2010 Fall All Ohio Frag Swap, Sunday, September 26th, at The Grotto

[Zeppelin]

The CORA All Ohio Frag Swap at the Grotto!! 
- HUGE parking lot
- Plenty of electric (See note).
- "Early bird" hobbyist space (allows 1/2 table guaranteed space and setup approx. 2 hours prior to event)
- Periodic Raffle (we will have multiple items to be raffled off at multiple specific times during the day)
 - Food and Refreshments.
 - Watch for more information to come about vendors and raffle items.

WHEN: Sunday, September 26th, Noon to 4pm

WHERE: The Achbar Grotto, Columbus Ohio  website: http://www.columbusgrottotemple.com/
Mapquest link
Google link
ENTRY FEES:
- Vendors-$100 (8 foot table), plus a $25 club donation item.
- Early Bird Setup 4' space - $25 (members) $35 (non members)
 A swap page will be setup soon for vendor and early bird space
- General entry - $5 (non members), FREE to CORA members and immediate family members.

There will be 1/3 table space available on a 1st come/1st serve basis once doors open for those wishing to sell/trade but not pay for a reserved space(no electric available for these spaces, and NO SETUPS/TANKS.  You will be required to have corals in small containers or bags to utilize these spots). You will be limited to 1/3 of a table only. If you need more space, you will need to purchase 'early bird' table space.


Note: Swappers/vendors, per 4 foot space, you will be limited to 250 watts of light, a pump/filter and 1 heater(may have a second heater for vendors and early bird setup, just to warm the water initially but it must be removed before the event start time)-NO EXCEPTIONS-if you exceed the lighting limit you will be asked to turn the light off and you will forfeit any registration fee).  Early Bird swapper setups will also be limited to 15 gallons of water volume.  Water volume will be checked using the L x W x H of your setup, and limit WILL BE ENFORCED.  We had a few pretty unsafe setups last year that require us to monitor water volume more closely this year.  TO ALL SWAPPERS: Do not put items out in the isles in front of your tables.  The isles were made wider last year to allow for more comfortable foot travel for those browsing the selection of live and hard goods.  Putting used tanks, etc. in the isles, in front of your table space, is a safety issue, as well as a hindrance to foot traffic.

We have had close to 400 attendees in year's past and hope that you will help us match or exceed that number again this year.

Fragswapper will be activated approximately 30 days prior to the event date.

Start fragging now. We look forward to seeing you in September!

[Reefinmike]

cant wait!

[Seano Hermano]

Hopefully I can go! Even better, will be if my tank is up & cycled by then!

[HUNGER]

mite have to get some car pools togther

[Zeppelin]

This is looking to be another great event.  The following vendors have already confirmed attendance.

Buckeye Field Supply

Midwest Saltwater

GEO

Info and raffle donation item listings are here:
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

[Zeppelin]

Another Confirmed vendor:

Aquatic Specialists 

Be sure to swing by the main swap page at http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap to get a full vendor list as well as a list of all the cool raffle items coming in.  This is gonna be another killer CORA event!  Get the date in your calendar now.

[Zeppelin]

Another Confirmed vendor:

Cherry Corals 

The main swap page http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap is looking bigger and bigger.  There are going to be some real stellar corals available again this year.  Fragswapper should be up in a few weeks.

[lazylivin]

This is going to be perfect timing to get the new tank stocked. Really looking forward to it.

[HUNGER]

ya so get to work and get the tank up and running 

[Zeppelin]

Yep.  Shaping up to be another stellar swap. 

Another confirmed vendor

Marine Solutions

[Zeppelin]

Another confirmed vendor:

Reef Systems

[Zeppelin]

Two more confirmed vendors:

YZ Reef

Phishy Business 

Swing by the main swap page http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap to get a full list of vendors and raffle items.  This year's CORA All Ohio Frag Swap is going to be the place to be in late September to get your reefer fix.

[Zeppelin]

I have had a few questions about the 15 gallon maximum for hobbyist early bird setup, and how to find out what amount of water is in your setup.  Here are a few examples.

