LFS or FRAGSWAPPERS???

[Chraddam]

I am relatively new to reefkeeping, but I have been able to make this decision after only a year in. I only purchase frags from fraggers because 1-it allows me to build my tank without the guilt of destroying the reefs, 2-stores seem to be completely okay with selling me livestock that is incompatible with my tank, and 3-I have learned soooo much more about the hobby from fraggers than from stores. I only purchase dry goods and occasionally clean-up crew stuff from the stores, and that is because I haven't found a friend yet to help me out. So I pose the question to MR'ers...h ow do YOU build your tanks-LFS or Fraggers?

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Man do yourself a favor and stay out of LFS, better yet try reading some books and you won't need that special friend:wink1:

 

[Chraddam]

I've read like 6 or 7 good ones already...and I reread them nightly

 

[mr_X]

i used to use both.

first of all, let's face it- if you make the reef keeping hobby attractive in any way, you are hurting the reefs, because not everyone that likes the hobby is going to follow your frag only philosophy. plus, every component you use, every trip to the lfs for salt, everything you purchase for your hobby involves resources. industry. and what does industry do? pollute.
what do you think your large electric bill you pay each month to power those halides and pumps is doing to the environment?



secondly, there was a study done on the locations where we get these corals and fish from and they found that once the reef keeping hobby got larger, the locals went out of their way to take care of the reefs better, to protect their livelyhood. as strange as it sounds, "save the reefs, purchase wild colonies!" LOL.

and lastly, i completely agree with buying from locals because in some instances, you can save money. not so much so when they decide to slap a name on a colorful piece of coral and charge a 1500% mark up on it though.

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Good, have you read Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman? IMHO it is the greatest book for someone starting out or for someone just wanting to learn about corals. It is written in layman terms and covers each coral family with enough information for you to make informed decisions. Have fun

 

[Chraddam]

These are what I have read thus far, and continue to read over and over, as well as a bunch of magazines...

I am ordering
Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History (Hardcover)

by Eric H. Borneman
today. Thanks!

 

[anthony27]

If you want good advice stick to this site and do a google search. reading on line is always a good idea as well. Plus you can make friends and learn alot by taking inforamtion from one person and modifying it to your own. We all have our own littel ways of keeping reef tanks but one thing is the same if you need help it is there.