coral with questionable value

[jollopee]

This is a coral that I absolutely love the color of but for one polyp is it really worth 250 bucks. I say yes, if nothing else the color just fascinates me and I really want some blue added to my tank. Would I be nuts to bid this thing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-BLUEMEANIE-...QQcmdZViewItem



Todd

[jollopee]

This was the other coral that caught my eye but I certainly dont think it is worth that much....or is it? Very cool looking coral and would certainly look wicked in the tank but is it something over priced is it something I should not get?


http://cgi.ebay.com/War-Coral-Auctio...QQcmdZViewItem

[Steven Pro]

In my opinion, neither is worth anywhere near that kind of money.

[jollopee]

well I dont think they are worth the money either, but what are the chances of getting frags of either of these 2 coral without paying a hefty price. I think the price is crazy but the color and overall beauty of them are outstanding. I guess the question should be more like, what are my chances of finding frags of these 2 coral for cheaper?? I wouldnt of even asked but I read this http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ebac/index.php and started feeling nuts for thinking it was ok to pay this kind of money.....but the color oh man the color....that blue and the red and green very very bright.

Todd

[Steven Pro]

I have seen a number of corals that looked just like the second one pictured. I doubt it would be that hard to find another whole colony just like it.

The first one does look a bit rarer, but look at the photo of the frag. The aragacrete plug has a blue tint to it as well, so it is hard for me to determine if the coloration is a product of lighting or manipulation.

[Ninong]

You realize, of course, that you would be bidding on a tiny, tiny frag -- just a single polyp according to the picture.

I checked all of his other auctions and I find it strange that ALL of the bids are secret. There is not one bidder whose identity is shown on any of his four auctions. I don't believe I have seen that before.

And why in the world would anyone with any knowledge of the hobby whatsoever refer to a BTA anemone as a "coral?" He does. In his auction for a 5" specimen of Entacmaea quadricolor, he calls it a "coral." Rather odd, if you ask me.

I don't think I would be inclined to do business with that guy. I don't trust eBay to begin with and I don't trust their rankings at all. Too many shill posts and bids.

[vtec si]

In my opinion, neither is worth anywhere near that kind of money.

In my area most Acan's especialy (Acan Lords) and Blastomussas will bring in a pretty price I have seen them from $170.00 -$300.00+ for anywhere of 6 to 20 polyps. I have the same Acan that is in the first link and he has now 12 polyps I paid $50.00 for it with only 4 or 5 polyps.

There is a high quality lfs here in Dever, Co. that has them for $30.00 for 2-4 polyps that is the same color as the first picture. If you want info let me know.

The picture is not showing its true color though but they are still cool enough with out the actnics.

Martin

[jollopee]

Hell yes I want info on that fish store ........I will definetely want that. Do they ship?


Todd

[kevinpo]

I think coral pricing and/or value is a very personal thing. If it's something I really want and I think it's affordable to me, then I buy it. Someone else may or may not even like the coral. It really depends on your personal finances and likes/dislikes. I remember when the Oregon Blue Tort sold for $100 for a 3/4" piece and a 1 year+ wait. Now you can get a 1-2" piece for less than $50. A couple of more years and I'm sure it will be $25 a frag.
Just be sure to research where you purchase your corals so your expectations are met. It doesn't matter what you pay if you are expecting one thing and receive another, it can be very disapointing (unless of course it is much nicer )

Another thing to consider it the long term picture. I have more than $30,000 invested in my home tank. When the average person hears that they think I'm nuts (well maybe I am ). Two years ago I tracked the frags I sold from the tank and it came to $44,000 in one year and that was not really trying, but that was after the tank had been running for three years.

Regards,
Kevin