Best Bang for Your Buck Corals

[HeulittSalmi]

So I am fairly new to the world of reefing (6 Months) and especially R2R (Few weeks) and don't necessarily know where to post this. But anyways. I always am looking at the Marketplace feed and all the time i see posts about corals that are $500+ and even today I saw a tiny frag that was $999.99, so what I am asking is, are there any budget friendly corals that really pop and aren't as common? As much as I'd like to save up and spend half a grand on a coral, I personally couldn't justify it. I know what most of the replies are going to be "Save up" "Wait for later" "Too bad" and stuff like that, but like I said I am fairly new to the reefing game and would appreciate hearing/seeing what you're favorite cheaper corals are!

 

[mannyhernz]

That depends What is your favorite type of coral?

 

[HeulittSalmi]

That depends What is your favorite type of coral?

I actually dont think I have a favorite which is a problem. I have always had a mixed reef and bought whatever caught my eye and had space for.

 

[smokin'reefer]

Watch for live sales and check the sponsor auctions for deals.
That seems to be where I find the best deals.
Also check the Battle paks @ Battle Corals. I finally broke down and got one. You tell him your budget and what you types you are looking for and he hooks you up. There is a great thread on those here.
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/237616/

 

[Fishfinder]

There is not much for cheap pretty coral. Unfortunately if it's pretty then it's pricy. I'm just starting out, have my first tank up and running for 2 months. That's the conclusion I've come to

 

[tj w]

You can always find deals out there, it really all just depends on the type of coral you really like and if you're looking to sell frags after they grow out. A lot of people use coral as an investment, sell frags after they've grown out to recoup some $ and buy more.

 

[HeulittSalmi]

Watch for live sales and check the sponsor auctions for deals.
That seems to be where I find the best deals.
Also check the Battle paks @ Battle Corals. I finally broke down and got one. You tell him your budget and what you types you are looking for and he hooks you up. There is a great thread on those here.

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/237616/

I've toyed with the idea, but am weary about shipping to be honest, especially now that its getting to be near triple digits in Phoenix.

There is not much for cheap pretty coral. Unfortunately if it's pretty then it's pricy. I'm just starting out, have my first tank up and running for 2 months. That's the conclusion I've come to

Yeah thats what I have found. I am still trying to find some decent priced corals that are necessarily cheap, but worth it.

 

[HeulittSalmi]

You can always find deals out there, it really all just depends on the type of coral you really like and if you're looking to sell frags after they grow out. A lot of people use coral as an investment, sell frags after they've grown out to recoup some $ and buy more.

Thats actually what I am planning to do, I am currently saving up for a nice sized frag tank to do that.

 

[Reef man 89]

IMO it's what you like for corals. Not what other people think. I have a mixed reef. One of my favorites in the tank are the gobstopper zoa's I got from WWC. They were only like $50 when I bought them. But that's what I like. I have seen pictures of $1000 corals and some of them I don't find to be that good looking. So what I am trying to say it's what you like and what you want in your tank. Just because a coral is a grand don't mean it great.

 

[IxTCxI]

Ora red planet.

 

[HeulittSalmi]

IMO it's what you like for corals. Not what other people think. I have a mixed reef. One of my favorites in the tank are the gobstopper zoa's I got from WWC. They were only like $50 when I bought them. But that's what I like. I have seen pictures of $1000 corals and some of them I don't find to be that good looking. So what I am trying to say it's what you like and what you want in your tank. Just because a coral is a grand don't mean it great.

I agree with that 110%. I guess I should have asked what are your favorites that didnt break the bank.

 

[lilchris_357]

If you are in Phoenix, there are a few LFS that have frags and small colonies for decent prices. Try them of you're concerned about shipping. Someone mentioned live Sales, definitely check them out. My first one I did was with Brandon at Fraghouse corals. Awesome pieces and I had no issues with shipping. I'm in the west valley.

 

[kevlow]

Ora red planet.

Agreed!
A common, low cost, hardy coral that is absolutely beautiful when grown out.
Put with that a Green Slimmer for the same reasons, and two of your major colors are covered with classics.

 

[favites]

yep- red planet, green slimer, oregon tort and pink lemonade covers basic colors for SPS-- all hardy and time proven and can be purchased at reasonable prices if you look around.

 

[BoomCorals]

There is not much for cheap pretty coral. Unfortunately if it's pretty then it's pricy. I'm just starting out, have my first tank up and running for 2 months. That's the conclusion I've come to

I disagree. Plenty of pretty coral out there that are reasonably priced. $75+ for a 1" frag is not reasonable. Check out the Aqua SD weekly sale thread. For $75 you can get colony sized pretty corals.

 

[BBoley24]

JOL lepto -$25
Watermelon mushrooms -$15
Dendrophyllia - $25
Whammin zoanthids - $10
Green tipped leather - $15

That's just a few... There are a ton out there.

 

[BBoley24]

A large orange lobophylia will definitely pop... You get alot for your money W lobos

To be frank W you... Hi I'm frank... I'm surprised lobos haven't become a craze yet.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

I guess it depends on if your "bang" is quality or quantity. Being new, it may be best to start off with cheaper corals and work your way up. I think Cultivated Reef
http://cultivatedreef.com/index.php?route=common/home
Has the lowest prices I've seen. If you were going for a mixed tank, and went into it with an open mind, I think you could easily fill a decent sized tank (say a 40 breeder) with a few hundred bucks. They have some nicer pieces too though.

Once you start looking for center pieces or if (when ) you acquire more expensive tastes, I'd have to suggest Battle Corals https://battlecorals.com

 

[alten78]

As a few others mentioned, the oldies but goodies can mostly be found at a very reasonable price from both vendors but mostly other hobbyists. The last time i bought a coral from a LFS was a Birds of Paradise for 75 bucks several years ago, now you can find it for $10. Look for local swaps, live sales, local hobbyists.

My 75g is nothing but frags from other hobbyists or after live sales - green slimer, red planet, garf bonsai, miyagi tort, a few different SSC, ice fire, pearlberry, hawkins, red dragon, christmas mirabilis, paletta pink tip, amongst many others all ranging between $20-$60 each.

 

[Stolireef]

If you are in Phoenix come to the PROP auction. Amazing prices on high end pieces. 10% of retail.