Gauging Interest - Wicked Rare Corals in Canada (please read this)

[wickedfrags]

In the coming weeks and months I have an opportunity to obtain some of the most unique and beautiful corals I have ever seen, truly rare in the aquarium hobby and even more rare in Canada (please note that historically I use the word "rare" with great caution). With summer approaching it may very well be a 6+ months before they are available again, if they even decide to even make them available to Canada (due to international demand).

Some of these species include dendrophelia Fistula (several colour variations); Rhyzothrocus Typus (white, green, orange/red); non-indo micromussa in multi-colour morphs and several others unique species and colours of corals you generally only see pictures of here in Canada. Not familiar with these, do a quick google please.

I have a pretty good feel for the market here in Toronto/Greater Toronto Area but am interested in learning more about the rest of our counties ideas on some of the more exotic species. While they are unusual and expensive (well at least for the majority of hobbyists), generally they are not difficult to keep and not nearly as demanding as acropora.

So - if you saw a truly rare an unusual specimen available would you consider buying it??? Rather......would you buy it? Rare and unusual meaning say corals retailing for $250 to $800 for full colonies of some of the species noted above (whole colonies not frags). $800 being the extreme high end of the price range for the best, full colony micro.

Would you be inclined to buy frags of these truly unique pieces???

Thanks for helping me work through this. Your input is truly appreciated and could very well determine if these babies become available to us Canadian collectors!

Thanks,
Dave
wickedfrags.com

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I would consider buying frags, but not full colonies. I'm patient and can wait for things to grow, but I couldn't justify the cost of such expensive colonies, even though they ARE mindblowingly stunning.

[Skimmer Juice]

I would be interested , in frags for sure, but depending on what type of coral it is I would probably buy a colony, I dont mind spending money as long as it is somthing cool or rare. (That is what I love to collect rare and expensive fish)

[mildcustom2]

Depends on the size of the colonies with me. I don't mind paying a premium for a large colony of a rare coral. Pics of what you may offer would be great. I wouldn't commit to buying a Ferrari without first seeing a picture of what I may be getting.

[wickedfrags]

Thanks for this. I tend to agree and have bought MANY a frag in my day. Expensive colonies turn out to be expensive frags, but as you say they grow which can be satisfying and more cost effective.

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

I would consider buying frags, but not full colonies. I'm patient and can wait for things to grow, but I couldn't justify the cost of such expensive colonies, even though they ARE mindblowingly stunning.

Something some if the real rare collector want as well. To know they are only one that go a particular piece, specially a really unique one. And absolutely, accurate pics would be provided with dimensions/poly counts as well if requested.

Originally Posted by mildcustom2

Depends on the size of the colonies with me. I don't mind paying a premium for a large colony of a rare coral. Pics of what you may offer would be great. I wouldn't commit to buying a Ferrari without first seeing a picture of what I may be getting.

Rare is a word I "rarely" use in this hobby to describe corals. That being said, some of the species I noted above are truely rare. Micros are more rare than acans.........at least that is what people lead you to believe, but much of that info comes from divers. Some of the other species are also know to be very rare.

Originally Posted by stinky

I would be interested , in frags for sure, but depending on what type of coral it is I would probably buy a colony, I dont mind spending money as long as it is somthing cool or rare. (That is what I love to collect rare and expensive fish)

[CLINT]

Between you and Reefraft all the nice stuff is gonna be in Toronto.I really love the look of the rhyzo`s but the price is killer I just hope mine doesn`t die.Clint

[wickedfrags]

Yes it is isn't it Kidding aside, I hear from my customers there are a quite a few great stores throughout Canada. Difference about me being in Toronto is that I am dedicated to shipping, frags, fish and and colonies. The majority of my sales are online and shipped throughout Canada.

Also, it is worth noting that I would be able to get these at a reasonable wholesale price, and sell only within Canada.

Clint - feel free to post a pic of your rhyzo in this thread! Dave

Originally Posted by CLINT

Between you and Reefraft all the nice stuff is gonna be in Toronto.I really love the look of the rhyzo`s but the price is killer I just hope mine doesn`t die.Clint

[CLINT]

Ill post a pic tonight when its fully extended.It has taken a long time to find a spot in the tank that it is happy and has just recently started fully extending at night.Clint

[wickedfrags]

not open during the day for you? What colour did you get? What colours were available? Dave

Originally Posted by CLINT

Ill post a pic tonight when its fully extended.It has taken a long time to find a spot in the tank that it is happy and has just recently started fully extending at night.Clint

[dsaundry]

If I had a really high end established tank I would consider it but with just a basic 72g reef tank I probably wouldn't. I would be more inclined to invest in equipment to upgrade as neccessary....Down the road?? Maybe.