Fragging a Chalice

I know the cool people will use a band saw for fragging chalices, etc. but for those of us who only do the occasional frag, what's the best method? Dremel (if so what kind of cutting disc would u recommend?) Any pointers on how to frag it and care for it after to make sure it heals properly? Gotta couple of chalices that need trimmed back and want to make sure I do it right.

I use wire cutters and just put it back in the tank and it grows. 

I agree with bugzme also.  I would add that I dont dip.  Sometimes that can be way to hard on your chalice.  If you are going to dip try using coral revive or something simular.  Lulgols can be a little harsh on the frags.  The colony will do fine if you dip lugols but not the frag.  The way that I cut mine is with a dremel with a diamond wheel.  Buy the larger wheel it is like 30 bucks but lasts longer and is easier to work with.  I also get a container and fill it with aquarium water and have air line tubbing to use for the suction and then I cut the chalice under the dripping water so the blade stays cold and you dont have to stop cutting to cool the wheel.   Also when you are done cutting chalices it is very important to wash all the slime off the chalice frags and colony. Make sure you do it after the fragging and also a couple hours later.  It can make your frags totally die off over night if you dont pay attention the the film that they put off.  I have had trouble fragging my chalices because the frags would kick the bucket for no known reason and when I started to wash the film off right when fragged and a few hours later I had success.  If you just check on them from timeto time and make sure it is gone youshould be fine.  JME

Thanks for all the pointers.

bugzme wrote: Sure! I wouldn't use wire cutters on an expensive chalice! LMAO

me neither.  I have a few 4+ inch chalices I have always planned on fraggin but I told myself I wont do it until I get a wetsaw.   I have lost to many expensive frags with the help of a few fish and that is bad enough, I don't think I could bring myself to kill one off with a pair of pliers.

I have got to ask it's been bothering me all day!! Mark Have you ever fragged a $200-$400 chalice before? Your a smart guy but your comment in this thread is uncalled for! Sorry but why would you post that B.S. I have never seen a tank of yours that has chalices or for that matter sps or acro's that have grown well. If I am wrong please post pic's of the tank and I will apologize. Please quit telling new people your ways as of 1990, we are in 2010 and things have changed

Edited by bugzme - June 17 2010 at 8:08pm

Hey Jeff, don't worry, be happy.

I do things the simple way. I have found that it is not necessary to have expensive equipment. I fragged and grew all types of coral long before that coral was expensive. I knew Chalices before they were all the rage and expensive. I can understand the desire to use the most sophisticated equipment on those expensive coral.

I was graciously offering my experience of the simple way, which has worked for me. Hobbyists also need to know that they can frag coral a simpler way. And yes, the wire cutters get a little rusty even when rinsed and dried off between uses. I don't care. It still works.

I just found this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmeAaD9r_qE