Why isn't there more demand on trading Frags!

[troywalkerphoto]

I started out with a 5 polyp frag, grew it to this:

.
I have the white tiles there to stop it from growing into the overflow (once the tiles are full I remove them and sell them as frags, this is the only fragging I ever do to this coral).

I will only frag to prevent the coral growing into the overflow or to atop them from out growing another coral.

Let me know if and when you ever have a polyp or two of that! I would trade you if I have some thing you want!

 

[FocusReefing]

Its also highly unlikely that anyone selling corals is realistically gonna recoup anywhere close to what they have invested... unless they are moving some serious amounts of coral. Im all for trading but we also need sellers in order to get started. Unless someone is willing to trade services for corals... anyone need a fence painted? Lol.

 

[BioMan]

Just keep an eye out for market prices there are some people that will try to get over on you. and some people that will do nice for you. But that's awesome. How long ago did you buy your Rasta frag? 2-8Heads already is FAST!

the market right now for rastas range from 5-15$pp at the most.

I paid $22 a polyp in October (minus 15% VIP) 2 were open and 1 looked like it was forming so i was almost charged for 3 but i made a stink b/c the previous colony of blue ones I bought closed up and never opened back up.
I had at the time 2 Biocubes, a 14 and a 29 with all the LED bars, I keep those things PRISTINE,,everything grows well in there.

On a side note I have recently started a 120gal and make a lot of mistakes so far. I figure I'll have a masters level education in marine biology by the time I get that thriving.

 

[MIKE NY]

Andy, Randy, Rich...haven been around the reef block a few times myself I agree with you guys...

 

[Dre]

Watching your corals grow out/ out of the water is fine but self centered. It's not doing a damn thing for the hobby. Post pic to say what? Look what i've got...The people who buy, sell, trade or give away are more benefical to the hobby. They do the field work. Going from store to store, ordering online so you can have a frag of something you've never seen or heard of before. This is what drives the hobby this is what is exciting. This is what pull people in and keep them in. Not showing off.

 

[ctcorals]

I totally agree with you dre! that is all i want to say exactly.

 

[d5332]

I dont need trades nor free corals but do wish there was a way to let all the poor souls that get into the hobby the many ways a person can get ripped off

The hype of frag packs selling out
The hype and lies of origin or availalbility
The use of technology to alter images which is intentional deception

We should all be fine with paying $10 bucks for a frag, if you are fortunate enough to end up with friends that have similarly packed tanks and can trade great but in all fairness for how expensive this crap can be $5/$10/$15 should be fine hobbyist to hobbyist, a little change for for a frag can mean salt money

The internet is flooded with hobbiest intentionally keeping a tank to frag and generate revenue and are employing despicable tactics in doing so, some online store do so as well.

Forget trading and just ignore sellers creating hype amd selling $120 frags and making the sales post sound as if they are doing you a favor, if you want to pay high go to a store and pay high

Diego

 

[prattreef]

well said on that. But just a question here. If the person is not worrying about the market value of a poly/SPS then how is he/she gonna no the value of that piece to buy it? will she/he get ripped off? buy at there own liking cause it is nice so spend the money? or look around the value of that piece?

I can only speak for myself, but if I like a piece of coral that I see I ask the price and if it seems reasonable to me I buy it. If it is more than I am willing to pay I pass. My main point is that I don't view these purchases as investments and I pay zero attention to potential resale value because I don't plan on reselling it. This enables me to trade or give frags as I want to without worrying about $$$.

Active and robust trading as the OP is desiring is not going to readily happen if people are worrying about $$$$ equivalence or market values. If you have something I want and I have something you want you trade regardless. If you don't, you don't. It is really that simple for me. I know most hobbyists these days don't see it this way which is fine, but trading will always take a back seat to sales if you play the valuation, LE, named, branded game--that game by its very nature is about what I have and you don't and spreading that wealth for free de-values what I have because now someone else has it too.

