Botanicare's Ebb n Flow BIG PROBLEM!

So I have this system :

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418l8p1hjnL._SS500_.jpg

I'm using it for veg and my plants are way over 2 feet. I wanted to transplant them into another system but RAN INTO THE HUGEST PROBLEM. All the roots are entwined together. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKK! I knew this was gonna happen but ignored it til now. Now I believe I have no choice but to clone every single plant down to it's main stem. I have about 12 vegging over 2 feet now. No, taking the whole system into the tent to flower is not an option. Anyone got idea's before I start cutting away?

if you can, cut away but leave much root mass possible to each plant.ive had the same prob. itll put em in shock for a week or so but the roots will grow back and the plants will recover as most of the main root structure is in the pots. n try not to cut any of the main roots. also run some kind of rooting solution or superthrive for a week to help with the shock. theyll be fine

Should I carefully peel away with my bare hands? or use gloves and scissors?

Anyone else wanna put input on what he said?

I think in your predicament I'd see about cutting and separating the root masses over taking a big clone, if possible.

dont start hacking them, slowly cut the them apart and you will be fine.

A suggestion for the next run, my friends and i have used this technique in a flood and drain application... instead of burying our plants for veg in the system we put them in 5.5" pots with the following in layers 1/3 hydroton, 1/3 rockwool croutons, 1/3 hydroton. w've vegged to about 1.5' like this, the roots will protrude out of the pot's drainage hole but usually won't tangle with each other... care is needed when removing plants for flower in which i would recommend then burying them in the system, my friend usually take them into an ebb and gro system for flower. hope this helps.

you wanna cut them carefully as possible

if you're anal... sterilize your scissors, put on some disposable gloves, and have at it.

take your time & cut each plant loose.
it's not human surgery... they're just plants.

if you think its gonna be butchery... make a dip with rooting hormone, or hygrozyme, or multizyme, or h202, or whatever for them... cut each one free, dip it for a hot second, and move it to the next table.

or, cut away & just add some h202 to your flower room rez right before the pump kicks on... h2o2 oxidizes over time so add it at the last possible moment.

i wouldn't sweat it.