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Featured Changes to frag swaps going forward

IOnceWasLegend

Frag Swap Coordinator
BOD
This is a less-than-fun post to write, so I'm going to jump right into it. Over the last several swaps, we've had a number of issues with people providing misidentified and/or unhealthy corals in the swaps. These issues have been particularly prevalent in bonus/ultra corals; compounding the issue, many of these corals were submitted without identifying information (e.g. username) on the containers. We've received a lot of complaints about this, and one member was burned twice.

One of the reasons I love this club—so much so that I'm still involved even though I live almost three hours away—is that many members are extremely generous, both materially and with their time, energy, and effort. That generosity deserves to be rewarded, and what's happened to some members is the exact opposite of that. It's the responsibility of participants in the swap to ensure the corals they're providing are healthy, and make a reasonable attempt to identify them. Ultimately, however, it is my responsibility as frag swap coordinator to minimize the odds of this happening again. So, with that being said, there will be some changes made moving forward:

1. All coral must be in a proper, transparent container with both the coral name and your username clearly written on top. This is already a rule, but it will be heavily enforced now. You can purchase clear deli containers at most supermarkets (my go-to is Smart&Final), or specimen cups here at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094WWSR1...pTwisterOG=1&titleSource=avft-a&newOGT=1&th=1

2. We will be beefing up the number of people doing coral check-in and coral inspection. One of the challenges with frag swaps is how hectic registration and check-in is. The number of volunteers we've had in the past was originally sufficient but, as we've had more people + more corals coming through, it's clear we need to beef up this team during check-in. This will help us ensure enforcement of point 1 above, as well as help make sure coral labels are correct & healthy/pest-free.

3. We will have a dedicated volunteer group for doing bonus/ultra coral check-ins. Previously, coral check-in and inspection volunteers handled both normal and bonus/ultra coral. It's become clear it's more efficient having a dedicated group to spend more time checking and inspecting bonus/ultra coral, both to make things faster and to help prevent any of the above issues.

As always, every swap is a chance to learn more and be better - so let's be better. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
 
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Worth doing an optional pre-reg process for these ultras? My assumption being the natural progression is:

Casual
--bad actor ruins things-->
Manual last moment process
--backup in processing-->
pre-reg

So maybe an opportunity to short circuit?

Also, random thought, would it be crazy to have corals get pulled out of the containers and put in a holding tank? That seems like a way to accidentally spread a bunch of badness, but maybe with clean, warm, aerated, water for a short period it might not be enough time to spread things?
 
Sounds like good changes!

Also, I’ve been thinking about another change, wanted to see what everyone thinks.

Seems like when there are nice corals that fall off of the bonus/ultra list, or just dont make it in the first place, people are less inclined to bring them, and wait for them to be added to the list again. I feel like euphyllia are always in high demand, but generally arent brought for the regular rounds. I feel like it would be cool to have an “extra round” where there is a short list of higher demand coral that dont make the cut for bonus rounds. Can bring one coral max, take one coral max, and just have one round, this round would go before bonus/ultra. Cons would be having an extra round for swaps, taking more time, and a bit more complexity overall.

Maybe its a bit redundant, but I just wanted to see everyone’s thoughts on the idea
 
Gotta admit that’s why I stopped doing swaps a long time ago. Props to you Josh for doing this
Agree with @Coral reefer , if you have any feedback on what we can improve, please let us know here or privately. Didn't see anything on the feedback form that we reviewed last BOD meeting other than positive swap feedback and we want to make sure everyone has a positive experience!
 
Its been a few years since Ive been to one. Reason I stopped doing swaps was the condition of some of the corals I grabbed. Noticed really once I got home. Im not saying things haven't changed since Ive been to one so Im not putting them down. But at the time I was going I noticed there are some reefers that either knew or didnt know they were giving sick or dieing corals
 
Didn't see anything on the feedback form that we reviewed last BOD meeting other than positive swap feedback and we want to make sure everyone has a positive experience!
This seems to conflict with
We've received a lot of complaints about this, and one member was burned twice.

