Frag Plug Manufacturer
Frag Plug Manufacturer
About Artisan Frag Plugs
About Artisan Frag Plugs
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Reefers First. Manufacturers Second.
Reefers First. Manufacturers Second.
Artisan Frag Plugs was founded in Lee's Summit, Missouri in 2026 with a simple goal: create coral substrates that look and function more like the reef itself.
Like many reef keepers, we spent years using traditional frag plugs because they were the standard. They worked, but something always felt missing. Ceramic plugs often stood out visually, looked unnatural in mature reef aquariums, and didn't always provide the kind of surface texture we wanted for coral attachment and encrustation.
We started asking a simple question: Why are we attaching corals to materials that look nothing like the environments they naturally grow on?
That question became the foundation of Artisan Frag Plugs. Our mission is to create reef substrates that blend natural aesthetics, practical functionality, and thoughtful design. Every product we make is inspired by the structures, textures, and minerals that corals encounter in nature.
We use our own products in our personal reef aquariums because we believe reef keepers should trust the products they recommend.
We Started With The Real Stuff
We Started With The Real Stuff
From the beginning, we wanted our substrates to resemble real reef rock rather than simply imitate the shape of a traditional frag plug. Instead of starting with computer-generated designs, we started with the real thing.
Using natural dry reef rock as our reference material, we carefully shaped and refined a master substrate by hand. We cut, trimmed, tested, and adjusted until we created a profile that captured the appearance of natural reef structure while still fitting the dimensions reef keepers expect from a standard frag plug.
The result was the foundation for our Frag Rock Disc design. Every texture, contour, and surface feature was intentionally developed to provide a natural appearance while maintaining compatibility with common frag racks, trays, and propagation systems.
We Cut Rocks, Not Corners
We Cut Rocks, Not Corners
Once we finalized our original master design, the real testing began.
We created high-detail silicone molds and repeatedly refined both the mold and substrate design to improve consistency, durability, and surface detail. Every adjustment was made with the goal of preserving the organic appearance of natural reef rock while ensuring reliable manufacturing performance.
When we were satisfied with the final design, that original master became the blueprint for every Reef Plug we produce today.
The plugs we manufacture now can all trace their origins back to those first hand-crafted prototypes developed in our workshop.
Modernizing Coral Care
Modernizing Coral Care
Coral substrates serve a purpose long before a coral becomes a mature colony. They influence initial attachment, encrustation patterns, frag rack presentation, photography, aquascaping, and ultimately how naturally a coral integrates into a display reef.
We believe reef keepers shouldn't have to choose between functionality and appearance.
Our goal is to create substrates that:
Encourage natural coral attachment and encrustation
Blend into reef aquascapes more naturally
Transfer easily from propagation trays to display tanks
Maintain a consistent and professional appearance
Support a healthier and more natural reef aesthetic
Every design decision starts with the question:
"What would we want to use in our own reef tanks?"
Continuing to Improve Coral Propagation
Continuing to Improve Coral Propagation
Artisan Frag Plugs is an emerging frag plug manufacturer focused on coral propagation rooted in natural science. We continue testing substrates, observing coral behavior, documenting growth patterns, and refining our products based on real-world reefing experience.
Our focus remains the same as it was on day one: creating reef substrates that serve a purpose, look natural, and help reef keepers build more beautiful aquariums.
If you're interested in seeing our products in action, exploring our current substrate lineup, or learning more about coral propagation, visit our Shop and Reef Blog.
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Premium Aragonite Frag Plugs
Premium Aragonite Frag Plugs
Check out our frag plugs, frag discs, and other fragging substrates in our shop.
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