24 x 12 x 12 = approx. 15 gallons
24 x 24 x 6 = approx. 15 gallons
36 x 16 x 6 = approx. 15 gallons
48 x 12 x 6 = approx. 15 gallons
48 x 10 x 7 =  approx. 15 gallons

Here is a calculator you can use:
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/information/calculate.htm

[Zeppelin]

Three more confirmed vendors:

Coral Ranch

Chief Reef

Premium Aquatics 

Swing by the main swap page http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap to get a full list of vendors and raffle items. 

Look for fragswapper to be activated next weekend.  If you plan on attending, be sure to go out to the CORA fragswapper page when it goes active and register yourself and anyone coming with you.  We look forward to breaking an attendance record this year with all your help.

[stickboy_107]

Stickied this for you

[Zeppelin]

Thanks for the stickie. 

Another confirmed vendor:

Paul's Corals

Thats it for vendor spaces.  All vendor spaces are FULL.

[Zeppelin]

Fragswapper is up!!

Be sure to go out to the fragswapper site and register yourself to attend.  You can also post those frags you wish to sell or trade.  Lets see what everyone has.

http://www.fragswapper.com/

[Zeppelin]

94 attendees and well over 60 different types of frags already listed on fragswapper in less than a week.  WOW!!  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered, and get your frags listed. 
www.fragswapper.com

Early bird tables are starting to fill up and are now open to non CORA members also.  Get a spot before they are all gone.

Also, be sure to periodically check our main swap page for a listing of the raffle items coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Special thanks to Hollback for whipping up this cool banner.

[TechGuy]

I am going simply because of that poster...

[cyberwollf]

I am going simply because of that poster...

I went last year.... It was as long long time ago in a city far far away.

[TechGuy]

I went last year.... It was as long long time ago in a city far far away.

Ahahaha.

I went too. And I took the wrong exit, not once, not twice, but three times on the way home. I seen alot of columbus that day. Big stupid circle it was.

[Zeppelin]

Let the force guide you home my son and all will be well........or you can just do a reverse google maps.   

[Sunny]

I took the wrong exit, not once, not twice, but three times on the way home.

Are you blond  

[Zeppelin]

Almost 150 attendees listed on fragswapper alone, and lots of different types of frags listed there also.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, and get your frags listed.
www.fragswapper.com

Early bird tables are filling up and are now open to non CORA members also. Get a spot before they are all gone.

Also, be sure to periodically check our main swap page for a listing of the raffle items coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

[Zeppelin]

Almost 200 attendees listed on fragswapper now.  We need to get more frags listed everyone.  What do you have?  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, and get your frags listed.
www.fragswapper.com

Some Early Bird tables are still available. Get a spot before they are all gone.

Also, be sure to periodically check our main swap page for a listing of the raffle items that have been coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

[Zeppelin]

Almost 250 attendees listed on fragswapper now.  Some nice frags are being listed in the last several days.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, and get your frags listed.
www.fragswapper.com

A few Early Bird tables are still available. Get a spot before they are all gone.

Also, be sure to periodically check our main swap page for a listing of the raffle items that have been coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Only a few weeks away now.  There are definitely going to be some very happy tanks when this one is in the books.

[Midwest Express]

I am going simply because of that poster...

Count me in... here's to hoping I finish my plumbing here and get the tank cycling!  My 75 might be a multi level frag tank for a week or two. HAHA

Also, can I get one of those posters?! 

[Zeppelin]

Also, can I get one of those posters?! 

Just right click it and hit 'print'. 

[Midwest Express]

Just right click it and hit 'print'. 

I'm gonna make it a decent size print so I can frame it. Put on the tank room wall. First big swap for me! Haha

[TechGuy]

I'm gonna make it a decent size print so I can frame it. Put on the tank room wall. First big swap for me! Haha

First big swap? Trust me on this one, bring cash, and lots of it. Small bills

[Midwest Express]

I went to one in columbus a couple years ago, but it would be like holding a frag swap where my pool table is at.

I will make it rain with $1's. haha  Can't wait for the show!

