If you maintain an aquarium as a hobby, you definitely know how much it costs to keep it clean, complete, and attractive. You may have even lost account of how much money you have invested -and will keep on investing- in it. So, looking for a way to recover at least some of your spent budget, you come up with the idea of coral farming. But what is actually necessary in order to make it a profitable business?
To grow coral for profit, it is necessary to have at least one suitable tank for them to spread. Thorough research on fragging techniques, water parameters, feeding needs, and growth control is key for corals to prosper. Equipment and expenses are also vital factors.
Keeping a coral farm for profit may be a very rewarding activity, both financially and entertaining. In this article, you will find all you need to know in order to keep your corals attractive for customers. Keep on reading, and learn more about this interesting undertaking you can keep in your own house!
How to Grow Coral for Profit?
Generating an income on your own always sounds like a good idea. Doing so by performing a hobby in your own house is even better. Growing a coral farm for profit is a perfect way of recovering some of the money invested in your aquarium. It means spending money on something you enjoy doing, and thus producing funds to keep on improving it. Now, what does it take to grow a coral farm?
As an aquarium owner, you are already aware that each coral requires its specific cares. Some of them are easier to maintain, others tend to be more complex -yet not impossible. As a starter in this business, at least one suitable tank will do. It is very important to know what you are growing, and deciding if it would be a good idea to make your different corals share a same environment. This may result in the need of a second tank, or a bigger one to let your corals spread in comfort, depending on the species you decide to farm.
On the other hand, and once space has ceased to be an issue, maintenance becomes a top priority. Keeping your tank clean, checking on water parameters, special direct or indirect feeding and population control are some of the keys to keep your corals healthy and attractive for any potential buyer. Furthermore, fragging techniques vary in great scale for each type of coral. Accuracy when doing so ensures your coral will continue to grow and spread despite the fact that you cut off a part of it.
Fragging Tools and Techniques
As stated above, each coral has different requirements when it comes to fragging. So, if your idea is to keep them happy and healthy, you should try to strictly satisfy those demands. Moreover, each fragging technique works best with a particular tool. Although it is true that there are certain fragging kits out there on sale, most elements they contain can be easily replaced by everyday objects.
To begin with, a sharp tool such as a razor blade, a scalpel, stainless-steel scissors, and wire or bone cutters will come in handy for sure. These are tools that you may already have at home, so that you do not need to invest any money in them. Remember that the main idea is to recover what you spend on your own aquarium, so we will try to shorten any extra expense as much as possible. Each of the mentioned tools will be useful depending on the type of coral, so it would be a good idea to have at least three of them.
On the other hand, some corals will need to be detached from the rock they are settled on. To do so, other type of tool will be necessary. Once again, and even though you can buy them, try to first look around your own place and adjust this activity to a low budget. A flat screwdriver, a chisel, and a band saw will do perfectly for this kind of task. As it happens when cutting off part of the coral, it must be done with extreme care so as not to damage it.
Finally, re-attaching the coral to an aquarium rock requires a new tool. In this case, it may be necessary to invest in order to do it right. Cyanoacrylate glue is one of the most recommended products to do so. There are different brands that work with this kind of coral-safe adhesive, and quality for this type of activity is not that important. Remember the idea is to “help” the coral to attach. In time, it will grow back on the desired rock and stay there on its own.
What Type of Corals Can You Grow for Profit?
The types of coral that you decide on growing for profit will depend mostly on what you think will attract more potential buyers. However, it is important to always bear in mind that you have to be able to maintain them, too. As a brief guide, here is a chart with some possibilities to choose from. You can also check this article I’ve written on some of the best corals for fragging.
| Coral Type | Main Characteristics | Fragging Technique |
| Mushroom Coral | Very fast growth. Its name comes from the shape the trunk adopts when it extends. Difficult to find in the market. | Tools: Razor blade or scalpel, chisel. Detach from rock using the chisel and cut through the mouth. |
| Green Star Polyp | Very fast growth. Fragging is almost a must to control population and spread. Very tough coral and easy to maintain. Can undertake harsh conditions or rookie mistakes. Grows onto almost any surface. | Tools: Bare hands, any sharp cutting object. To frag, simply tear it using your own bare hands. To completely detach it from a rock, cut close along the surface. |
| Toadstool Leather Coral | It cleans itself of undesired elements by retracting into its own waxy layer. Releases a toxic substance when cut. Easy to find in the market. | Tools: Scissors, rocks, rubber bands. Take care of the stock when cutting. Cut in ring shape. Use the rubber band to attach to the new rock. Wash thoroughly to avoid any kind of danger. |
How to Make Your Coral Farm a Profitable Business?
Starting your own undertaking is always something exciting to do. However, you should never forget the main idea, which is to recover at least part of what you invest in your own aquarium. This is why possessing knowledge on how to take care of your coral farm, no matter how much, is not enough to make it a profitable business.
Firstly, and before you even buy a tank for your coral farm business, it is of vital importance to do some research on how necessary it would be for your local area. Do you live near an aquarium shop? What kind of corals are easy or difficult to obtain in your neighborhood? Is there a big aquarium community who would be interested in what you have to offer? Profitable businesses always respond to a need. Thus, if there is no need, there will be no demand nor income.
Secondly, for your business to be successful and make profit out of it, you need to segment your audience. Of course, part of that job is already done, for it will be aquarium owners. Or would it? Local shops may also be potential buyers if you can provide something they do not have on sale. Think of a way to get to your customers without making it become a big expense. Make yourself known in the area as a coral provider.
Finally, you must always take into account other expenses that are not directly related to what you are about to offer. For example, your electricity bill will surely climb as more electrical devices may be necessary to maintain your corals. Cleaning products and tools are also something to bear in mind. And, once your undertaking launches and starts making profit, you will also have to consider publicity and delivery expenses.
Having your own profitable business and making it successful so as to recover what you invest is a very good idea. This is augmented by the fact of doing something you enjoy, so it does not come across as a burden to you. As long as you can achieve certain consistency in your work, you will always find the way to make it rewarding, both financially and personally speaking!