How Do I Attach Leather Corals to a Live Rock?

Salt water aquariums are considered by most enthusiasts to be the most difficult kind of tank to maintain. Salt water fish and plants are more sensitive to changes in their environment than fresh water species, and can die from minute changes in the tank. Leather coral is a large species of coral popular for its bright coloration. Attaching leather coral to live rock inside your aquarium is not as difficult as it sounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather coral
  • Scissors
  • Large bowl
  • Live rock
  • Paper towel
  • Super glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an appropriate stalk to trim. Leather coral are made of numerous protruding arms, any of which can be moved to another rock. Cut the stalk away from the base of the coral with the scissors, making one clean cut to free the stalk.

    • 2

      Fill a large bowl with water from your aquarium and place the rock inside. Allow the rock to sit in the bowl and come to the same temperature as the water to avoid shocking the coral.

    • 3

      Lay the coral on a paper towel, applying a thick layer of super glue to one edge of the cut. Press the glued edge against the rock, holding gently in place for 30 seconds to secure the coral to the rock. The coral may exude thick mucus from the cut end, but this is normal and will help bind the coral to the rock.

    • 4

      Transfer the rock and coral to your aquarium, setting it near the filter to provide plenty of current to the healing coral. Leave the hood light on, as light stimulates mucus production and speeds healing. As the coral heals, the unglued end of the coral will attach itself to the rock and begin growing new stalks.