Does anybody feel me?

[Dana Jackson]

Maybe I go too deep here, but I was having a discussion with a friend tonight and offered him my frag that my toadstool is getting ready to drop. I already have 2 in my tank and don't want to over crowd my nano. He asked how much... I said not one dime. He just couldn't believe that I would just give him a frag for free. I explained that I would never and have never charged for frags. In my opinion your friend will always look at that coral and remember you. That it was a gift, and not see a price tag. Would you sell your friend a flower?Probably not. Same idea here. I believe some people really lose sight about the true meaning of friends. Even the friends we have only one thing in common with, reefing. I look at my tank and think about how amazing it is and what a privilege to have such an entire ecosystem in a glass box in my living room. How one being relies on Another to survive, and vise versa. Its just awesome. How we are all connected and rely on each other. Marriages and friendships are partnerships. You help each other out. Same with reef tank mates. Maybe its my Native American heritage coming out in me, but its all a very spiritual experience for me. Anyone feel the same way? Just curious if Im crazy or not...LOL.

 

[donnievaz]

You're not crazy but you're definitely thinking way deeper into it than I ever would I've sold frags but not to my friends. My neighbor and I give each other frags all the time. It's great insurance in case one of us has a crash (which he recently did).

 

[Frop]

but its all a very spiritual experience for me. Anyone feel the same way? Just curious if Im crazy or not...LOL.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Jesus

 

[Dana Jackson]

You're not crazy but you're definitely thinking way deeper into it than I ever would I've sold frags but not to my friends. My neighbor and I give each other frags all the time. It's great insurance in case one of us has a crash (which he recently did).

If course, Im not opposed to buying corals, as I totally get it that that is how some people make a living. But I could never in good conscience ask for payment for a frag from a friend.

 

[Dana Jackson]

If course, Im not opposed to buying corals, as I totally get it that that is how some people make a living. But I could never in good conscience ask for payment for a frag from a friend.

I would certainly hope they would remember my kindness if I were ever in need, though.

 

[donnievaz]

If course, Im not opposed to buying corals, as I totally get it that that is how some people make a living. But I could never in good conscience ask for payment for a frag from a friend.

A lot of people frag stuff to offset the cost of the hobby. I can totally appreciate that and wouldn't begrudge a friend charging me as long as they were giving me a better deal than Joe Schmo off the street You have to do what works for you but I don't think it's such a horrible thing to help finance the hobby and it works both ways.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

@Dana Jackson
Giving without expectation of reward is its own reward. Well done.

 

[Rick.45cal]

I can think of a few people that sell "booger sized" frags, who's friends I have no doubt, go without!

I've got a friend who's struggled through his first two years of reef keeping, I've tried to help him out as much as I can. One day my tiny frags might get to be colonies, and I can assure you his tank will runneth over, when that happens

 

[Jason mack]

Maybe I go too deep here, but I was having a discussion with a friend tonight and offered him my frag that my toadstool is getting ready to drop. I already have 2 in my tank and don't want to over crowd my nano. He asked how much... I said not one dime. He just couldn't believe that I would just give him a frag for free. I explained that I would never and have never charged for frags. In my opinion your friend will always look at that coral and remember you. That it was a gift, and not see a price tag. Would you sell your friend a flower?Probably not. Same idea here. I believe some people really lose sight about the true meaning of friends. Even the friends we have only one thing in common with, reefing. I look at my tank and think about how amazing it is and what a privilege to have such an entire ecosystem in a glass box in my living room. How one being relies on Another to survive, and vise versa. Its just awesome. How we are all connected and rely on each other. Marriages and friendships are partnerships. You help each other out. Same with reef tank mates. Maybe its my Native American heritage coming out in me, but its all a very spiritual experience for me. Anyone feel the same way? Just curious if Im crazy or not...LOL.

My friend has just bought my old tank now that I've upgraded , he liked my tank so much he wanted too start a saltwater reef too .. I've also just give him 3 frags too start him off ... 1 toadstool and a hammer and a frog spawn, the look on his face was priceless .. he also couldn't believe I'd just give them too him .. but it's so nice too see his enthusiasm for this hobby , which it seems I have started in him .. priceless !!!

 

[94Roarge]

I'm on board with that, I haven't been doing marine long enough to have much to offer friends, or really know anyone who does any marine things apart from people from my work, but I have still given away a few fish and inverts I have had excess of to one of my co workers who is even newer than me. She loved them and so I felt they would be going to a good home with her. It gives me the feel goods to do something like that. I never expect anything in return, but hope that one day someone else will do the same for me!