Seems that there shouldn't be a problem enforcing already existing rules, I mean the one I went to Brisbane last time I noticed one of my lobos was removed from a container and kept aside, now I didn't follow up on it, not sure if they wanted to turn the two I put into one container as two separate containers of frags or if there was a pest that maybe I didn't see on it or it wasn't healthy, but conversely I never received feedback on the issue either and my name was written on the container. Granted those were the last of my lobos that I wanted to move on from, so it's no skin off my back, and again it could have been something as simple as "hey we can turn one frag container of corals into two really easily" which I wouldn't need feedback on either.
 
This seems to conflict with


Seems that there shouldn't be a problem enforcing already existing rules, I mean the one I went to Brisbane last time I noticed one of my lobos was removed from a container and kept aside, now I didn't follow up on it, not sure if they wanted to turn the two I put into one container as two separate containers of frags or if there was a pest that maybe I didn't see on it or it wasn't healthy, but conversely I never received feedback on the issue either and my name was written on the container. Granted those were the last of my lobos that I wanted to move on from, so it's no skin off my back, and again it could have been something as simple as "hey we can turn one frag container of corals into two really easily" which I wouldn't need feedback on either.

The comments on the feedback form didn't have anything negative regarding the swaps, so I'm glad @tankguy responded here and I'm glad you're giving feedback here too @sfsuphysics (thank you!)

The member that got burned twice was @ReyDeFarts so we've heard the feedback directly during board meetings and Josh is implementing changes based on that here.
 
I've also gotten bonus/ultra corals that were very unhealthy and some hammers that were cut through the head itself. Which I couldn't tell at the time of picking due to the container not being see through.

It was one of the reasons why I didn't participate in the last frag swap as I generally try to bring a decent amount of high end coral.

So seeing this change announced is definitely a positive change in my mind.
 
I noticed one of my lobos was removed from a container and kept aside, now I didn't follow up on it, not sure if they wanted to turn the two I put into one container as two separate containers of frags
If I am remembering correctly, and I may not be, I believe this is exactly what happened. The two you brought in one container were generously sized, so at the check in table, we decided to split them into two separate containers so that two people could benefit from your generosity as opposed to one person. I think this was mentioned to you at the table when we received your frags and you were indifferent to the idea though it was loud and hectic at check-in so it’s possible things may have not been best communicated/heard.
 
Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to discuss this, but this thread has brought up some worries for me to now participate in any future frag swaps. Simply for fear of disappointing. I am somewhat a newbie to reefing and also to fragging. I have not had many failures yet fragging but am now worried that i could unintentionally pass off something that was not in good health. I also find labeling somewhat difficult topic. I have received frags (from the swap) that didnt have names. And of course we all leave stores to get home and ask ourselves "what is the real name of this thing". So in the end, its an educated guess. Itsnt that how it is anyway? So i see a big fear of being wrong with identification, even though ive done my best to be accurate.

So, i thought id ask. Are frag swaps not a place for my current experience and understanding? Should i just come as an observer? Of course I would not premeditatedly bring an unhealthy coral. Am i overthinking this from my inexperience? The last thing i want to do is go buy some frags just to use in the trade so that i can have deniability on if there is a problem. To me, as a newbie, i see the frag swap as two different things. A place for people to trade high end and sought after stuff and probably cheaper than a LFS, or a carnival of corals and its a free for all if you want to add them to your hobbyist or frankenstein tank. But all in all, is just a place for reefers to get together. And it shouldn't really be all about the frags anyway. But i also dont take this stuff as seriously as some. And understand how a higher bar could be beneficial. I just hope im not pushed out due to being a normie.
 
Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to discuss this, but this thread has brought up some worries for me to now participate in any future frag swaps. Simply for fear of disappointing. I am somewhat a newbie to reefing and also to fragging. I have not had many failures yet fragging but am now worried that i could unintentionally pass off something that was not in good health. I also find labeling somewhat difficult topic. I have received frags (from the swap) that didnt have names. And of course we all leave stores to get home and ask ourselves "what is the real name of this thing". So in the end, its an educated guess. Itsnt that how it is anyway? So i see a big fear of being wrong with identification, even though ive done my best to be accurate.

