Lfs or petco frogspawn?

MTF7 · 07/11/2013, 04:53 PM

Hey all I'm going to get some frogspawn for my bc29 ( rio 6hf and rapidled kit) and i would like to know if I should go with my Lfs (aquatic treasures Maryville il) or petco. I haven't seen any frogspawn heads at aquatic treasures but at petco they have a pice that has around 8-10 heads on it as looks really nice but it is $99 which at my Lfs would sell for $200+ I'm not sure if I should start with such a big frogspawn or go with like a frag or a smaller pice and let it grow in my tank. I'm also thinking about getting an anemone too. Any advice? Thanks!

akitareefer · 07/11/2013, 05:20 PM

Check your local reefers and craigslist. I've seen heads go for $5 locally, you should be able to get a better price than Petco or LFS. The heads brought in from other countries cost more than the ones aquacultured in peoples tanks.

akitareefer · 07/11/2013, 05:23 PM

And regarding the anemone.... I personally stay away from them. They move around, can harm coral, and are seemingly always drawn to the powerheads.

MTF7 · 07/11/2013, 05:53 PM

I have herd that about the nem's but I have had a Ben before that never moved it only moved to where it got enough light ( turned out it wasn't enough) but I would add the nem first to let it move where it wants ( I only have a GSP frag right now), then start adding coral ad if it splits then I'll just remove one half and sell it give it away or anything realy

akitareefer · 07/11/2013, 06:07 PM

That's a good plan to get a nem situated before adding precious corals. Some of the rock nems are really colorful, and everyone loves rbt's

MTF7 · 07/11/2013, 06:52 PM

Yea I had a RBTA that was a real trooper they are tougher then we think mine wasn't getting enough light and I had a 24/7 submersible light in my 2nd back chamber and it crawled up the wall and down to the light took me a week to find it but it didn't die

greech · 07/11/2013, 06:55 PM

If you really like frogspawns, get a big one. If not stick with a frag. Frogspawns take up a lot of room, have a long reach and have a strong sting. In a 29, a big FS will mean less room for other corals.

I prefer to support lfs's if they are good ones. They also typically have prettier corals.

Dmorty217 · 07/11/2013, 07:04 PM

Would not buy anything from petco that is "alive" for my tank

MondoBongo · 07/11/2013, 07:24 PM

I prefer supporting my LFS.

Cultivating a good relationship with a local shop or shops can pay off in spades. I know my LFS is like Cheers now with me. Which is awesome because aside from having more people to BS with about the hobby I have also have people I know I can trust for advice, vacation services, etc...

kichimark · 07/11/2013, 08:25 PM

While I agree building a relationship with a good LFS can reap many benefits, I also find some local reefers to be a good resource for corals as well. Sometimes the corals can be extremely healthy and cheap when compared to LFS's or big box chains.

Ckyuv · 07/11/2013, 08:37 PM

Do you have pictures of them? The store makes no difference it's what your buying and the condition/price. There is many chain store haters on here. If you give us two corals to compare we can better help you. Anemones are also great additions. But after having one split and sting everything I stay away. This depends on many factors tho and anemones are very awesome!

MTF7 · 07/11/2013, 09:47 PM

I don't have a pic but I'll go in tomorrow and get a pic it's a really nice coral

MTF7 · 07/11/2013, 09:48 PM

And btw Im not going to do that many corals so a big one would be fine

akitareefer · 07/11/2013, 10:04 PM

You think your not doing a lot of corals until you get the coral fever :P

MTF7 · 07/12/2013, 03:48 AM

I know but I really only see 4 corals that interest me. RBTA, Frogspawn GSP( for the back wall of the tank), and some pulsing Xenia, I am also looking into a clam but not sure yetand of course I'm sure I will get my corals then be like wait I need more!

kichimark · 07/12/2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akitareefer

You think your not doing a lot of corals until you get the coral fever :P

Very true. And you will want to collect the different colors/morphs of each species too. I said I was going to stop around 15 corals ago. Even if I upgrade there will never be enough room unless I had the ocean.

