Buy Fish at MACNA?

burningstarIV · Jun 10, 2019

Good morning all,

I had a couple quick questions. I live in Tampa and MACNA this year is right around the corner form me in Orlando. I am planning on going and getting some corals and maybe a clam. Does anyone know if they sell fish there? I'm looking for a longfin clownfish and this seems like a time where special types of fish would be up for sale. I couldn't find any threads where someone even mentioned buying a fish at this conference. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

JumboShrimp · Jun 10, 2019

Same question from me.

Peace River · Jun 10, 2019

burningstarIV said:
Good morning all,

I had a couple quick questions. I live in Tampa and MACNA this year is right around the corner form me in Orlando. I am planning on going and getting some corals and maybe a clam. Does anyone know if they sell fish there? I'm looking for a longfin clownfish and this seems like a time where special types of fish would be up for sale. I couldn't find any threads where someone even mentioned buying a fish at this conference. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Great question and I’m glad you’ll be able to make it to MACNA! I’m pretty sure I saw a tank of long fin clowns at Reef-a-Palooza Orlando and most of the vendors will return for MACNA (plus more) so while I don’t know for sure I wouldn’t be surprised to see them available. I don’t remember the vendor and I didn’t ask about pricing. Hopefully others will fill in the details soon - good luck!

burningstarIV · Jun 10, 2019

Thanks for the reply! There's hope yet!

burningstarIV · Jun 10, 2019

Thanks for the reply! There's hope yet!

burningstarIV · Jun 10, 2019

Thanks for the reply! There's hope yet!

burningstarIV · Jun 10, 2019

Thanks for the reply! There's hope yet!

Opus · Jun 11, 2019

Unless it has changed, a lot of the vendors will have clowns in their display tanks. This way it is a way to show off their goods plus it promotes the clowns for the breeders. Come Sunday afternoon they are looking to get rid of them and will be making deals to get rid of them. I know at the one I was at, several lfs were going around and buying large lots of them. If I remember correctly, the few I priced were 25 to 50% cheaper than regular online pricing. ORA will most likely have a display but I don't think they will sell their stuff. Other than the clowns, I don't remember but 1 vendor selling any other fish. I went to Aquashella Dallas this year and I don't remember anyone selling fish there other than some clowns.

burningstarIV · Jun 11, 2019

Opus said:
Unless it has changed, a lot of the vendors will have clowns in their display tanks. This way it is a way to show off their goods plus it promotes the clowns for the breeders. Come Sunday afternoon they are looking to get rid of them and will be making deals to get rid of them. I know at the one I was at, several lfs were going around and buying large lots of them. If I remember correctly, the few I priced were 25 to 50% cheaper than regular online pricing. ORA will most likely have a display but I don't think they will sell their stuff. Other than the clowns, I don't remember but 1 vendor selling any other fish. I went to Aquashella Dallas this year and I don't remember anyone selling fish there other than some clowns.

I posted once from mobile, not sure why it shows up 4 times.

I had heard there may not be a lot of fish due to the stress it would impose with many people travelling, which is understandable. Guess I'll just have to wait and find out for myself!

James Kanouff · Jul 10, 2019

There will be several vendors selling fish and your best chance is to ask the booths if they are for sale. Typically at the end of the show they try n sell them instead of shipping them home. All the usual fish buying tactics should be used. Make sure they behave well, if possible see them eat, and make sure you know the fish your buying and how it will work with your existing live stock. I highly advise quarantine when you get home. Some of the whole salers/ suppliers will sell the fish cash only at the show while they are breaking down to save on baging them up and hauling them home as well. There is also inverts of course. Have a great time at the show.

joe0813 · Jul 10, 2019

Went to macna on Vegas last year. Kind of depressing honestly. It is more geared towards speakers and learning new equipment that is coming out. If you want a large selection of coral and livestock go to reefapalooza. Plus since you're going to be in the area then stop by world wide coral. They had plenty of fish and obviously coral in their store

Jamie7907 · Jul 10, 2019

MACNA doesn’t usually sell fish and those that do get sold are typically to area lfs for the whole lot. I’ve been to the last 4 as a vendor and this is always the same. MACNA is more geared towards equipment though there are typically a dozen or so coral vendors there.

Cell · Jul 10, 2019

AFAIK MACNA is more about education than retail. Reefapalooza is the opposite.

burningstarIV · Jul 12, 2019

Thanks for all the replies. I sort of got the equipment over livestock vibe. I should get up to world wide corals soon. It's a toss up whether I'll actually go to MACNA or not at this point.

joe0813 · Jul 12, 2019

burningstarIV said:
Thanks for all the replies. I sort of got the equipment over livestock vibe. I should get up to world wide corals soon. It's a toss up whether I'll actually go to MACNA or not at this point.

I personally wasn't a fan of Macna. one thing that really got me mad, macna paid their volunteers with raffle tickets. so some staff members had STACKS of tickets and won most of the big items. We dropped about 300 dollars on tickets and saw staff constantly winning. Ill stick to the RAP shows. Been to the Cali, FL and NY one twice.