 

[rookie07]

Dre: I mentioned how I give away or sell (cheap) frags of the coral I posted the picture of. I posted a picture to show how beautiful a colony can be, but my main point was that constantly fragging frags is sad and promotes the pyramid scheme mentality that has taken over the hobby. As far as the coral reaching the water line, what should I do, carefully cut and peel the coral off of the overflow and make my tank look worse so I can have a few more frags? I already have a hard enough time trading/selling the frags I have of it! I have 2 frags available for sale (with a FS thread on them) waiting in my tank, why do I need to frag it more?!?! Lastly, lets not forget how dangerous palys are! I have no interest in risking my health for a few extra frags!

 

[Dre]

Dre: I mentioned how I give away or sell (cheap) frags of the coral I posted the picture of. I posted a picture to show how beautiful a colony can be, but my main point was that constantly fragging frags is sad and promotes the pyramid scheme mentality that has taken over the hobby. As far as the coral reaching the water line, what should I do, carefully cut and peel the coral off of the overflow and make my tank look worse so I can have a few more frags? I already have a hard enough time trading/selling the frags I have of it! I have 2 frags available for sale (with a FS thread on them) waiting in my tank, why do I need to frag it more?!?! Lastly, lets not forget how dangerous palys are! I have no interest in risking my health for a few extra frags!

Post wasn't intended for you rookie. You've contributed a wealth of information not to mention coral frags into the hobby over the years.

 

[Moneymaks24]

If my corals grew, id be selling "frag packs" all day. Who doesn't like money? Trades r cool but what r the odds the person needs/wants what u have and visa versa.

 

[rookie07]

Oh, I'm sorry for my assumption. Thank You dre!

 

[piranhapat]

Everybody made interesting points. I never looked at this hobby to make money. I don't expect to either.I just see this hobby very entertaining and addicting. If you can make a few dollars to buy salt thats great. Lets forget vendors or LFS here. We know theirs a need for them. And to make money. I guess some people see the glass half full and some see it half empty. I thought it would of been more positive than negative. I guess I'm lucky that I met some good people in this hobby and hope to pass it to others. Because if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here today.

 

[Dre]

There is a forum for people who are in it to profit. You must have sold one or two items that i recall. That's great but what do you think would happen to this site if there were no selling allowed?

 

[TUSI]

I always gave frags to friends and reefers that saw my tank the only issue I have is that when u have to much and take them to the Lfs they want it for free so they can sell them and make money off you like what they tried doing to me at a place near me. There is nothing wrong with selling if you have something rare thAt you paid a lot if money for.

 

[TUSI]

If my corals grew, id be selling "frag packs" all day. Who doesn't like money? Trades r cool but what r the odds the person needs/wants what u have and visa versa.

U r 100% correct

 

[NYreefNoob]

glad i have friends in the hobby that are like me. i have given so many fish and corals away over the years just so i dont have to deal with people wanting to lowball and or expect you to deliver it to them also. if i wanted to make money in this hobby i would open a store.
lol rich, kasie and randy im coming to raid your tanks

 

[mbg75]

glad i have friends in the hobby that are like me. i have given so many fish and corals away over the years just so i dont have to deal with people wanting to lowball and or expect you to deliver it to them also. if i wanted to make money in this hobby i would open a store.
lol rich, kasie and randy im coming to raid your tanks

Less flakes too. People will drive to Montauk for a piece of Kenya tree!

 

[ricwilli]

I always gave frags to friends and reefers that saw my tank the only issue I have is that when u have to much and take them to the Lfs they want it for free so they can sell them and make money off you like what they tried doing to me at a place near me. There is nothing wrong with selling if you have something rare thAt you paid a lot if money for.

I was doing really good with just reading this thread and not posting in it, until I read your post. You Hit The Nail Right On The Head with the comment about the lfs. You would think that they would pay more or give a nice amount of credit for a coral that has been stabled and aquacultured in someones tank. Why is it OK for them to do that? Because they have a store? Well guess what? I have bills to pay as well. I didn't get or grow my corals for free.

WOW! You really got me worked up this morning with that comment.

 

[dubs]

As far a stores goes I never had any run in with any but I can say this I refuse to give anything to the lfs I Would Rather Frag Stuff Up And sell/Trade/Give To My Fellow Refers

There is no way can see my self given something to a store that just going to turn around and rip everyone