Jaculus
New member
I know most everyone knows these things. I just think it might be good to compile a list of do's and don'ts in preparation for a trip to a Frag Swap (such as the upcoming LEAR one)
The list is NOT going to be complete and for sure some will disagree with some things,, feel free to make your additional suggestions below. It's just good to list out all the suggestions for first timers and even for those who think we've been to enough to know what we are doing lol.
In summary, be prepared for a great time, great selection and very competitive prices. Educate yourself on the types of corals you want and be specific on your target purchases. Set a "Cash" budget and then a HARD budget or ceiling for the rest. Be prepared with lists, photos, small cooler, charged phones etc but go INTO the swap lite. Plan to make a quick trip around to view all vendors tables with a map of the event highlighting your desired vendors. Car pool or travel with friends or club members when possible.
The list is NOT going to be complete and for sure some will disagree with some things,, feel free to make your additional suggestions below. It's just good to list out all the suggestions for first timers and even for those who think we've been to enough to know what we are doing lol.
[*]First - Set a budget. Set a realistic budget and a hard ceiling limit. I take my "budget" in cash. Then use a debit or credit card for what you MIGHT be tempted to spend for those "perfect" frags that you may want that might put you above budget.
[*]Second, do some research before you go. Decide on what TYPES of corals, colors and sizes you have the need for. Have a spot in mind for almost everything you want. Make sure BEFORE you go that the type of coral you want will work in the spot you have in mind. Taking home a prize coral that you have no spot for or are not prepared to give it's specific needs will usually end up in a dead coral.
[*]Most frag swaps can be very crowded and at times hectic. So travel INTO the facility LITE. Very LITE. Take a small cooler even if you are buying a lot. I prefer the fold up type coolers over the hard plastic igloo types for INSIDE the event. Take that cooler back to your vehicle to put in a larger cooler with gallon milk jugs with hot tap water or heat packs IF NEEDED. Then take the empty smaller cooler back into the facility to re-load. Having an assortment of old towels or blankets can help isolate frags and provide some stability in the cooler and wrap the outside for even more isolation of temperature IF needed.
[*]Print a map of the site layout ahead of time or grab one if provided at the event, use that to make your way around the facility once quickly on arrival to highlight the tables you wish to go back to because they have items of interest.
[*]Plan to arrive early IF you want to get the best frags of certain items that might be in short supply. BUT always TRY to stay to the end. Raffles are at the end AND often overlooked frags can OFTEN be sold at less than half original price at the very end. Don't PLAN on that but it is good to save a few bucks of your budget and grab a few extra good deals at the end.
[*]If you are traveling with friends or family, bring a deck of cards or something to entertain yourself outside the main area if you are done shopping and waiting for the raffle.
[*]Car-pooling to the event is often a great idea too. One person can bring a very large cooler then others just take your own smaller coolers for inside. Take a sharpie or other method of marking or separating each person's frags though.
[*]Bring a list of what you want printed out on paper. If you have access to a color printer, print a picture of your tank and make notes where you want to put certain items.
[*]Enter the show with your cell phone charged 100% lol.
[*]Many smaller hobbyists sell their frags on Reeftrader which allows you to see what you are buying or at least the mother colony. If you purchase or reserve these items ahead of time for pick up at the swap, bring the receipt or printout with the persons online name on it!!!! This is very important. These hobbyist/vendors will usually have a name tag or sign at their table.
[*]Go to the event with friends or family that have been to the shows before.
In summary, be prepared for a great time, great selection and very competitive prices. Educate yourself on the types of corals you want and be specific on your target purchases. Set a "Cash" budget and then a HARD budget or ceiling for the rest. Be prepared with lists, photos, small cooler, charged phones etc but go INTO the swap lite. Plan to make a quick trip around to view all vendors tables with a map of the event highlighting your desired vendors. Car pool or travel with friends or club members when possible.
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