Buying Zoanthids and Palythoas Online

[MikeReef79]

I have never bought corals online, but the one thing I am not looking for are some different Zoanthids and Palythoas. It seems around me there is only the same ones, rarely see some that are different...

On e-bay or other sites these look amazing, but my worry is are they color enhanced with Software or Made to look amazing under certain color light, then when you get them they look "Blaaaa"...

Another thing for me to worry about is I live in upstate NY, its currently 0 degrees for the past 2 weeks... So I would have to wait for a warm patch to do it... (that much I know)

But has anyone bought corals like these online with success of getting exactly what they looked like on their pics?

 

[aguila88psi]

You can request the vendor to send you an unaltered photo, also you can look for signs of oversaturation by looking at other items in the picture that "look off" lol. Another thing you can do is do a google image search on the name of the coral to see other pictures. This way you can gauge what the coral will look like. Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[MikeReef79]

Thanks!

 

[cloak]

Do you have any clubs in your area? NY is a big state. Some people might be willing to sell certain varieties for cheap, or even give them away. GL.

 

[alf03]

I've bought some online before... If it's from a big vendor they usually show you pics of the actual frags and not just mother colony shots... Just got to worry about them enhancing the colors to sell them... Most vendors also don't ship in extreme cold weather or they know to use a heat pack... I like to buy locally with other fellow reefers... Luckily I have a lot of high end stores here locally in CA... Also, be careful and make sure you read DOA policies cuz I've had people who've had issues by not reading them before buying and the seller didn't want to replace or refund!

I'm getting a few polyps from online that will arrive tomorrow! Soo just be careful and always ask for WYSIWYG pics so your not disappointed with what you get when you put em in your tank...

 

[650-IS350]

I stay away from vendors that show pictures of all blue back ground, egg crates or plugs looking like they're purple/blue or unnatural color. or the new thing been seeing it just a photo of the actual coral but the whole back ground is black so you can't tell right away if the image is altered as their is no back ground colors to distinguish.

 

[terrypercula]

If you're ever out in Buffalo I have a few different ones usually not in stores. I have bought online and I always fear the enhancement of photos plus what color temperature the photo is taken under and what you run can make a world of difference too. It's the chance you take I guess.

 

[terrypercula]

Do you have any clubs in your area? NY is a big state. Some people might be willing to sell certain varieties for cheap, or even give them away. GL.

This. If you're not on Upstate Reef Society stop by and say hi.

 

[fragbox]

I stay away from vendors that show pictures of all blue back ground, egg crates or plugs looking like they're purple/blue or unnatural color. or the new thing been seeing it just a photo of the actual coral but the whole back ground is black so you can't tell right away if the image is altered as their is no back ground colors to distinguish.

great advice