MondoBongo · 07/12/2013, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kichimark

Very true. And you will want to collect the different colors/morphs of each species too. I said I was going to stop around 15 corals ago. Even if I upgrade there will never be enough room unless I had the ocean.

i started with one decent "wall" frogspawn.

then i went through my Zoa phase.

then i got in to a serious acan phase.

then a chalice phase.

now i'm on to acros and still picking up the odd acan/zoa/euphyllia here or there.

i need help!

MechEng99 · 07/16/2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTF7

I know but I really only see 4 corals that interest me. RBTA, Frogspawn GSP( for the back wall of the tank), and some pulsing Xenia, I am also looking into a clam ...

Yeaaaaaahhhh...that's how I started too. Now I have 9 tanks, hundreds of coral, and thankfully somehow a husband who still loves me (he must not find the receipts....)

Silly clownfish · 07/16/2013, 07:17 PM

In a29g, I would start with a frag. I did in my 30g about 10 years ago. By the time I had it for a couple of years it was taking over the tank. A couple of times a year I take about half of it to a LFS to trade and keep it in check. It needs to be kept a little distance from things it can sting. I think I lost my candycane (which was my previous out of control growing coral) to chemical warfare with the frogspawn.

Also, if you start with a frag, it is not wild collected, which I consider a big plus. You also aren't taking as much of a risk if it something that just doesn't thrive in your tank.

If you were closer I would happily give you a piece.

joe3196 · 07/19/2013, 05:20 AM

lfs all the way

IGROZOAS · 07/19/2013, 11:50 PM

Lfs

organism · 07/21/2013, 02:32 PM

Your reef club is always the best way to go, but if your LFS has fair prices then it would be better than Petco since that money is spent locally more than the money received by Petco.

Also, you may wanna reconsider the whole GSP on the back wall of your tank thing, don't get confused thinking that stuff is going to stay in one place instead of budding off and trying to own your entire tank in a short period of time.

dmh41532 · 07/22/2013, 09:37 AM

lfs over petco in my opnion. I would never purchase anything live from that place. the chain is too irresponsible in my opinion.

IGROZOAS · 07/22/2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTF7

I know but I really only see 4 corals that interest me. RBTA, Frogspawn GSP( for the back wall of the tank), and some pulsing Xenia, I am also looking into a clam but not sure yetand of course I'm sure I will get my corals then be like wait I need more!

I would not add pulsing Xenia. Its got trouble written all over it. I'm still trying to get rid of them. Lol.

MTF7 · 08/08/2013, 02:53 PM

Hey all I haven't gotten frogspawn yet but I did get an awesome looking sebae anemone my snowflake clowns (which I think might be black ice snowflake because they have really dark outline lines and black fins) but they just started to host it they won't go to it for protection nor just staying in it a whole bunch but they do deff enjoy it bein there they sleep in it at night

07/11/2013, 04:53 PM	#1
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	Lfs or petco frogspawn? Hey all I'm going to get some frogspawn for my bc29 ( rio 6hf and rapidled kit) and i would like to know if I should go with my Lfs (aquatic treasures Maryville il) or petco. I haven't seen any frogspawn heads at aquatic treasures but at petco they have a pice that has around 8-10 heads on it as looks really nice but it is $99 which at my Lfs would sell for $200+ I'm not sure if I should start with such a big frogspawn or go with like a frag or a smaller pice and let it grow in my tank. I'm also thinking about getting an anemone too. Any advice? Thanks!

07/11/2013, 06:55 PM	#7
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	If you really like frogspawns, get a big one. If not stick with a frag. Frogspawns take up a lot of room, have a long reach and have a strong sting. In a 29, a big FS will mean less room for other corals. I prefer to support lfs's if they are good ones. They also typically have prettier corals. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

07/11/2013, 07:04 PM	#8
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Would not buy anything from petco that is "alive" for my tank __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

07/21/2013, 02:32 PM	#22
organism code monkey Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: south bay Posts: 6,223	Your reef club is always the best way to go, but if your LFS has fair prices then it would be better than Petco since that money is spent locally more than the money received by Petco. Also, you may wanna reconsider the whole GSP on the back wall of your tank thing, don't get confused thinking that stuff is going to stay in one place instead of budding off and trying to own your entire tank in a short period of time. __________________ I don't always grow frags... but when I do, I prefer Dos Acros

07/11/2013, 05:20 PM	#2
akitareefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 627	Check your local reefers and craigslist. I've seen heads go for $5 locally, you should be able to get a better price than Petco or LFS. The heads brought in from other countries cost more than the ones aquacultured in peoples tanks.

