Every now and then our hobby introduces products capable of truly simplifying the life of reef aquarists. One of these might be the V-Corals Flexi-Plugs, a very interesting frag plug solution.
In the world of coral propagation there are very few tools that have remained practically unchanged over the past twenty years. One of these is certainly the frag plug. Whether made of ceramic, cement, or other materials, the concept has always been the same: a base on which to glue a coral fragment that will then be positioned to allow the coral to grow properly.
For this reason, when I first saw the new V-Corals Flexi-Plugs at AcquariaItalia 2025, they immediately caught my attention. Not so much because of the material itself, but because of the idea behind them. The goal is to solve one of the most common problems in frag management: removing the coral from the plug without damaging it.
Video: a closer look at Flexi-Plugs
In this video we take a close look at Flexi-Plugs and how they work in practice. I’ll show you exactly how they are made and how to detach the coral frag from the plug without using any tools. One of the most interesting aspects will be seeing just how easy it is to remove the coral and whether this solution can truly represent a practical alternative to traditional frag plugs.
Flexi-Plugs: a different approach to frag plugs
The Flexi-Plugs are coral attachment surfaces made from a lab-grade flexible polymer, completely reef safe and ready to use right away. Unlike traditional ceramic or cement plugs, their key feature is the flexibility of the surface.
This feature allows you to detach the frag simply by pressing underneath the surface, avoiding the use of cutters, saws, or other tools that often end up stressing or damaging the coral.
The result is a system that makes frag management much easier both for hobbyists and for those running actual coral farms.
Key features of Flexi-Plugs
- Flexible surface that allows easy frag removal without cutting;
- Reusable, making them ideal even for intensive coral farming systems;
- Structure designed to promote water flow, a key element for healthy coral growth;
- Surface that discourages nuisance algae growth while encouraging coralline algae colonization;
- Ready to use, with no curing or preparation required;
- Very lightweight, about 5 grams per plug.
An interesting detail is that the Flexi-Plugs are designed to work perfectly with V-Corals support systems, but also with the classic frag racks used in coral propagation systems.
How to use a Flexi-Plug
Using Flexi-Plugs is extremely simple and does not differ much from using a traditional frag plug. Just apply a small amount of reef-safe cyanoacrylate glue on the surface of the plug, place the coral fragment on it, and hold it in place for about 20 seconds, allowing the glue to set.
The real difference appears when you want to remove the frag: instead of cutting the plug or using coral cutters, you simply press gently on the flexible surface from underneath to lift the coral. This way the frag can be removed easily and safely, without stressing the coral or damaging the plug itself.
I’m probably not the only one who experiences this: every time I handle a traditional frag plug I end up struggling to figure out how to detach the coral without damaging it.
Why they could change the way we manage coral frags
Anyone who has propagated corals for years knows how frustrating it can be to remove a frag from a traditional plug. Often the coral grows around the base and the only way to free it is to cut the plug or break the base.
This creates several problems: the risk of damaging the coral, significant stress for the frag, and the fact that the plugs cannot be reused, while many hobbyists would prefer to reuse them.
The idea behind Flexi-Plugs is precisely to eliminate this entire step, making coral removal quick and safe.
Compatibility with aquarium and coral farm racks
The plugs are designed to integrate perfectly with the V-Corals V-Rack system, but they can also be used with the classic frag racks with 13×13 mm cells commonly used in coral propagation systems.
This means they can be used both in home aquariums and in more structured production systems such as coral farms.
A small revolution in coral propagation?
The Flexi-Plugs represent a different approach compared to traditional frag plugs and could greatly simplify frag management, especially in coral farms where corals are frequently moved and handled.
It remains to be seen how they will perform in the long term and how much they will be appreciated by reef aquarists. However, the idea behind them is certainly interesting: making frag management simpler, safer, and more efficient.
Now it’s your turn
What do you think about this solution? Could it become a real alternative to traditional frag plugs, or will it remain a niche product? The company also told us they are about to open a new large facility, a sign that they strongly believe in the development of this product line, as well as in coral farming itself. Let us know your opinion in the comments below, on our forum or on our social channels: Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter and YouTube.
This article has also been featured on reefs.com, one of the leading international reefkeeping portals.
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