So, i thought id ask. Are frag swaps not a place for my current experience and understanding? Should i just come as an observer? Of course I would not premeditatedly bring an unhealthy coral. Am i overthinking this from my inexperience? The last thing i want to do is go buy some frags just to use in the trade so that i can have deniability on if there is a problem. To me, as a newbie, i see the frag swap as two different things. A place for people to trade high end and sought after stuff and probably cheaper than a LFS, or a carnival of corals and its a free for all if you want to add them to your hobbyist or frankenstein tank. But all in all, is just a place for reefers to get together. And it shouldn't really be all about the frags anyway. But i also dont take this stuff as seriously as some. And understand how a higher bar could be beneficial. I just hope im not pushed out due to being a normie.

Names, as in things like “xyz’s rainbow super acro” are not necessary to know. “Green acro” “orange mushroom” is good enough for the most part unless it’s a Bonus coral, some of which do have specific names

Also, if during labeling, you need help identifying a coral, take a picture and we’ll try to help

I think swaps are neither a place for super high-end, nor a free for all. It’s a semi-organized way for people to get to trade their frags for more variety. There will be a spectrum from super nice stuff all the way to some very basic corals. If you have time, read the general frag swap info thread to get a vague idea on how it works

There will be corals for everyone. If you’re not comfortable doing SPS, there will be LPS and softies for you. You also will meet some super knowledgeable reefers you can ask advice from

I don’t think this thread is saying “don’t come if you’re not an advanced reefer”, it’s “bring healthy pieces please”
 
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Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to discuss this, but this thread has brought up some worries for me to now participate in any future frag swaps. Simply for fear of disappointing. I am somewhat a newbie to reefing and also to fragging. I have not had many failures yet fragging but am now worried that i could unintentionally pass off something that was not in good health. I also find labeling somewhat difficult topic. I have received frags (from the swap) that didnt have names. And of course we all leave stores to get home and ask ourselves "what is the real name of this thing". So in the end, its an educated guess. Itsnt that how it is anyway? So i see a big fear of being wrong with identification, even though ive done my best to be accurate.

So, i thought id ask. Are frag swaps not a place for my current experience and understanding? Should i just come as an observer? Of course I would not premeditatedly bring an unhealthy coral. Am i overthinking this from my inexperience? The last thing i want to do is go buy some frags just to use in the trade so that i can have deniability on if there is a problem. To me, as a newbie, i see the frag swap as two different things. A place for people to trade high end and sought after stuff and probably cheaper than a LFS, or a carnival of corals and its a free for all if you want to add them to your hobbyist or frankenstein tank. But all in all, is just a place for reefers to get together. And it shouldn't really be all about the frags anyway. But i also dont take this stuff as seriously as some. And understand how a higher bar could be beneficial. I just hope im not pushed out due to being a normie.
Have you been to one of our swaps yet? When I bring frags for the swap i just think would this be something I'd be happy getting.
 
Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to discuss this, but this thread has brought up some worries for me to now participate in any future frag swaps. Simply for fear of disappointing. I am somewhat a newbie to reefing and also to fragging. I have not had many failures yet fragging but am now worried that i could unintentionally pass off something that was not in good health. I also find labeling somewhat difficult topic. I have received frags (from the swap) that didnt have names. And of course we all leave stores to get home and ask ourselves "what is the real name of this thing". So in the end, its an educated guess. Itsnt that how it is anyway? So i see a big fear of being wrong with identification, even though ive done my best to be accurate.

So, i thought id ask. Are frag swaps not a place for my current experience and understanding? Should i just come as an observer? Of course I would not premeditatedly bring an unhealthy coral. Am i overthinking this from my inexperience? The last thing i want to do is go buy some frags just to use in the trade so that i can have deniability on if there is a problem. To me, as a newbie, i see the frag swap as two different things. A place for people to trade high end and sought after stuff and probably cheaper than a LFS, or a carnival of corals and its a free for all if you want to add them to your hobbyist or frankenstein tank. But all in all, is just a place for reefers to get together. And it shouldn't really be all about the frags anyway. But i also dont take this stuff as seriously as some. And understand how a higher bar could be beneficial. I just hope im not pushed out due to being a normie.
I think the fact that you are worried about these issues and taking the time to write a couple paragraphs about your concerns means you are NOT one of the people to be worried about.

