New to Corals--Can I find inexpensive frags?

[Ms. K]

I'm considering trying my hand at hardy, low-maintenance corals. I use only basic full-spectrum lighting on my aquariums. Because I'm very new to corals, I don't have anything to trade and because of the lighting, I'd like to find inexpensive frags of lower-light species. Anyone know where I might be able to find inexpensive frags to try? Thanks!

[goodfortune]

Hello Ms. K:

Welcome to Atlanta Reef Club's forum on the The Reef Tank Message Board!

First of all, how big is your tank? Even some of the more low-light tolerant corals such as mushrooms and zoanthids will turn brown if you're just using a single or even a double-tube lightstrip. You should aim for about 3-5 watts per gallon for even low light tolerant corals.

Sorry if I sound discouraging; reef tanks can be quite an investment, but definitely worth it . If you keep up with the boards long enough you'll stumble upon someone with the equipment that you're looking for. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to sell a 36" power compact flourescent fixture (great for a soft coral tank), as I've changed my lights for some that will give me more light intensity.

Feel free to post more questions, and if you have anything that you're too shy to ask about, feel free to send me a PM as well.

Hope I've Helped ;
-Michael

[AquaticCo]

Cap Bay has set up a new frag area where there selling them for I want to say $20

Doug

[kbxiong67]

CBA sells nano frags anywhere from $5.99 to $19.99.

[Ray1214]

Yupper, I got one for 14.99. I think it was 5.99, 7.99, 14.99 and 19.99 in the frag bins, but I may be mistaken. I think Bobby has a great idea, since most people don't want to dish out 50 or 60 bucks for a large colony. Also look at every fish store in Atlanta. You never see small colonies for sale, which to me means nano tanks or people with prop systems are forgotten.
What I thought was really cool is that CBA used those sweater boxes (storage boxes?), and to me it shows how simplistic a prop tank or sump or refugium can be especially for someone with the know how.

CBA major Props.

Ray

[hesstondc]

Mushrooms and a few zoos will make it...i grow mine under a 65 watt bulb on my sump...Doing a good job too....

[Ray1214]

Mrs K. If you are attending the December meeting. I can arrange some Xenia and a colt frag or two. Get you started. Xenia can take over a tank but they are easy ones as a first one.

Ray

[Ms. K]

Thanks foryour help. Ray, that would really help me out a lot. Also, the prices at CBA sounds great. I need help though. Since I live about 1.5 hours from Atlanta and don't know my way around, I basically need directions to everything...CBA...Dec meeting....everything.

For info, the tank is a 10-gallon Mantis tank. AT this point in my life, I simply can't afford to go all out on a reef tank, so I've avoided the thought of corals until now, but as I said, I'd like to try some low-light corals (Well, not necessarily low light but something that can survive on simple full-spectrum plant bulbs. I think the light is 65W or so. I got a small zoo (I think, maybe) on a small piece of live rock, and it seems to be doing quite well. I've also noticed another tiny bluish-green single stalked polyp (????) in a hole in another piece of live rock.

Again, I simply need directions. I'll get them from MapQuest if that's the best place, or I'd appreciate someone IM-ing or emailing them to me.

Thanks ever so much,
Alicia

[jlovell]

I just stopped in at CBA tonight. Ironically it is about 1/4 mile from my first house. Area's definitely getting better (and more crowded). Anyways, they have the frag area setup and the prices are 5.99, 9.99, 14.99, and 19.99. The 5.99 is mostly zoe's and mushrooms. The 9.99 had some very small candy coral and bigger zoe and shroom pieces (as well as a few other odds and ends I could not identify. Things got much more interesting at the $14.99 and up bin. I got a candy coral with 4 polyps for $14.99. A nice frag that's different (yet still soft and easy) from what I already have. I'd definitely recommend it as a place to go to pick up things that are intersting for a new reefer without breaking the bank.

And to look at their larger specimin tanks with the bigger corals is unbelievable. I have never seen so many tiny clams in my life. Made me want one, but I know I don't have the light or skill to keep it alive at this point (but that will change). They had some good prices on fish too, but the focus of the store seemed much more on corals. I would make CBA a must stop at location for my next trip to Atlanta.

Jay

[Ms. K]

I stopped by CBA today (hour and a half drive...whew!) and bought three frags. A small bit of live rock with a watermelon (?) shroom and a tiny shroom on it; a larger green shroom; and a small colony (5 polyps) of brown zoos. Wish me luck with them.

[washowi]

That frag bin cost me $100 yesterday.!! Oh well, I will make more $ on Monday

[Ms. K]

So far so good! I can see, now that it was opened up completely, that the watermelon shroom is a lot bigger than I thought it was. Zoos are very happy.

[Ms. K]

Originally Posted by Ray1214

Mrs K. If you are attending the December meeting. I can arrange some Xenia and a colt frag or two. Get you started. Xenia can take over a tank but they are easy ones as a first one.

Ray

Thanks Ray,

I will be at the December meeting. Please let me know how muchyou want for the frags and I'll be there with money in hand and smile on face

Alicia

[Ray1214]

Alice, don't worry about having to pay for xenia and a few colts. No worries. I have plenty.


Ray

[Ms. K]

Wow! Thanks. That will really help me out. Eventually, I'll have to start looking for corals for the 55 I'm getting

Alicia