Reef Raft

[kirkwood]

After researching a lot of SPS threads on RC to create my new wishlist, I found a long list of RR SPS that I definitely want... Stuff like Avenger, Wolverine, Poison Ivy, Red Diablo, Triad, Kandari, etc.. When I went to their site I saw that their prices are the highest I've ever seen, at ~$250 per 1" frag. And I wasn't even able to find any of the true RR Signature Corals on my list.. I did see however that they had some stomachable prices on 6 piece frag packs, but not sure if they would customize a frag pack.

Just wondering if anyone has ordered from RR or has found other places to acquire some of these RR signature corals...

 

[kf2008]

There are a few credible private collectors on RC and R2R that periodically sell RR sticks. You might give that a try and perhaps gain better pricing/value.

From my understanding, RR Canada and Asia have the "better" stuff compared to RR USA (which I believe is in OC). Most of the higher end sticks, e.g., Red Diablo, Wolverine, etc. are really slow growers, and I think there is a waiting list with RR.

 

[containerman1]

I bought 900$ from them on a live sale most of the stuff lived which was a plus but they shipped me 18- 20 pieces not labeled and when I sent them a email and PM they never returned my email or PM
I will never purchase from them again . Just my experience.
You can go on World wide Coral, Jason Fox, Addicting Coral, Berrier reef aquariums, Joe Knows Reefs, and see some really nice corals and get great customer service and you really know what you get.
Good luck

 

[kirkwood]

This hobby really is like a rabbits hole.. The deeper I go the more questions I have.. Now I'm at the point where I am getting really curious about the entire live coral industry. I mean what is it that makes one shop have all the truly exceptional pieces, whereas other shops can be just run of the mill with average stuff. Is it all based on the supplier? Are there deals with suppliers that keep choice pieces only going to the top name shops? What is keeping John Doe Shop from finding the suppliers for the big dogs and going to them???

From the pics I've seen online the RR piece that really wowed me was Avenger.. But I'm not ready to shell out $250 or get on a waiting list...

 

[grouper therapy]

Kirkwood;890140 wrote: This hobby really is like a rabbits hole.. The deeper I go the more questions I have.. Now I'm at the point where I am getting really curious about the entire live coral industry. I mean what is it that makes one shop have all the truly exceptional pieces, whereas other shops can be just run of the mill with average stuff. Is it all based on the supplier? Are there deals with suppliers that keep choice pieces only going to the top name shops? What is keeping John Doe Shop from finding the suppliers for the big dogs and going to them???

From the pics I've seen online the RR piece that really wowed me was Avenger.. But I'm not ready to shell out $250 or get on a waiting list...

Really cool names,Lighting, Photoshop, palm greasing.

 

[containerman1]

grouper therapy;890143 wrote: Really cool names,Lighting, Photoshop, palm greasing.

+1 on the above.
But I do like that once they name them and you truly know what you have or were they come from if you stick with the Big Dogs. It just helps trade and sell if you have the Linage and proof .

 

[1mbrews8]

I have about 8-12 but likewise don't know most of the names because they weren't written on bag. Beautiful stuff though..

 

[containerman1]

aquaculture;890355 wrote: when i had a store, i found out very quickly how the "game" was played. If you have deep pockets and can find someone to "cherry pick" all the good stuff before anyone else has a chance to even see the livestock, you had the upper hand. I found this out because i used to drive down from las vegas to la on sunday afternoons (every 2 weeks) and be one of the first people in the door at the wholesalers, and they would already have what are called "jobbers" which most would call them cherry pickers, so most of the named or high end , super colorful stuff would be gone/claimed before any of the retailers/storefront owners could even get in the door. This happened alot down at a few of the wholesalers, so i learned to stick with 1 or 2 guys and i ordered only from them, then i noticed the quality of corals coming to my shop, and i would not only get 90% of the stuff i ordered, but 25-50% of it was primo. In my opinion, find one or 2 online retailers that most people would order from, and stick with them, i think you will notice that once you start spending money with them consistently, they will bend over backwards if something goes wrong on your order, and alot of times, will throw in some freebie frags. Good luck finding what you're looking for.

+1