Replacement Frags?

[Mr_Cool]

Is it wrong to ask another member to replace a frag that didn't make it in your tank? Of course, it would have to be of no fault of the person receiving the frag.

The reason I ask is that I got a frag of some zoos/palys (I can't remember which they REALLY were) that didn't make it for more than 2 days. The thing is, they came unattached at his house when I picked them up. He glued them back on, but when I got home and tried to place them in my tank, they came off again. I reattached them as best I could, but after a day or so, they wouldn't open. I tried to move them to a better spot in the tank, and of course, they came off again and blew under my rockwork where there's no way to get them. I contacted the seller right away and told him what happened and asked him if he could save me another frag next time he was fragging. This was about 3 months ago.

Well, a month or so ago, he sent me a PM to say that he had another frag. It seemed like he wanted me to pay for it though, so I just let it go. But today, I saw a thread that talked about someone picking up some "replacement frags" and I got to thinking. I guess I should have just asked in the first place, but I didn't want to seem like I was trying to get something for nothing.

Does this type of thing happen often? Am I out of line asking for a replacement this long after the frag was lost? Or, does it just depend on the individual? I guess I just don't want to break any rules of MAAST Etiquette. :unsure

[mathias]

intresting question.......


I see your example as something unique with the frag coming loose even at that persons house.... out of kindness I can see that person replacing the frag...


now I never sold a frag in my life but I have bought a lot of them... some make it and some don't


I have had sps frags not make it more than 2 days before you see it start to bleach but I don't think I can ask for a replacement because it was thriving in that persons tank so since it didn't make it its my fault right?


if not please let me know it will make me feel better

[hobogato]

i think it would have been better if you had just explained what happened and asked him for another rather than make it a public issue. if it was me, im sorry, i forgot. if not, i would have DEFINITELY wanted you to ask me personally before posting in a public forum.

[Texreefer]

i agree with Ace except for one addition... the seller has no control over buyers tank conditions and so i don't see how the seller would be obligated to replace it.. it would however be a courtesy under certain circumstances

[blueboy]

i have lost untold numbers of zoo, ric, and shroom frags from the very same thing. they can be really tricky to get to grab onto a piece of substrate. i think it just sort of comes with the nature of reefing. it may be a good idea to set up a safe area were you can keep an eye on a new frag for awhile, that's what i now try and do.

[jc]

I don't thing the seller is obligated to replace anything as long as they were in good condition to begin with. The way I see it, we buy frags at a discount because we don't have to pay shipping or tax. The other option is buying frags sight unseen online or buying larger colonies at lfs. You have to take the good with the bad.

[Mr_Cool]

mathias:

I know what you mean. I would liken zoos not opening to an SPS bleaching. But, when a frag comes loose and ends up under the rockwork, it doesn't have a chance, does it?
It just seems to me that since it had come loose at his place, that was the problem. I guess I should know not to buy it in the future if that happens.


Ace:

I really thought I had asked... without coming right out and saying it. I just didn't want him to think I'm a jerk 'cause I didn't know if asking was the right thing to do or not.
And, of course, it wasn't you. If it were you, I would have told Kristie. I know she would have MADE you give me another one.
(BTW, congrats on the new little reefer!)

[brewercm]

I would probably say no to this quesiton. I don't think that any business would give you a replacement if a frag or colony died on you after it left their tanks, they'd never make money and stay in business if they did. I treat frag buys the same way myself. I have had the person who sold me frags on several occasions ask me (either by PM or in person) if the frag I got was doing good, and on a couple of occasions they've offered to replace one that didn't make it on their own. Honestly though, I usually just say they are doing fine even if they aren't so they dont' feel guilty because odds are it was something in my tank (chemically, bad acclimation, fish, etc.) that caused it.

Just my .02 worth.

[apedroza]

I would also say no. I have bought many a frags and have lost some in the process. For the most part I usually ask for a replacement when they are ready to frag again, but I always expect to pay. There are a select few that will let you have them for free, but they are in no way obligated to do so. For all you know the zoa frag could be thriving behind the rock work. I have plenty of zoas and mushrooms that dislodge and end up behind the rock, but I see them thriving. Just take it as a loss and try again later.

[jrnannery]

I would give you a replacement. The way I look at it, either way, you are going to run your pumps, and your calcium reactors and your skimmer, et al. You are going to have to dose your tank with all manner of chemicals and additives and foodstuffs. You are going to spend money getting corals into your tank, and you are at that point forced to make them grow, just so they will stay around for your own enjoyment. The fact that they get large enough to become problematic from a purely aesthetic view is irrelevant. You wanted them there, and they grew.

Point is, you have to spend money to have your tank whether you frag or not. If you do charge for frags, you don't have to recoup your entire investment. This is my policy and the way I run my tank. The rest of you...do your thing. There is no right or wrong, I guess. I would replace it, though. I am just that generous.