[Zeppelin]

Ya, a couple years ago, the previous officers tried something different and downsized the swap tremendously, kind of 'old school' style.  Last year we went back to our tried and true large space, due to popular demand.  You wont be disappointed.  Its shaping up to be a killer event.  Fragswapper has some tremendous looking frags that have been put up recently, and the attending vendors always have more eye candy than I can handle. 

[Zeppelin]

Heading toward the 300 attendees mark on fragswapper now.  Sweet frags are still being listed by attendees.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, and get your frags listed.
www.fragswapper.com

A couple Early Bird tables are still available.

The main swap page is being periodically updated with a listing of the raffle items that have been coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Getting real close to the day now.  Is everybody ready?

[Zeppelin]

Knocking on the 300 attendees mark on fragswapper now.  Some interesting hard goods are also being listed by attendees.  Multiple pumps, new geo frag tank, as well as some nice sps and lps.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, and get your frags and equipment listed.
www.fragswapper.com

A couple Early Bird tables are still available.

The main swap page has been updated recently with some new raffle items that have been coming in.  Nice big Marineland Canister Filter just added  courtesy of United Pet Group.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Only 11 days now.  Hope to see everyone there.

[Zeppelin]

As some of you may have heard, Aquatic Specialists has bowed out of the swap this year.  And my apologies to this new vendor for not getting their information out when we initially got with them, but we feel very fortunate to be able to announce that Dr Mac / Pacific East Aquaculture was chosen to fill the vacated vendor spot.  Pacific East Aquaculture always has some very cool stuff, and lots of it.  This addition is sure to add value to your swap experience this year.

As we approach the swap date, please keep a few things in mind.  Bring small bills.  $1s, $5s, $10s and $20s.  Courtesy to the sellers by not requiring them to make change for large bills is something we always try to encourage.  The swap opens at Noon.  We hope to have CORA Swap Committee personnel outside the building before hand to take your entrance fee, so we can streamline your getting into the swap when it does open.  Please have your $5 in exact change ready.  Please be respectful to everyone else.  Sometimes, especially at the beginning, it can get a little crowded, especially with people walking around with coolers. 

Also, sellers, especially early bird sellers, take some time and go over the expectations and requirements for setting up at this year's swap.  This includes water volume maximums, as well as heating and light expectations.  Remember, you must keep your goods on top of the tables.  Do not put things out in front of your table.  This is a safety issue first and foremost, but also cuts down on the isle width we are trying to maintain for everyone's convenience.

We will have a full kitchen going with hotdogs, chili dogs, sloppy joes and chicken sandwiches, along with chips, soda and water.  Bring an appetite as all sales benefits CORA.  A second building behind the main swap area will be available for anyone wanting to get out of the madness for awhile to eat peacefully, or just chat in a more relaxed environment.  Feel free to take advantage of that extra space for that, but do not setup any frags for sale there.

Most of all-ENJOY YOURSELVES!!  While it is allot of work for the swap committee, and I would like to thank all of them for their help this year, we all do it so all of you have a great time and go home with a ton of frags for your tank.  Thank you to everyone planning to attend this year for helping make the CORA All Ohio Frag Swap another successful annual event for our club.  If you are a Central Ohio resident and are not yet a member of CORA, you can do so by visiting our website at www.corareef.org or becoming a member at this year's swap.  There will be a member's table up near the main raffle stage where you can get questions about the club answered and/or pay your membership dues.  We hope to see everyone next Sunday.

[Zeppelin]

Past the 300 attendees mark on fragswapper now!  Some very cool frags have been listed by attendees in the last few days.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, get your frags listed, or reserve some of the stellar stuff that is listed.
www.fragswapper.com

A couple Early Bird tables are still available.

The main swap page is being periodically updated with a listing of the raffle items that have been coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!!!!  This IS the main event this weekend for sure.

[Zeppelin]

Approaching 350 attendees on fragswapper now!  Some very cool frags are still being listed by attendees.  Be sure to check fragswapper often.  If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, get your frags listed, or reserve some of the stellar stuff that is listed.
www.fragswapper.com

A couple Early Bird tables are still available.

