Buying zoas from overseas.... thoughts?

[Cassian]

Hey all! I’m in the process of setting up a nice frag system alongside my display. I’m thinking about getting a large box of zoas from overseas from a large supplier. I’m looking to start a small frag hobby and sell some frags. What are your thoughts on transhipping zoas? I’m hoping to get something unique so I could do something like have my own signature zoa. Or would I be better off getting name brand zoas and signatures from other people if I am going to sell them?

thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[andrewey]

I've done exactly what you are looking to do. If I could share two lessons I learned, it would be this: first, you're likely to get some large specimens of some pretty "common" zoas that you likely can't sell or make money on. You might get some unique ones, but unless you can pick out zoas yourself or buy only the "ultra" zoas from the transhippers, it's probably not going to be the zoas you thought you'd be getting when you placed your first order. Make sure you understand this and account for these pieces in your ROI and make sure you have a plan for the real estate such large colonies take up.

Secondly, make sure you have an amazing QT procedure. Those zoa colonies had the greatest density of coral pests I've ever seen- if it will eat a zoa, it will be in the box with your zoas! This isn't a deal breaker by any means, just be forewarned that unless you are prepared and can dip, treat, qt, and inspect your zoas well enough, you're going to be fighting a pretty uphill battle.

 

[Cassian]

I've done exactly what you are looking to do. If I could share two lessons I learned, it would be this: first, you're likely to get some large specimens of some pretty "common" zoas that you likely can't sell or make money on. You might get some unique ones, but unless you can pick out zoas yourself or buy only the "ultra" zoas from the transhippers, it's probably not going to be the zoas you thought you'd be getting when you placed your first order. Make sure you understand this and account for these pieces in your ROI and make sure you have a plan for the real estate such large colonies take up.

Secondly, make sure you have an amazing QT procedure. Those zoa colonies had the greatest density of coral pests I've ever seen- if it will eat a zoa, it will be in the box with your zoas! This isn't a deal breaker by any means, just be forewarned that unless you are prepared and can dip, treat, qt, and inspect your zoas well enough, you're going to be fighting a pretty uphill battle.

thank you very much for the info! The transshipper I’m using does have an ultra grade zoa box, which is the one I was looking to get.
I do plan to qt them then move to my frag tank. What dips do you recommend?

 

[Cassian]

I've done exactly what you are looking to do. If I could share two lessons I learned, it would be this: first, you're likely to get some large specimens of some pretty "common" zoas that you likely can't sell or make money on. You might get some unique ones, but unless you can pick out zoas yourself or buy only the "ultra" zoas from the transhippers, it's probably not going to be the zoas you thought you'd be getting when you placed your first order. Make sure you understand this and account for these pieces in your ROI and make sure you have a plan for the real estate such large colonies take up.

Secondly, make sure you have an amazing QT procedure. Those zoa colonies had the greatest density of coral pests I've ever seen- if it will eat a zoa, it will be in the box with your zoas! This isn't a deal breaker by any means, just be forewarned that unless you are prepared and can dip, treat, qt, and inspect your zoas well enough, you're going to be fighting a pretty uphill battle.

also, do you have pics of the zoas your transshipped and who did you go through? If you don’t mind sharing

 

[andrewey]

I'll see if I can dig up some photos- they might be on an external drive as this was around 2011 or so. I was going through Oculus Aquatics.

As far as dips are concerned, my two favorites are Expel Coral Dip and Bayer. I think for many it's a matter of personal preference, but no matter the dip, I can't overstate how important manual removal and inspection of every inch of imported coral is- a dip will only take you so far.

 

[Cassian]

I'll see if I can dig up some photos- they might be on an external drive as this was around 2011 or so. I was going through Oculus Aquatics.

As far as dips are concerned, my two favorites are Expel Coral Dip and Bayer. I think for many it's a matter of personal preference, but no matter the dip, I can't overstate how important manual removal and inspection of every inch of imported coral is- a dip will only take you so far.

Thank you! Pics would be awesome, but if it’s a lot of trouble, don’t worry about it