Don't go to auctions unless

[Jchillin]

You are prepared to purchase exactly what you want and are prepared for it. I attended my first GNYAS auction tonight. On display, right in front of me were 2 separate pairs of Koi angels. Beautiful specimens. I've wanted these for quite some time.

Thinking that I had the upper hand and knowing that the bidding would last for at least an hour, I called home and had my son re-test the 75's parameters (please by cycled...Please!). I placed a bid in the meantime. Starting bid $5.00.

Also up for grabs, a huge piece of driftwood...I mean huge. Bidding on this item was furious to say the least.

Anywho, I get the call to confirm what I already knew. Tank isn't ready just yet and there is no way I could concieve of puttting them in with my other angels in the 30. While on the phone, bid was increased but still within reason...what to do? No [acronym:0b0668a7f7="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:0b0668a7f7] within a 20m radius of me carries them...chance to good to pass up.

Meanwhile, the bids for the driftwood are coming in fast and furious. I realize that I'm bidding against two other AA members (you know who you are). Then to my absolute horror, I realize that if I win the wood, there is no way for me to get it home as I was traveling via public transportation and was carrying my briefcase from work. Grrrrr.

Alas, I concede the bid for the driftwood and the angels. The good news? Both were obtained by AA members (you know who you are).

More good news? I am now the proud possesser of two of the famous "BrianNY" plecos!!! (Thanks BrianNY).

Oh, by the way:

Congratulations Madasafish - That driftwood will look great in your 125g
Congratulations QTOFFER - Those Koi angels will give you years of enjoyment.

[Toirtis]

Originally Posted by Jchillin

You are prepared to purchase exactly what you want and are prepared for it.

Um...yeah...I, uh, always do that...yeah...

jchillin,
could you post how the auction went overall? like why the bidding on the driftwood was just crazy, what it went for, what perhaps different tanks, food, lights, fish, plants, etc went for? I've never been to an auction, however there are a few within driving distance from my house (it'd be a long trek, 1 1/2 - 2 hr drive) but i'm trying to get more info to see if its really worth it before I go. If you don't want to post all that info here, please PM me.
Thanks
-Stewie

[Jchillin]

Let's just say that everything a fishkeeper could want or need was available. I can't tell you the prices in their exact amounts but nothing went for more than $30.00. This included:

The bidding on the wood (actual size @16'x22") and all other items had to follow some simple rules. You must make your bid in writing on the "bid card". You must bid in whole dollar amounts. The starting bid was $5.00 ([acronym:7680cf6b9e="By the way"]btw[/acronym:7680cf6b9e], all items are up for bid at the same time, so while your looking around...others are making bids).

Here are some other items that were up:

Tanks - Varying in size from 2.5g to 75g (the 75 went for more than $30 but I don't know the winning price
Books
Decorations
Pumps
Filters
Artificial plants
Driftwood
pythons (whole units and parts)
Air pumps
Fish food
Fish (several species - varying sizes - all contributed by experienced aquarists)
Lights
Hoods

That's just a condensed version. The auction was very orderly, everyone followed the rules and I would say that no or not many items went unsold.

If you can, get to one. It's both a learning experience, a fun way for fellow fishkeepers to "share" their abundance and a good way to meet fellow aquarists.

[Toirtis]

So this was a silent auction?

[Jchillin]

Yes...absolutely silent. However, all bids were listed in chronological order and signed by the submitter.

[Toirtis]

Fascinating....I have never been to an aquarium-related auction that was done in silent fashion.

[skydvr]

How do you find out about local auctions?

[RoK]

Sounds great, I hope to go to one soon.

[Billsgate]

Ooooh, shame that you had to pass up on the koi angels and the driftwood!!! But good that other AA fanatics got them
I'm sure you'll find your koi angels some other time. This wasn't the right moment
Imagine that you did buy them and put them in your cycling tank.....then you would have to make huge daily water changes, and cycling would take for ever! So good thing that you didn't get them. Maybe if Qtoffer can spawn them that you can get some juveniles??

If I were you, I would wait until your tank is cycled before you go to another auction :P Then you can take home whatever you like. If you find transportation to carry your goods home for you.