The main swap page is being periodically updated with a listing of the raffle items that have been coming in.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!!!!  This still IS the place to find the BEST deals this weekend for sure.  Be sure not to blow your cash before Sunday.  Looks like there will be some stellar corals and I'm sure some sweet deals from vendors and swappers alike.

When you get to the swap and pay your entry fee, you will be given a name tag with your username on it.  Be sure to wear it somewhere visible, as that is how other swappers are going to be able to find you easily.  MAKE SURE YOU GET A NAME TAG!  Those arriving early and waiting in line will be able to pay and get your name tag prior to the doors opening.  That way when Noon arrives you can just walk in and start buying away.

Special THANKS to the Frag Swap Committee that will be taking time out to help run everything Sunday.  We will have a membership table up where you can find out more about CORA and even become a member, a 50/50 raffle going that is sure to be a nice haul for someone and a full kitchen with sandwiches, chips, pop, water and COFFEE.  See everyone in a few days.

[Zeppelin]

If you haven't already, be sure to get out to fragswapper and get registered for the event, get your frags listed, or reserve some of the stellar stuff that is listed.
www.fragswapper.com

The main swap page was recently updated with new raffle items that have been coming in.  Some very cool stuff to be had.
http://www.corareef.org/forum/index.php?pageid=fragswap

Sunday is only a couple days away now!!!!!!  This is THE PLACE to find THE BEST deals this weekend for sure.  Be sure not to blow your cash before Sunday, and to bring it to The CORA All Ohio Frag Swap at The Grotto for the best selection of corals anywhere in Central Ohio, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.  Looks like there will be a huge variety of stellar corals and I'm sure some very sweet deals from our wide selection of vendors and swappers.  Some of the eye candy showing up on frag swapper and some of the vendor forums requires very dark sunglasses!

See everyone Sunday.

[Zeppelin]

One last bump.

See everyone tomorrow.  Looks to be a stellar time with some very cool corals showing up.

[Zeppelin]

Remember everyone, please have correct change this morning if possible for your $5 entry fee, and bring small bills ($5s, $10s, $20s) to purchase frags with. 

See everyone at Noon.

Thanks again for helping make this year's CORA All Ohio Frag Swap a success.

[CoralBeauties]

this swap has been one of my favs and I was impressed with the attendance again this year.  I hate to complain but please when people pay at the door ask if they are registered on frag swapper and have them put that swapper name on the name tag.  with everyones real names on the tags it is almost impossible to find your trades and purchases.   Makes it real frustrating.
thanks for the great swap.
Jeff

[HUNGER]

good point

[Zeppelin]

Ya, we were asking for usernames to go on the nametags , but some just wanted to use their real names.  I agree, usernames make it allot easier.  We'll definitely stress it more next year.

Glad you all made it out.  Rough attendance count is around 350 or so again this year.  That line waiting out front for Noon was amazing.  Only 1 mishap with a seam going on one of the early bird's acrylic tanks that needed cleaned up.  A first for our swap.  Some amazing corals available.  I grabbed 3 of the ultra acans from Cherry Corals.

Thanks for helping make this another successful event.

[CoralBeauties]

i was asked my name to put on the name tag but the girls I dont think knew to stress the frag swappers name to be used.  great swap though.

[kattz]

It was a good swap, but I have a great idea; internet connection so people can use credit cards.  I'm not carrying $300-400 in cash without a sidearm in an unknown location, and concealed carry isn't allowed in the building.  I can also say that I overheard visitors and guests grousing about this (the lack of an internet connection, not the inability to carry a concealed weapon).  BTW, many vendors wouldn't take a check, either.  So, maybe a point for next years' gig, coz without it, I won't be coming again.  Hate to be the one complaining, whiny voice, but, well, there it is.

