What do you look for at frag swaps?

[Parasite1971]

Hey all,
Just wondering what you all look for at frag swaps. Do you look more for deals on common frags? Look for "super rare" corals? Try to bundle a few frags into a deal? Etc??

 

[ekopapers]

I look for good deals on more common frags, the ones that everyone has. As long as they look healthy I will always pick the least expensive option at a show. Bundling can be nice as long as they are things that I want. On rarer corals I am still looking for a deal at a swap. So unless it is ultra rare and the only one there, there are enough higher end corals that I still have options and someone is always offering a deal.

 

[Peace River]

I look for healthy livestock, unique items, and reef friendships.

 

[Gabriel Trifa]

i dont know yet... did not swaped any.. but good thread to pin.

 

[sde1500]

I go in looking for things to catch my eye. Then, try and remember what tank that was in, go around continuing to check other tanks to see what is out there. Ask for prices, chat, etc. Get a good feel of prices and then determine if what caught my eye is a good price. Though honestly for the bigger shows, its very hard to do. Remember what tank it was in, the price, etc. It helps to have an idea of what prices are online ahead of time, to get a baseline comparison.

 

[2Wheelsonly]

Hey all,
Just wondering what you all look for at frag swaps. Do you look more for deals on common frags? Look for "super rare" corals? Try to bundle a few frags into a deal? Etc??

I look at all the AEFW

 

[Silverfish]

Never been to a Frag swap. I suppose this is different fm a frag show. Is this where a club organizes an event amongst members to buy sell and trade corals? Unfortunately I live in an area destitute of any Reefing clubs but definitely would love to do that!

 

[Parasite1971]

Never been to a Frag swap. I suppose this is different fm a frag show. Is this where a club organizes an event amongst members to buy sell and trade corals? Unfortunately I live in an area destitute of any Reefing clubs but definitely would love to do that!

Usually they are club organized, but open to anyone to come and sell/swap.

 

[Reefs and Geeks]

What I've looked for at frag swaps has evolved as I've progressed in the hobby. My first frag swap was where I bought my first coral and got hooked on the hobby. The next few I was looking for the best deals on whatever frags caught my eye. now that I've been in the hobby for a while, I still enjoy getting a few common pieces for a good price, but more often have a specific few pieces I'm looking for. I also look for frags that look happy and are a decent size. If the frags at a swap look happy even after being transported and set up, than it's a good sign they are very healthy.

 

[nickkohrn]

The following is a list of items and properties that I look for when attending frag swaps and shows:

• Pests
  • Are there noticeable effects of pests?
    • Bite marks
    • Missing tissue
    • Flatworms
    • Vermetid snails
    • Problematic algae
    • Eggs under frag plugs
• Growth
  • Are the frags healed?
    • Freshly-cut corals are typically surrounded by glue at the bases.
      • Corals that have been cut and allowed sufficient time to heal will typically be mounted to frag plugs that harbor coralline algae and tissue growth.
    • Are there unusual growths on the coral, which could indicate spinoid worms or other issues?
• Cleanliness
  • Do the vendors have clean setups?
• Hospitality
  • Are vendors hospitable?
    • Do they answer your questions, within reason?
    • Do they provide general ranges of the parameters of their systems when asked?
    • Do they seem like they are simply trying to make a sale and move to the next buyer?
      • Most vendors are at swaps and shows to make money, so being respectful of their time and process is important.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

The advice I like to give to people is pretty simple. If you are looking for a hard to find coral, then get the VIP pass to beat the crowd. If you are looking for hard to beat deals, then you will usually love the last hour of the show! You can also ask a vendor to bring a coral that you are looking for if they happen to have it in stock as well.