida and Ricordea yuma are the two species of mushrooms from the genus Ricordea. While both species are similar in terms of lighting and flow, Ricordea yuma is more sensitive to water quality and will be more difficult to keep long term. Ricordea florida, on the other hand, is hardier and less sensitive to water conditions, making it a better option for first-time hobbyists.
Ricordea florida is native to Florida and the Caribbean and is highly sought after in Asian and Australian markets due to its difficulty in finding it there. They are easy to keep and grow and thrive in nano or even pico tanks. They are accustomed to high levels of flow in the wild but will do well in home aquariums with moderate lighting and gentle water flow to keep the polyps healthy, lively, and stress-free.
When it comes to fragging Ricordea florida, it is important to note that they do take longer to heal than normal mushrooms. However, they are just as tough, if not tougher, and can be fragged into multiple pieces. One way to frag them is to wait until a second mouth and baby are formed, then cut between the two mouths with a scalpel. Then, slowly go around the base with the scalpel to cut it off the rock. It will look nasty, but if the tank is healthy, they will recover just fine.
After fragging, it is recommended to dip the pieces of Ricordea in iodine for 5-10 minutes to help them heal quicker. Do not glue them immediately after fragging, as they are living tissue and should be given time to attach to something on their own. Put them in a low-flow area in the tank so they won't be blown away, and leave them there for a few days. Once they have attached, you can glue them to a frag plug and place them back into the reef tank, or tie them to a rock with a loose rubber band.
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Use a scalpel to cut between two mouths
Fragging ricordea mushrooms can be a daunting task, especially given how pretty these mushrooms are. However, it is important to remember that they are quite hardy and can withstand the process. When it comes to using a scalpel to cut between two mouths, here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
First and foremost, it is crucial to wait for the formation of a second mouth and a baby mushroom. This ensures that your ricordea has the best chance of recovery and regrowth. Once you observe the development of the second mouth, it's time to grab your scalpel. With a steady hand, carefully cut between the two mouths. This technique allows you to frag the mushroom while minimising stress and promoting quicker healing. Make sure to cut only once through the mouth, as multiple cuts can be detrimental.
After successfully cutting through the mouth, you will need to separate the frag from its rock or substrate. Using the scalpel, slowly work your way around the base of the mushroom to detach it. This step can be quite messy, with nasty snot and slime oozing out. It may seem alarming, but don't be scared. Simply turn off the pumps to manage the mess, and take your time to carefully cut through the base.
Once the frag is separated, it's normal for the mushroom to look unpleasant. However, if your tank is healthy, rest assured that your ricordea will recover just fine. It is important to remember that the healing process for ricordea mushrooms can take longer than for typical mushrooms, so patience is key. After fragging, they may also take longer to attach to a new rock or substrate.
To promote healing and regrowth, maintain adequate calcium levels in your tank and add iodine to aid in faster recovery. Additionally, ensure that your water parameters are within acceptable ranges. By following these steps and providing proper aftercare, you can successfully frag your ricordea mushrooms using a scalpel to cut between two mouths.
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Use a rubber band to cover the bowl
To frag a ricordea mushroom, you can use a rubber band to cover the bowl. This method is recommended if you want to avoid cutting the mushroom. First, find a small glass bowl and fill it with rubble or crushed coral. Place the ricordea in the bowl and find a spot in the tank where it will receive enough light but not be disturbed by the current. Cover the bowl with netting or a lid with small holes poked in it, and secure it in place with a rubber band. This will contain any slime produced by the ricordea and prevent it from being washed away by the current.
It is important to note that this method may cause the ricordea to slime for an extended period, so some sources recommend cutting the mushroom instead. However, using a rubber band to frag the ricordea can be a successful method if done correctly. Make sure the ricordea has attached itself to the rubble or crushed coral before removing the band and gluing it to a frag plug or rock.
It is recommended to maintain calcium levels and add iodine to help the ricordea heal faster. It may take several weeks or even months for the ricordea to recover and attach itself to a new surface. This method can be used both inside and outside the tank, but it is crucial to provide adequate lighting and water conditions for the ricordea to regrow successfully.
Using a rubber band to frag ricordea mushrooms is a less invasive alternative to cutting, but it requires patience and careful monitoring of water parameters. While this method may take longer, it can be successful in propagating new ricordea mushrooms with proper care and attention. It is important to note that some ricordea varieties, such as the Ricordea yuma, may be less likely to survive the fragging process, so it is essential to research the specific care requirements for your mushroom.
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Frequently asked questions
You can frag a ricordea mushroom by cutting it with a scalpel or blade. If your ricordea mushroom has multiple mouths, you can cut between the mouths. You can then glue the pieces to a plug or rock.
Ricordea mushrooms typically take months to recover and grow after fragging, which is longer than other types of mushrooms.
If your ricordea mushroom is attached to a rock, you can frag it outside of the tank in a small tub of water.
It is important to maintain adequate calcium levels and lighting to help the ricordea mushroom heal and regrow. It is also recommended to add iodine to the tank to aid in healing.
