Help wanted!

[xdunaticx]

I've been doing a ton of research on coral propagation and coral farming and business. I would absolutely love to start doing this on a larger scale and take it from hobby to business aspect. I'm mainly more intrigued by the coral farming aspect of it, Similar to Austin Aqua Farms/Pacific East Aquaculture.

I guess my question is. Is there any of these types of business close by? Or anyone who has experience in this. I would love to pick some ones brain about it.

Also I know you need a business license to operate. But in a aquaculture aspect, is there any other licenses required?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Thanks!
:fish2:

 

[mattmann88]

I think Aqua Touch has some kind of breeding facility or something... Not entirely sure, but when I google them two locations come up, one is the store, and the other I'm not sure of. Worth a try... Pretty cool idea, it would be nice to be able to get ahold of some good looking coral locally and maybe at some decent prices.

 

[m-six hundred]

A good place to get info of this on is the Aquarius and southwest aquaculture.

 

[xdunaticx]

Thanks guys, I will check them both out, Aqua touch is a great store! I love their huge coral DT!

I would love to supply coral locally, that's the plan.

 

[dream54ing]

I believe PROP is one of a few groups, if not the only group, that actually culture/grow out corals. They are not a business, but a small group that is formed to help out our reefing community.

I don't think there are any lfs in the valley that does any type of "coral propagation or coral farming" Everything, if not most corals are either picked up from distributors or imported through LA.

In my opinion, the benefits for coral propagation and coral farming are very minimal for any type of business. The reefing community here is pretty small compared to other major city, so the IMO, there's no market. Too much time and money is required, otherwise local business will be all over this method.

Coral propagation and coral farming is a great idea, but when you can import or get4 corals for cheaper than growing it yourself, it doesn't make sense

 

[xdunaticx]

That's the thing, importing wouldn't be cheaper. Because shipping cost, doa rate. If they were within a driving distance. That automatically is saving money. I think there is a lot of people in the local arizona area that are really into the reef hobby.

 

[Stolireef]

Would this be a full time gig or just something on the side. I think you're going to find that it's very difficult to support yourself through propagation. I can think of only one major operation that does that (ORA) whereas all of the other larger operations run a combination of propagation and importing. Right now, the Phoenix region has several stores that carry a significant volume of corals. You'd be in competition with all of them in a market that's already pretty saturated. I'd suggest that once you put pencil to paper, the costs of running a propagation outfit would outstrip any potential revenue.

PROP farmers do not get any reimbursement for anything other than the price of the coral itself which is usually purchased after the group reaches a consensus. So, when we sell at auctions, we often sell at prices well below what you'd pay at a store or online. That said, there is no 'profit motive' so we don't mind.

 

[xdunaticx]

This would be a part time thing. Not a full time. If I moved it to a shipping situation. I can see it would get more involved and time consuming.

 

[dream54ing]

That's the thing, importing wouldn't be cheaper. Because shipping cost, doa rate. If they were within a driving distance. That automatically is saving money. I think there is a lot of people in the local arizona area that are really into the reef hobby.

It might not be cheaper, but much more profitable depending how much volume your trying to move. I can't believe any of our lfs have not looked into propagation, if its a "better" business alternative.
Coral propagation and coral farming is probably the "right" thing to do, but IMO not the most profitable.

Yes, there are many hobbyist in the valley, but hobbyist/population ratio compared to similar size cities are incomparable. I'm talking about real hobbyist and not someone who just wants a "Nemo" fish. I don't know the exact numbers, (after living in Dallas/Forth Worth and LA) a random guess, there are a least 2-3 times more reefer/hobbies as Phoenix.

As Allen mentioned, phx is pretty saturated and would be tough to make in the business side. If this is a part time thing, treat it as a hobby rather than a business. There are plenty of guys, including myself, who buy/sell/grow out/frag corals in their home as a part time gig. Most people do pretty well as a supplemental income.

 

[dream54ing]

to answer your questions, correct me if I'm wrong. no, you don't need a license do coral propagation and coral farming.

 

[xdunaticx]

Thanks for all the info guys I really appreciate it. Now the big question is. If you WERE to sell coral as a full time gig. What types of coral/live stock would you focus on?

 

[Stolireef]

Right now, Zoas and Palys are very hot, especially if they have a clean pedigree. Certain acros always command a good price as well as some of the specialty corals (certain acans, really unusual torches/frogspawns/hammers, etc.). If you want to get a feel for what's hot, attend a PROP auction.

 

[xdunaticx]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the advice, this should definitely help me move along!