Are we ruining the hobby???

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Starting a reef tank definitely does not need to cost a fortune, people just like pretty things. And corals are dirt cheap, just not something new or rare or hard to grow, like in any other hobby. I think we're just discussing the difference between a hobbyist and a collector
 
I am reminded of a quote from the founder of Revlon cosmetics. It went something like: "in the factory, we make cosmetics; in the store, we sell hope".

I bet many people, including myself, are falling prey to this when we buy a tiny frag of something that we hope will grow up to a large colony of something beautiful. It's an aspirational thing.

Put on top of that the dynamics created during ebay auctions or live sales (those are as much about "winning" as they are about "shopping"), and you have a somewhat addictive situation.

It doesn't seem to be in the interests of the power players in the industry to do anything to try to let the air out of the balloon, so as long as people show up with their cash, with hopeful eager smiles on their faces, it will keep on rolling.
 
foxt said:
I am reminded of a quote from the founder of Revlon cosmetics. It went something like: "in the factory, we make cosmetics; in the store, we sell hope".

I bet many people, including myself, are falling prey to this when we buy a tiny frag of something that we hope will grow up to a large colony of something beautiful. It's an aspirational thing.

Put on top of that the dynamics created during ebay auctions or live sales (those are as much about "winning" as they are about "shopping"), and you have a somewhat addictive situation.

It doesn't seem to be in the interests of the power players in the industry to do anything to try to let the air out of the balloon, so as long as people show up with their cash, with hopeful eager smiles on their faces, it will keep on rolling.
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Yes, never fear folks. Any and every weekend you can feed your addition via a live sale and Ebay auctions! Exercise your fingers so you can outbid or snipe that favorite "high-end" frag.

Ok, I'm stirring the pot here. Live and let live. It's entertaining to me. The hype, the game, the names, the "lineage", the elitist nature of it.
 
Enjoy your Tropical Paradise

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Supply and demand
If people aren’t willing to pay then the price will drop. But people have been

Buy from people in your community for much better, reasonable prices

No one is forcing anyone to buy gorgeous acros from premium vendors haha
 
My wife and I have had more "are you sure we can afford this" conversations than Id care to recount and Ive yet to purchase my initial coral. Starting from saltwater and learning lighting and flow and test kits and sumps and fuges and all the corresponding brands and prices, well, after that first night my head was spinning. I came to the conclusion very quickly that top of the line stuff was most certainly out. Even used items werent practical as often times theyre discounted a miniscule amount despite having been used for years. Reefing on a budget is a challenge, to say the least.
I remember fondly a time (3 whole months ago) when I thought I could meet my brother at WWC, and with a couple hundred bucks, walk out with several zoa gardens, maybe a euphyllia or two. Ive since realized WWC is out of my league and have shifted focus and goals correspondingly.
There is a part of me that enjoys the added challenge of the extroardinairy expense, along with all the associated work-arounds, from diy solutions to bargain hunting. Mostly Im just a little sad that Ill never know what my tank looks like with Ecotech lighting or a gem tang.
At the end of the day I think you quickly learn to appreciate the things you DO get to enjoy and the process of it all coming together. Ive learned so much and have so much more to learn, and that, thankfully, comes free
 
Anyone interested in free info check here:
pacificeastaquaculture.com

Coral and Clam Farming

Coral and Clam Farming We are dedicated to sustainable propagation of corals and clams. The future of our hobby is here now and it's all about sustainable aquaculture! Dr. Mac has helped set up farms in several locations around the world. As the saying goes, talk is cheap. We actually have been...
pacificeastaquaculture.com pacificeastaquaculture.com

And check out our free Reef School, find at the bottom of our home page:
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And check our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com

Pacific East Aquaculture

Since 2000 the finest in maricultured and aquacultured marine livestock. A licensed coral aquaculture facility located on Maryland's eastern shore. Corals, c...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
Been in this hobby and industry a very long time. In fact I go back to 1963. Yes, that’s right 1963. I got into this when there was nothing, and I mean nothing known about keeping Saltwater aquariums. My mentor was Robert P.L. Straughn in Florida.

Talk about simple systems. Silica Sand substrate, Power Filter with Carbon and Floss, UG filter, and a Heater. No test kits. No skimmers. No dosers, reactors, ato’s, etc., etc. GUESS WHAT!

We were successful despite this.

In those days, the hobbyists were primarily keeping fish and some assorted invertebrates. Live Coral tanks were far and few between.
Main problem for the coral was the fact that little was being done to produce strong lighting.

Dr. Mac of (PEA) worked for me in the late ‘60’s. He has extensive experience with all aspects of this industry. I for one applaud him for
his honest and most direct comments on the state of this hobby.
If we don’t change course from this upward spiral of pricing, and in my opinion at an alarming rate, we are going to lose more and more
hobbyists and future hobbyists.
 
I have to say I'm glad I've been in the hobby for almost 45 Yrs...I got my 1st 10g fw set up when I was 10 Yrs old...set up my 1st saltwater tank at 15 using "stone knives & bearskins" compared to today's equip and I'm glad I did as it's given me the knowledge that I don't need all the bells and whistles to maintain both reef and fish only tanks. Personally I think some of the livestock pricing has gotten ridiculous but to each their own....
 
So after reading through all this are you still growing classic affordable acros for me because I'm new and I can't stomach buying a d losing a $200+ 1/2 frag because I'm inexperienced. Lol
 
Michael Gray said:
So after reading through all this are you still growing classic affordable acros for me because I'm new and I can't stomach buying a d losing a $200+ 1/2 frag because I'm inexperienced. Lol
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Indeed we do, check our site including Weekly Specials. Our site represents only about 1% of the stock we have at our farm. If you need anything you don't see posted just send an email or call and we can see if we have what you seek.
 
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PacificEastAquaculture said:
Indeed we do, check our site including Weekly Specials
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Actually u have the most affordable prices on acros and not 1/2" like most. Except I noticed most corals. Especially the lps I have green dominate my tank and I told myself. Well and the boss said I have to get away from green. Oregon tort is my fav bias photos. Most look to be green currently on your site. But kudos to prices. I'd go to town if I was ready. I gotta see if I I can be successful with these lps I have first and let tank mature slightly before I go to my original plan. Acro tank
 
Michael Gray said:
Actually u have the most affordable prices on acros and not 1/2" like most. Except I noticed most corals. Especially the lps I have green dominate my tank and I told myself. Well and the boss said I have to get away from green. Oregon tort is my fav bias photos. Most look to be green currently on your site. But kudos to prices. I'd go to town if I was ready. I gotta see if I I can be successful with these lps I have first and let tank mature slightly before I go to my original plan. Acro tank
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Mostly leftovers on the site on Acropora Frags from the last batch posted, will be shooting a lot more this week and the vast majority of those WYSIWYG Acro frags will be $19.99-$29.99 plus 30% off that, plus we have some great deals on our Weekly Specials page!
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
See comments…

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