For bonus and ultra corals, there is an extra expectation you will have proper labeling and higher standards of health of the coral. People who bring nice (expensive) bonus/ultra to share and come home with something dying or not even what it claimed to be are the ones getting annoyed. The large majority of the corals brought are not bonus/ultra though and are not held to the same exacting standards.

As a newer reefer, you most likely are not bringing bonus/ultra, or at least not joining specifically for that aspect of the swap. In which case, those issues are way less important. If you bring at least 3 healthy frags labeled as best you can in proper containers, you are doing great and will have no problems. The best way to assure you are bringing healthy frags is to frag them a couple weeks ahead of time so you can see they are healthy when you pack them up on the day of. There are types of corals you can frag closer to the event and be fine, but it takes time to get the hang of it and so I’m just giving you more conservative advice so you don’t worry about it.

As far as labeling the coral, for non-bonus, if you only know the type of coral, you can give that. You can also post a thread with some pics and people can tell you the special names if you want, it can be super helpful anyway to know.

Really the discussion here is about tightening up our enforcement to make sure people are meeting the basic minimum standards we’ve always had, because for whatever reason we’ve had some issues lately with a few people not even trying to meet them and slipping through. Basic fairness stuff, not meant to exclude anyone.

You should absolutely come and participate.
 
My 2 cents, and I’m sure there are many differing opinions, but overall, I believe you’re overthinking it and a lot of this is really just common reefing sense.

Newbies to reefing and fragging are welcome at swaps. Every supporting member (unless it’s an open swap) is welcome, whether you participate in the swap itself or not. I’ve been to many and they’re great.

Whether you’re new to or a pro at fragging, be mindful of “healing time” if you are fragging anything specifically for a swap. For example, if you plan to bring a chalice to the swap, don’t frag it the night before or morning of the swap, that is a terrible idea. It’ll endure the stress of the fragging, packing, transport and chances are, by the time it makes it into the recipients tank, it’ll be in rough shape. Then you’ll have an upset recipient who may think they received an unhealthy coral when in hindsight, it just wasn’t given time to heal post-fragging. Frag it a week or two in advance, observe it, make sure the cut edges have fresh tissue growth. Make sure it looks like a frag you would pay full retail price for if you walked into a LFS and picked it out. Same for any other coral.

Also, look out for pests. I doubt anyone on this forum would walk into a LFS, see a frag covered with aiptasia and say damn I want to buy that. Or see a tank marked “infested with AEFW buy at your own risk” and choose to buy Acros for their SPS dominant setup from that specific tank. If your frag plug is covered 75% in hair algae and 25% is the coral, again, probably not something people would be keen on picking up. If you know you have pests, put them on the label clearly. If you know you have pests that can wreak havoc on a tank and are not easily treatable and not pests you’d pay money to have in your tank, just don’t bring the frag.

As for names, use your best guess. Worst case, bring a picture of the coral and a sharpie and when you’re checking in, someone can identify the coral for you and you can add it to the label.
 
Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to discuss this, but this thread has brought up some worries for me to now participate in any future frag swaps. Simply for fear of disappointing. I am somewhat a newbie to reefing and also to fragging. I have not had many failures yet fragging but am now worried that i could unintentionally pass off something that was not in good health. I also find labeling somewhat difficult topic. I have received frags (from the swap) that didnt have names. And of course we all leave stores to get home and ask ourselves "what is the real name of this thing". So in the end, its an educated guess. Itsnt that how it is anyway? So i see a big fear of being wrong with identification, even though ive done my best to be accurate.

So, i thought id ask. Are frag swaps not a place for my current experience and understanding? Should i just come as an observer? Of course I would not premeditatedly bring an unhealthy coral. Am i overthinking this from my inexperience? The last thing i want to do is go buy some frags just to use in the trade so that i can have deniability on if there is a problem. To me, as a newbie, i see the frag swap as two different things. A place for people to trade high end and sought after stuff and probably cheaper than a LFS, or a carnival of corals and its a free for all if you want to add them to your hobbyist or frankenstein tank. But all in all, is just a place for reefers to get together. And it shouldn't really be all about the frags anyway. But i also dont take this stuff as seriously as some. And understand how a higher bar could be beneficial. I just hope im not pushed out due to being a normie.
I thought these were some reasonable comments you made and I would be curious to know if the responses you received answered the questions you had?
 
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