This. Im not paying LFS prices for your frag; i would rather support the LFS.The problem is that most hobbies want to sell you corals and used equipment at a retailer price, I have yet to find a deal on corals or used equipment here.
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This. Im not paying LFS prices for your frag; i would rather support the LFS.The problem is that most hobbies want to sell you corals and used equipment at a retailer price, I have yet to find a deal on corals or used equipment here.
Just about all of my coral is from hobbyists. We have an awesome local club and a bunch of guys grow some great stuff. I personally like seeing the person’s system but it’s not a deal breaker if I can’t. I only do local pick up though, no shipping. I also look for guys who are selling at reasonable prices rather than dealing with the handful that are charging retail. In my experience, the guys who grow the healthiest stuff are not the people trying to turn a big profit. Most of the guys are super generous and have an established reputation in the club. My most recent pickup was a nice Maleficent (back left) and a 1.5 inch chunk of Orange Creamsicle (front right) - $50 total. Just can’t beat that.
Cool thing about coral is that it grows (hopefully), and then you can trade for more coral or sell some to buy more coral! I love it! As hobbyists we're presented with the opportunity to buy from other hobbyists and sometimes it can get tricky if you don't know what to do and what not to do! Today I thought it would be cool if we traded some tips on this topic!
When you're buying coral from other hobbyists what are some things to look for to protect yourself and to make sure your getting a good deal?
image via @Reefinometry
can you give me some names here is my e-mail address if thats ok thanks again garyI tend to only buy from people in the hobby. I can see their tanks and have most of the time a good conversation. Prices are fair.LFS prices have gone crazy since covid hit. I understand shipping has gone up but the prices for a nub of a coral are ridiculous. I have also found hobbyists are more willing to replace a piece if you lose it.
Most important you gain another persons brain to pick. Hobbyists are willing to talk about their tanks and the steps it took to get to the success they are having. If the tank isn't nice don't take their advice, or corals.
can you give me some names here is my e-mail address if thats ok thanks again gary
I’ve never met anyone locally that keeps a marine tank or coral I live in an area with many boring people but if you like colorful coral you might like these succulents they are lithops they do not live in water and do not need that much.
I agree, the lfs here is a very small shop and I would hate to see them close up shop. As a hobbyist I have no overhead to cover so there is no reason to charge retail prices. Lfs has to pay charges based on collectors, shippers, gas prices, and most of the time they eat the cost of dead arrivals and anything that doesn’t make it due to other problems like aggression amongst tank mates once in their tanks. As far as used equipment goes…chances are if I have replaced it I won’t be using it again so why not pass it along to someone who can get some use out of it! If they could afford new they wouldn’t be buying your used equipment.This. Im not paying LFS prices for your frag; i would rather support the LFS.
I want to see the main tank as well. Look for pests/problems/overall health of the tank.i usually try and see how the DT or frag tank looks. too see if any pests are present. after, i see if the plug is new or not because chances are if the plug is old, it’ll carry in the pest. lastly i look for what light it was kept under. i try to buy LED grown frags