Tips for buying from other hobbyists: What do you look for?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Cool thing about coral is that it grows (hopefully), and then you can trade for more coral or sell some to buy more coral! I love it! As hobbyists we're presented with the opportunity to buy from other hobbyists and sometimes it can get tricky if you don't know what to do and what not to do! Today I thought it would be cool if we traded some tips on this topic!

When you're buying coral from other hobbyists what are some things to look for to protect yourself and to make sure your getting a good deal?

image via @Reefinometry

 

[NowGlazeIT]

The lights they are using is a big one for me. Shipping methods determine weather I return for more.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Local purchase only where I can see the coral- not a doctored photo or acquainted with the person

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

The lights they are using is a big one for me. Shipping methods determine weather I return for more.

Good point!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Local purchase only where I can see the coral- not a doctored photo or acquainted with the person

Seeing is believing right?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Seeing is believing right?

Absolutely
The only time I assume risk is if I’m buying out someone’s tank livestock which has been a while

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I feel like my town lacks a club or group for hobbyist to meet up and trade. Between Facebook, R2R and Craigslist it just feels like we’re spread too thin. There is hardly enough movement to gain momentum.

 

[Maddlesrain]

If it's a local buy, I prefer meeting at a person's house so I can see the coral at its best (polyps open, undisturbed from transport, the environment it's coming from, etc.); this is also usually a great way to learn more about the other hobbyist and make possible future connections.

I do not mind meeting in public though, as this makes some people feel more comfortable. This is slightly more risky though because I'm forced to accept the coral in a less optimal state (stressed) and it's harder to view through a transport container or bag.

For online sellers, I look at how long they've been selling for, if they sell regularly, read any reviews I find, and also like to gauge how willing to answer questions they are. If someone seems uninterested in talking to me, sometimes I feel it's a bad sign—nothing excessive, but I'd like to know how long you've had the mother colony of the frag you're selling, and what conditions it has been kept in so I can have the best success possible.

 

[dmsc2fs]

First thing I look or is my QT tank to place them in. Algae and Aiptasia always shows up a few weeks later. I took a chance once and regret it. Never agian.

 

[jda]

Realistic looking photos - I don't care if they are blue as long as they are not doctored. I also like some pieces with some lineage, so the trustworthiness of the seller matters to me.

 

[Joe462]

Good pictures of healthy coral

 

[Stoney]

Yellows are usually green, reds are basically never as bright as the picture, and only buy blue coral photographed under white light.

 

[Jacked Reefer]

I buy most of my equipment used from fellow hobbiests. And coral either comes from LFS’s, hobbiest in the area, or sellers in the classifieds here so I can help the smaller parts of the hobby as much as I can. Mainly I look for trustworthiness and someone trimming corals/wanting to sell cheap to other hobbiest rather than those looking to make a quick buck from hot new coral #1768. Luckily there are a lot of good people in the hobby! Pay it forward guys!

 

[brrdawg]

I am pretty selective on where I buy coral. I really like to look at peoples tanks and see the unkeep and maintenance. As well as the amount of algae or aptasia. If there is an excess of that then I am out. Make sure to dip anything and check your frags for hitchhikers.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

It’s rare for me only because i don’t know many people nowadays . I mainly buy from one store and my ordering online is a thing if the past.

 

[Treefer32]

I would love to buy locally from local hobbiests. However, I find most local hobbiest have the same corals I have. Which, makes it difficult to trade or exchange. I find I'm buying online more than I should spend for coral to get free shipping. And I end up with tiny frags that I have to wait 2 years for them to become something.

 

[Zaven D]

As of my most recent tank, I’ve mostly been buying from fellow hobbyists including on R2R and a few Facebook Groups.
It can be hit or miss because one person might charge way more for a Frag vs another hobbyist so pricing can be inconsistent at times. I usually like to see pics of mother colony and the frags. I also look to see if the seller has positive ratings.
Just be super transparent with the person whose selling to you, and if you are a seller and your buyers spending a lot of money a free Frag here and there always goes a long way.

 

[CRD23]

I buy only local, where I can inspect the corals, lights, flow, placement in the tank etc. before making a purchase decision. Buying local also helps get some tips from the owner about the coral care, growth rate, toxins etc.

 

[Gio210a]

I buy most of my equipment used from fellow hobbiests. And coral either comes from LFS’s, hobbiest in the area, or sellers in the classifieds here so I can help the smaller parts of the hobby as much as I can. Mainly I look for trustworthiness and someone trimming corals/wanting to sell cheap to other hobbiest rather than those looking to make a quick buck from hot new coral #1768. Luckily there are a lot of good people in the hobby! Pay it forward guys!

The problem is that most hobbies want to sell you corals and used equipment at a retailer price, I have yet to find a deal on corals or used equipment here.

 

[DIYreefer]

The problem is that most hobbies want to sell you corals and used equipment at a retailer price, I have yet to find a deal on corals or used equipment here.

There are definitely deals to be had here. I've stocked my tank with corals that I ha e bought from the classifieds here and feel like I got great deals on all of it.