Artisan Frag Plugs
All plugs are not created equal.
Corals need substrates with porous surfaces, proper mineral composition, & chemical stability.
All of our substrates at Artisan Frag Plugs are designed around coral growth & happiness. We use a proprietary blend of aragonite, crushed coral, and silica sand that mimics the natural texture and chemistry of real reef rock to create the perfect substrate for healthy corals.
Frag substrates designed for coral happiness.
Featured product
Frag Substrate Starter Pack - Assorted Frag Plugs and Frag Rock Discs
$20.00
Sale price
$20.00
Regular price
$24.99
Unit price
$0.56 each
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Aragonite-Based Coral Substrates
What Do Corals Need?
Reef plugs & reef discs are designed for optimal coral health from the minerals to the geometry to the cure process. Reef plugs take an average of one full month from initial mixture to aquarium-readiness to ensure your corals receive substrates that maximize encrustation.
We put extensive care into making sure that every plug & disc meets our standard of quality, knowing that every reefer has put just as much care into their own aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the return policy?
We accept returns and exchanges within specific guidelines designed to maintain the quality and biological safety of our products.
- Returns must be initiated within 45 days of delivery
- Items must be unused and returned in original packaging
- Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect
- Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method after inspection
- Original shipping costs are non-refundable
Damaged or Incorrect Orders
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and include:
- A clear photo of the issue
- Your order information
Once reviewed, we may provide:
- A replacement shipment
- Store credit
- A refund when appropriate
Approved refunds may take several business days to fully process after the return is received.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Orders over $20 after discounts qualify for free shipping within the United States. Additional shipping information can be found during checkout or by contacting our support team.
Are discounts automatically applied at checkout?
Yes. Any active discounts or promotional pricing that apply to your order will automatically appear during checkout. If you have questions about current sales or promotions, feel free to contact us.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
What’s the difference between frag plugs and frag discs?
Both frag plugs and frag discs are designed to support coral frags during propagation and growth, but they serve different purposes in reef aquariums. Frag plugs feature a stem that fits securely into frag racks, trays, and mounting systems, making them ideal for organized grow-out setups. Frag discs have a flat bottom without a stem, allowing them to rest naturally on the sandbed or be permanently mounted to aquascapes and rockwork using reef-safe adhesive.
Does the type of frag substrate affect coral growth?
Yes. The substrate a coral grows on can influence encrustation, biofilm development, and overall growth patterns. Surface texture and porosity help determine how naturally a coral can attach and spread over time. Mineral-based frag substrates may also help create a more natural microenvironment around the frag, encouraging healthier attachment and more consistent growth compared to smoother or less porous materials.
Why is curing frag substrates important?
Proper curing is essential before introducing any frag substrate into a reef aquarium, but the curing process varies depending on the material used. Ceramic frag plugs become reef safe after being fully kiln-fired because the material becomes chemically stable. Natural reef rock typically requires saltwater curing to remove excess organic material and stabilize water chemistry. Cement-based frag substrates require freshwater or RODI soaking with regular water changes to reduce excess alkalinity before aquarium use. Each curing process is designed to ensure the substrate is safe for marine livestock and stable in reef conditions.
What do corals need for healthy growth?
Corals thrive in stable reef environments with balanced water chemistry, proper lighting, and consistent flow. Important parameters include alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, pH, nitrate, phosphate, and trace elements. Most corals also require stable lighting schedules and moderate water movement that mimics natural reef conditions. Because every species has different requirements, researching the preferred conditions for your specific coral is always recommended.
Are these frag substrates suitable for both soft and stony corals?
Yes. Our frag plugs and frag discs are designed to work with a wide variety of coral species, including soft corals, LPS, and SPS corals. The natural mineral blend and porous structure help support strong attachment and natural encrustation. Many hobbyists especially enjoy using these substrates for soft coral propagation because frags can often attach naturally over time with reduced reliance on adhesives. Stony corals also benefit from the textured surface, which may encourage more natural growth patterns and faster encrustation.
Do corals need glue to attach to frag plugs or discs?
That depends on the type of coral and your preferred propagation method. Some soft corals can naturally attach themselves when placed in low flow conditions for several days or weeks. Many reef hobbyists still use a small amount of reef-safe cyanoacrylate gel to create an initial bond, especially for stony corals or higher flow systems. Once secured, the coral will begin naturally encrusting onto the substrate surface over time.
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