Where to buy frags/colonies in the Denver Metro?

Lilfish · 02/08/2013, 05:56 PM

About to start adding some simple mushrooms or zoas, but everywhere I went today they seemed to want $40 for something the size of a half dollar and not have much of a selection. Any recommendations for where to go? I plan on hitting Reefstock in March but don't want to wait that long. Just looking for good selection, reasonable prices, and simple classic not designer corals...

ADDsalt · 02/08/2013, 07:15 PM

Did you check elite reef in Westminster/Arvada yet.?

Lilfish · 02/08/2013, 07:54 PM

Nope, mostly checked the SE side of Denver. I hadn't heard of Elite Reef, but will definitely check it out. Thanks

Lilfish · 02/08/2013, 08:04 PM

Watched the video on their site and it looks like the kind of place I am looking for.

Fitz19d · 02/09/2013, 05:50 AM

Check craigslist, good deals randomly. I've got a 55g I started in Nov that is already almost completely covered in random sofites and LPS for probably under $200. That comes from sales from people breaking down tanks, rock that came with coral, etc. If you check the different fish stores the ones with frag tables often will have little trays of loose or single polp/mushrooms for cheap. Does take some shopping around.

Try Aquamart, Elite Reef, Key's, Aquatic Art, About Fish.

Colonies or rock tends to always be pricier. Starting small and growing it yourself is how to save. Keep in mind if a big colony is on a rock, they don't want to give 5lbs of rock away for free, so there's $10 alone even at $2/lb.

Get on the local marine group boards. MASC.

Lilfish · 02/09/2013, 10:42 AM

I know it sounds like I'm trying to get something for nothing but I am trying to stock a tank in my classroom. It is actually developing nicely, but that is why I want to stick to simple low demand corals. Thanks for the advice. Fitz sounds like you do a lot of driving to get what you want for you tank.

Lilfish · 02/09/2013, 03:23 PM

Was planning on hitting Aquatic Art, Aquamart, and Key's today, but only made it as far as Aquatic Art. They had an awesome selection from the basics to the more deigner corals. They had 3 large frag tanks with a little bit of everything. Got some softies, zoas, and polyps which was what I was looking for. Looking forward to going back! I'd like to head over to Aquamart tonight or the MASC meeting tonight but not sure I can make it. Thanks for the help guys.
Mike

beanman · 02/09/2013, 08:51 PM

Aquatic art has some great stuff with great prices. I have picked up a lot on Craigslist around here.
There is also Reefstock coming up at Ben and Jerrys next month.

02/08/2013, 05:56 PM	#1
Lilfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 41	Where to buy frags/colonies in the Denver Metro? About to start adding some simple mushrooms or zoas, but everywhere I went today they seemed to want $40 for something the size of a half dollar and not have much of a selection. Any recommendations for where to go? I plan on hitting Reefstock in March but don't want to wait that long. Just looking for good selection, reasonable prices, and simple classic not designer corals...

02/09/2013, 08:51 PM	#8
beanman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 45	Aquatic art has some great stuff with great prices. I have picked up a lot on Craigslist around here. There is also Reefstock coming up at Ben and Jerrys next month. __________________ 210gal, about ten friendly fish and lots of small soft coral. sump, refuge and a lot of time tinkering with this hobby.... Current Tank Info: 210 Gallon

02/08/2013, 07:15 PM	#2
ADDsalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 33	Did you check elite reef in Westminster/Arvada yet.?

02/08/2013, 07:54 PM	#3
Lilfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 41	Nope, mostly checked the SE side of Denver. I hadn't heard of Elite Reef, but will definitely check it out. Thanks

02/08/2013, 08:04 PM	#4
Lilfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 41	Watched the video on their site and it looks like the kind of place I am looking for.

02/09/2013, 05:50 AM	#5
Fitz19d Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frederick Colorado Posts: 475	Check craigslist, good deals randomly. I've got a 55g I started in Nov that is already almost completely covered in random sofites and LPS for probably under $200. That comes from sales from people breaking down tanks, rock that came with coral, etc. If you check the different fish stores the ones with frag tables often will have little trays of loose or single polp/mushrooms for cheap. Does take some shopping around. Try Aquamart, Elite Reef, Key's, Aquatic Art, About Fish. Colonies or rock tends to always be pricier. Starting small and growing it yourself is how to save. Keep in mind if a big colony is on a rock, they don't want to give 5lbs of rock away for free, so there's $10 alone even at $2/lb. Get on the local marine group boards. MASC.

02/09/2013, 10:42 AM	#6
Lilfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 41	I know it sounds like I'm trying to get something for nothing but I am trying to stock a tank in my classroom. It is actually developing nicely, but that is why I want to stick to simple low demand corals. Thanks for the advice. Fitz sounds like you do a lot of driving to get what you want for you tank.

02/09/2013, 03:23 PM	#7
Lilfish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 41	Was planning on hitting Aquatic Art, Aquamart, and Key's today, but only made it as far as Aquatic Art. They had an awesome selection from the basics to the more deigner corals. They had 3 large frag tanks with a little bit of everything. Got some softies, zoas, and polyps which was what I was looking for. Looking forward to going back! I'd like to head over to Aquamart tonight or the MASC meeting tonight but not sure I can make it. Thanks for the help guys. Mike