[Steven Pro]

1.) This business is just like any other out there. There is competition and there will always be competition. I don't think it is any more or less cut throat than anything else.

Part of why people have a hard time is they don't do a full business plan. Many are also too small (basement operations mostly) to be taken seriously by large suppliers. It is far easier for a wholesale operator to deal with a dozen collecting stations or exporters versus a hundred or more small hobby farms. Also, most of the hobby farms price themselves out of the market.

It is a shame that most ventures into this industry begin with coral farming. It is too bad more don't start at their LFS or some other aspect of the industry at large to get a better feel for the market as well as make valuable business contacts.

2.) This depends in large part on where you are in the country. Anthony's place in Pittsburgh worked as has Dick Perrin's Tropicorium which is near Detroit.