Kev

[HUNGER]

It was a good swap, but I have a great idea; internet connection so people can use credit cards.  I'm not carrying $300-400 in cash without a sidearm in an unknown location, and concealed carry isn't allowed in the building.  I can also say that I overheard visitors and guests grousing about this.  BTW, many vendors wouldn't take a check, either.  So, maybe a point for next years' gig, coz without it, I won't be coming again.  Hate to be the one complaining, whiny voice, but, well, there it is.

Kev

just to let u know that all swaps that i have been to r the same way

[kattz]

i was asked my name to put on the name tag but the girls I dont think knew to stress the frag swappers name to be used.  great swap though.

I specifically asked this question of the girls out front and asked regarding an attendance sheet sign-in for fragswappers.com tracking purposes - the answer was "no - real names" and "no".

[kattz]

just to let u know that all swaps that i have been to r the same way

I didn't have any issue using a credit card at the Cincyreef swap 2-3 years ago...

Hunger, I don't want to be the lone voice if dissent.  However, a wi-fi Instant HotSpot isn't too unreasonable to set up.  Cheap, too!

[HUNGER]

o ok

[kattz]

o ok

I guess I could just shut up.  I had a good time, don't get me wrong.  I just don't carry cash over about $100 anywhere unless I'm going to buy something from someone I know; like if I was coming over to your house for something.  Otherwise, "protected by Heckler & Koch".  It's rough in Dayton...

[chromiumlux]

I hit the swap with a pocket full of dough!! Had a great time too!! Another awesome swap for CORA. I will hit this swap every year. I dont carry a gun. I also work in the westside of Dayton. Shootings all around the place. Never had a problem.
Let me just clarify this for ya.....It was a great swap. Thanks to all the cora members and to Zeppelin for lining up a great one this year!! There were several vendors taking credit cards. Cash gets you a better deal and also gives you more power to haggle. LOL funny stuff.

[Wall_Tank]

It was a good swap, but I have a great idea; internet connection so people can use credit cards.  I'm not carrying $300-400 in cash without a sidearm in an unknown location, and concealed carry isn't allowed in the building.  I can also say that I overheard visitors and guests grousing about this (the lack of an internet connection, not the inability to carry a concealed weapon).  BTW, many vendors wouldn't take a check, either.  So, maybe a point for next years' gig, coz without it, I won't be coming again.  Hate to be the one complaining, whiny voice, but, well, there it is.

Kev

Pretty sure YZreef accepted plastic.  But then you have to pay the premium.    Most vendors at a swap are so low on price, paying the service charges on CC payments.

[buckeyereefer]

  yes cash always has more bargain power than a concealed weapon. bring cash & leave the gun
in car when u get there. don't get me wrong love firearms & have a big safe full of them. treasure
my time hunting with my dog !! almost as much as playin with my 5 year old. come on though middle of day
in private building with other reef people !!! not very scary really ...

Larry

[kattz]

Forget I said anything regarding an internet connection.  I ran out to an ATM and got the extra cash I needed.  In case nobody noticed, I did say it was a good swap and I had a great time.

It's not about who carries a gun, or where, one's life experiences changes one's outlook on life.  Until you've walked a mile and so forth.  I'm not carryin' a gun to a frag swap.  I'll just find a frickin' ATM during the show.  'Nuff said on the subject.

Nice job, CORA.

[cyberwollf]

just to let u know that all swaps that i have been to r the same way

We has Wifi at the Ohio Reef swap and several vendors accepted plastic, including XZ

[HUNGER]

realy?? wow i guess i never realy noticed than sorry all

[Zeppelin]

Thanks everyone for the compliments. 

Wi-fi has been asked for the last 2 years, but that place really doesn't have a need for it otherwise. Thats been the only drawback.  Other than that, its been a great place with the building size, large parking lot, etc.  We'll have to look further into it though as far as providing it ourselves, if even for a day.

Thanks again for coming out everyone. 

[slandis3]

We has Wifi at the Ohio Reef swap and several vendors accepted plastic, including XZ

Who is XZ?  LOL

[cyberwollf]

Who is XZ?  LOL

It's YZ reefs cousin lol.   

Next year just get someone in the club with a cellphone that can act as a wifi access point. Just keep it locked and only give sponsors the password to keep trafic down.