The TMC Natureform Coral Frag Plugs are a new line of coral propagation substrates which finally break the mold of basic frag plugs & discs. The Natureform Coral Frag Plugs are made from an inert material – would be nice if they specified resin or ceramic – but TMC assures users that they can be used straight out of the packaging.
We’ve seen some ‘naturalization’ of coral frag bases in the past but far too many of them are still simply smooth and very artificial looking. Typical frag plugs can create a potent eyesore if glue directly into a reef display and while the dark and colored versions of frag plugs are a step in the right direction, the rough, pitted surface of the Natureform plugs looks like it will almost disappear in the aquarium.
Tropical Marine Centre is offering their Natureform plugs in a typical style with a stem that can easily slip into eggcrate or rocks in the aquascape, as well as a more disc shaped version with a cross-shaped base for really plastering them on a sheet of eggcrate. Better yet, TMC is also offering a small Natureform frag base which can hold up to four plugs, creating an instant coral frag nursery which looks much better than a small rack or plastic tray. The 10-packs of the Natureform frag plugs cost around £8 (~$11) while the frag base with four plugs has an estimated price of £12 (~$16)