The Man Behind The Frags: Rommel Lumauig of UltimateFrags.com

His corals, magical. If they could speak, they would utter words of high wisdom. The demand for his corals is incredible. To some, he may be the best frag farmer in the USA. His reputation is even felt across borders. So without any delay, we here at Fragd.it are delighted to sit down for a one on one with the Ultimate Fragger himself, Rommel Lumauig.

Fragd.it: A little bit about, Rommel..

Rommel Lumauig: Grew up on the mainland of Palawan Philippines, famous for beautiful Islands, and resorts. My passion for fish and corals started when since I was a kid. Walking on the beach with a cup in my hand, I scooped up some sand, some algae, and then a small fish. I snapped off a coral branch and placed it in a cup, as corals were just about everywhere back then. Then I would go home and show it to my mom. Now whenever I visit, it reminds me of the passion that I had from the time I was little.

FI: When and what got you in the hobby?

RL: My best friend got me into tropical freshwater fish in 1988. In 1990, I was more fascinated with saltwater fish, as they were much more vibrant in color. Tried my first coral in 1991, and really got serious in SPS in 2003.

FI: How did you decide to go into business of selling frags?

RL: Did some trading on frags.org (2003). A hobbyist asked if I could sell them some frags and was quite surprised how many I sold. I became one of the farmers for John (aka Tubbs of Exoticreefs) in late 2003. One local hobbyist asked me to open up Norcalaquatics in 2004 (as a partn

ership), and later opened UltimateFrags.com in 2005.

FI: How big is your system (specs)?

RL: Main tank is 72″x36″x12″ tall. I have 3 propagation tanks that are: one 72″x12″x5″ tall and two 48″x10″x8″ tall. All new coral are being held into a 99″x36″x9″ tall. All of these tanks are tied into its own sump, skimmer. I use Deltec, Geo Ca Reactor, Tunze power heads on a Multi controller. All tanks are lit using T5 setups. (3 using Ice Cap 660)

FI: What would you say is your best (favorite) coral (with picture)?

RL: I sold it though. From what I have now I like the sunset favia (pictured) and the red acropora (pictured).

FI: What would you say is your best clam?

RL: I sold it already also I used to have black T. maxima and blue T. squamosa. Currently have gold maxima (pictured).

FI: What is the hardest coral to keep that you have in your possession?

RL: Sponge Bob A. lokani. It ships poorly and hard to keep.

FI: If you would change one thing about your setup, what would it be?

RL: Eco cooler chiller, and a bubble king skimmer. If I win the lotto one day I would like a 7,000 gal reef show tank.

FI: What do you feel like keeps your system as successful as it is?

RL: “Patience is a virtue” Temp controller (Heat/chiller best investment), Geo Ca reactor with CO2 controller. I rarely tweak the tank now, which I configured (set) a few years ago.

FI: How do you feel about dosing phytoplankton as a means to nourish corals with food?

RL: It is essential but don’t over feed. I personally don’t have it as the only additive. I rely on growing chaeto along with tigger pods, mysis shrimp, and other pods.

FI: How do you see the fragging business in North America evolve as it continues forward into the next decade?

RL: It will slow down if economy does not recover. There will be an increase in sellers than buyers in the next decade as well as decline in coral importation.

FI: Do you have any tips for people with problems keeping SPS corals?

RL: As an SPS addict myself, I preach to keep it simple and don’t add too many things (corals, high tech stuff) all at once. I have never tried the high tech way of keeping SPS (like phosban, zeovit, miracle mud etc).

FI: Got any cool stories that you can share?

RL: I bought this coral from Eddie of Tropical Paradise in 2004 it was a tabling Acropora from Tonga. I have to admit it is a very colorful (purple and green) wild caught 8-9″ in diameter. This thing was so big that I decided to give it out as a freebie (1”-1.5″ 3-4 branch) so I’m sure there are lots of people have this in their tank. In early 2006 Mike Paletta came over my house, stared at it for a long time and became interested with it. So I thought to myself, “nah it’s nothing special”, until Clint was also interested with it and wanted to buy a big piece. Few weeks later Frank saw it as well and wanted a frag. So finally I became curious and looked at it closely. From the front view until I held it and looked at it from the top and saw that it had pinkish polyps. This was because of some good flow. This piece became the most wanted coral in my tank. It got to the point where I was running low and selling frags 1/2 inch.

Another interesting thing that I recently experienced was when I went back home to Philippines. I saw SPS corals in low tide exposed out of the water for hours. A few were completely out including brain corals, which I didn’t believe that it could survive like that. I wish I had good pictures because I have seen some really rare SPS there including Acroporas that are red with blue polyps and table A. millepora as big as a typical garage.

FI: Parting words.

RL: For newbies, be patient. Let your tank mature and find a reefer buddy who’s been in a hobby for a long time.

Ultimate Frags showcase:

For the rest of his surreal corals, visit him at UltimateFrags.com.