07/11/2013, 05:23 PM	#3
akitareefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 627	And regarding the anemone.... I personally stay away from them. They move around, can harm coral, and are seemingly always drawn to the powerheads.

07/11/2013, 05:53 PM	#4
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	I have herd that about the nem's but I have had a Ben before that never moved it only moved to where it got enough light ( turned out it wasn't enough) but I would add the nem first to let it move where it wants ( I only have a GSP frag right now), then start adding coral ad if it splits then I'll just remove one half and sell it give it away or anything realy

07/11/2013, 06:07 PM	#5
akitareefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 627	That's a good plan to get a nem situated before adding precious corals. Some of the rock nems are really colorful, and everyone loves rbt's

07/11/2013, 06:52 PM	#6
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	Yea I had a RBTA that was a real trooper they are tougher then we think mine wasn't getting enough light and I had a 24/7 submersible light in my 2nd back chamber and it crawled up the wall and down to the light took me a week to find it but it didn't die

07/11/2013, 07:24 PM	#9
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	I prefer supporting my LFS. Cultivating a good relationship with a local shop or shops can pay off in spades. I know my LFS is like Cheers now with me. Which is awesome because aside from having more people to BS with about the hobby I have also have people I know I can trust for advice, vacation services, etc...

07/11/2013, 08:25 PM	#10
kichimark Μολὼν λαβέ Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SFV, S. California Posts: 1,304	While I agree building a relationship with a good LFS can reap many benefits, I also find some local reefers to be a good resource for corals as well. Sometimes the corals can be extremely healthy and cheap when compared to LFS's or big box chains.

07/11/2013, 08:37 PM	#11
Ckyuv Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 88	Do you have pictures of them? The store makes no difference it's what your buying and the condition/price. There is many chain store haters on here. If you give us two corals to compare we can better help you. Anemones are also great additions. But after having one split and sting everything I stay away. This depends on many factors tho and anemones are very awesome!

07/11/2013, 09:47 PM	#12
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	I don't have a pic but I'll go in tomorrow and get a pic it's a really nice coral

07/11/2013, 09:48 PM	#13
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	And btw Im not going to do that many corals so a big one would be fine

07/11/2013, 10:04 PM	#14
akitareefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 627	You think your not doing a lot of corals until you get the coral fever :P

07/12/2013, 03:48 AM	#15
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	I know but I really only see 4 corals that interest me. RBTA, Frogspawn GSP( for the back wall of the tank), and some pulsing Xenia, I am also looking into a clam but not sure yetand of course I'm sure I will get my corals then be like wait I need more!

07/16/2013, 07:17 PM	#19
Silly clownfish Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 488	In a29g, I would start with a frag. I did in my 30g about 10 years ago. By the time I had it for a couple of years it was taking over the tank. A couple of times a year I take about half of it to a LFS to trade and keep it in check. It needs to be kept a little distance from things it can sting. I think I lost my candycane (which was my previous out of control growing coral) to chemical warfare with the frogspawn. Also, if you start with a frag, it is not wild collected, which I consider a big plus. You also aren't taking as much of a risk if it something that just doesn't thrive in your tank. If you were closer I would happily give you a piece.

07/19/2013, 05:20 AM	#20
joe3196 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: ny Posts: 111	lfs all the way

07/19/2013, 11:50 PM	#21
IGROZOAS Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 28	Lfs

07/22/2013, 09:37 AM	#23
dmh41532 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bellefontaine Ohio Posts: 771	lfs over petco in my opnion. I would never purchase anything live from that place. the chain is too irresponsible in my opinion.

08/08/2013, 02:53 PM	#25
MTF7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 285	Hey all I haven't gotten frogspawn yet but I did get an awesome looking sebae anemone my snowflake clowns (which I think might be black ice snowflake because they have really dark outline lines and black fins) but they just started to host it they won't go to it for protection nor just staying in it a whole bunch but they do deff enjoy it bein there they sleep in it at night