Torch coral prices

[Hooz]

I started my first tank in 1992, so I've been around a while. One thing I've noticed is that popularity ebbs and flows for different coral types. Torches are the "hot coral" for a while, then it moves to scolys, zoas, blastos, chalices, etc, etc. The prices seem to rise and fall with the popularity (demand).

I paid $250 for a single polyp of GMK zoas 6 years ago. Now they can be had for a fraction of that. Look at prices for Strats these days. They used to be $1500+ for single polyp, now they can be had for under $200.

I think the torch's time has passed a bit, but they'll be back eventually.

 

[Schulks]

Im sure I'll get flamed for this response..
That's actually describing it moving away from capitalism. Capitalism is privately owned,i.e. businesses etc, hobbyist is considered public :)


(Thats my understanding of Capitalism etc. Not here to argue :) )

That is still capitalism.
A hobbyist selling his things is still a privately owned entity.

 

[GARRIGA]

Greed possibly why these prices exist. Doubt many Reefers can afford a twelve hundred dollar head for just looks. In the reptile industry morphs sell for exponentially more than wild caught. I've bought $7500 boas and considered spending $40k on a pair just because of unique traits that would bring me profits in the future yet have sold expensive animals to those just wanting a rare collectible. I'm not that customer but might be with corals such a mushrooms with warts. The collectors are minor in comparison to those like myself predominantly buying for future profits.

Am I wrong in thinking Reefers pay these prices with intentions of one day profiting from them?

Hopefully this comes with free shipping :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

 

[JTP424]

That is still capitalism.
A hobbyist selling his things is still a privately owned entity.

Valid point, I think then it's more of a dilution of the capitalist "class" in the reeling hobby. I.e. the means of production are owned by the "working class" (our tanks)
Theres more to be said about intent too, i.e. selling frags to make a living vs selling off extra growth and profit not being sole reason :)

 

[Hooz]

Greed possibly why these prices exist. Doubt many Reefers can afford a twelve hundred dollar head for just looks. In the reptile industry morphs sell for exponentially more than wild caught. I've bought $7500 boas and considered spending $40k on a pair just because of unique traits that would bring me profits in the future yet have sold expensive animals to those just wanting a rare collectible. I'm not that customer but might be with corals such a mushrooms with warts. The collectors are minor in comparison to those like myself predominantly buying for future profits.

Am I wrong in thinking Reefers pay these prices with intentions of one day profiting from them?

Hopefully this comes with free shipping :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

First and foremost, I'm a "collector". I buy the things that I want to grow and look at in my tanks.

That being said, after decades of big tanks, I have become a "nano tank guy". Being a nano tank guy, there is always a consideration of things overgrowing the tank they're in, so fragging (and consequently selling) is always part of the decision. Because of that, my choices tend to lean to things other people like too. I also sell at a fraction of what the "stores" sell for, so I'm never sitting on a bunch of frags for too long. :D

I've been amazed at the number of garage coral shops that have sprung up over the last 10 years or so. There are a ton of people who view the hobby as a way to make money. I've seen it a lot in the local reef groups on Facebook, and I assume it's a wider spread thing than just in my area. Those people seem to just capitalize on whatever the "new, hot thing" is, but their main concern isn't really growing it out to look at.