 

[Fish Werx]

Yes, all of what you said!
Although, sometimes sharing the price of an expensive piece in the understanding that once it grows out you get a nice chunk of it doesn't hurt the wallet so bad!
I have had the distinct honor of having some of the best in the hobby (around here anyway) help me out when I first started by offering me frags. Some for free, some at super reduced costs. All of which have become colonies that I frag to my friends starting out. For free! It helps pass along the joy we have in reef keeping to others.
Some people might really need this hobby to help level themselves out in life. I know it helps my outlook in life and day to day pressures at times!
I have even given away entire systems when I have upgraded. Not that I am the only one, I know a couple other hobbyists that do the same. This is a community more than an individual hobby I believe. And the more we help each other out, the more enjoyable (and affordable) it can be!

 

[Waters]

I need some friends like you

 

[Dana Jackson]

I'm on board with that, I haven't been doing marine long enough to have much to offer friends, or really know anyone who does any marine things apart from people from my work, but I have still given away a few fish and inverts I have had excess of to one of my co workers who is even newer than me. She loved them and so I felt they would be going to a good home with her. It gives me the feel goods to do something like that. I never expect anything in return, but hope that one day someone else will do the same for me!

Exactly !!

 

[ahiggins]

Ive given my close friends frags before
but I also sell some to recoup money that Ive spent lol
I think the operative "issue", if you will, is if youre good friends or just random people.
Ive given my friends frags, Ive also sold my brother frags lol

 

[Dana Jackson]

Yes, all of what you said!
Although, sometimes sharing the price of an expensive piece in the understanding that once it grows out you get a nice chunk of it doesn't hurt the wallet so bad!
I have had the distinct honor of having some of the best in the hobby (around here anyway) help me out when I first started by offering me frags. Some for free, some at super reduced costs. All of which have become colonies that I frag to my friends starting out. For free! It helps pass along the joy we have in reef keeping to others.
Some people might really need this hobby to help level themselves out in life. I know it helps my outlook in life and day to day pressures at times!
I have even given away entire systems when I have upgraded. Not that I am the only one, I know a couple other hobbyists that do the same. This is a community more than an individual hobby I believe. And the more we help each other out, the more enjoyable (and affordable) it can be!

YES! That is exactly what I mean! Im not saying all... But some, are all about the cash, not the enjoyment of the hobby itself. I used to have and train horses... I would train for free for my friends, give them a particular bit or saddle that might be better for their horse, hay when there was a shortage or drought. But that's just how my horse friends and I worked... But there were of course snobby horse people who would've walked on past a horse dying of thirst to go bathe their own horse. Ya know? Its all about being a decent human being to me. I don't go to church, I haven't picked up a bible in years, but I still know what's right and what's crappy. I just wish more people knew it too...

 

[Dana Jackson]

Ive given my close friends frags before
but I also sell some to recoup money that Ive spent lol
I think the operative "issue", if you will, is if youre good friends or just random people.
Ive given my friends frags, Ive also sold my brother frags lol

Oh, Id definitely make MY brother pay!! That bum! LOL

 

[ahiggins]

Oh, Id definitely make MY brother pay!! That bum! LOL

Hahahaha I know! But then again I'm "caring" for his coral since he moved. So when he starts up again I'm sure I'll just let him pick what he wants. (As long as it's not hallucinations hahaha)

 

[Juliano]

I think everything you wrote is true my friend who I met thru reefing an now we been great friends for a few years just gave me like 5 sps when I went to his house to buy something which I didn't expect moral of the story be greatful with the real friends you come across cause not everyone is like that I've always been one to appreciate anything an always try to give in return no matter what it is that was nice of u just recently he lost a few acans I told him I could frag a few free of charge I don't really care for the money it's the loyalty I look for

 

[Mikeand Mel]

Nice.....just got back into hobby after 20 yrs....this time with my 12yr old daughter. Who would have thought learning life lessons as well as reefkeeping!!!
Only R2R.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have reefer friends that we share corals too. Partly to make sure if there is a crash anywhere we have another. I also try to help newbies out with a free coral to start if wanted. It gets them into the hobby and the love and care of animals and our environment. Worth the couple bucks I would get on a coral to sell. Of course, I do not have those $1000 frags.

I really only frag to trade or give away. Of course, my tank is full of nasty monsters that no other decent reefer should ever put in a nice system. Ha ha. My LPS is not the type that can be shared, but in the past that is what I did.