What about holding a monthly contest on tank of the month?

[OldManOfTheSea]

Just a thought here, that here we have more then enough members to hold a contest on best tank system of the month. I don't know, im just thinking out loud here and its up to the site mods that if they figure on either just any type of species aquarium system or both, fish only (FO) or reef systems>

That person would explain their aquarium filtration system as well as live stock, as much on their tanks full background that they can offer the others>

Also, there be one guild line in this contest, that the tank has to been well established for a limited time period. Like two years or so and they as well owned the very same fish or corals> :idea:

[jojo22]

Why punish a person with a 6 month old tank in a contest like this. I think the idea is good but a lot of members start their tanks after joining and learning here. Should they really have to wait 2 years to enter a contest. Just my 2 cents, but I don't think that would be a fair rule. But once again a TOTM contest would be awesome!!

[OldManOfTheSea]

Joe, don't you feel as bad for my two large reef tanks, I not even started stocking as yet. Also Joe, I feel that if members could see more of ones tank system up close and personal that they can become more inspired to do better themselves to be on the list of members tanks of the month hall of fame> its just an idea that perhaps the crew here might find appealing>

[OldManOfTheSea]

The idea here is that members could see your successs from the long term of a well kept marine aquarium> :)

[jojo22]

But what about the sucess of a proper cycle or haveing a coral for a few months without any loss?? There are many milestones in setting up and keeping a tank. I don't think the 2 year mark is fair, plus a rule like that would disqualify many tanks here!

[OldManOfTheSea]

plus a rule like that would disqualify many tanks here!

That's including my own reef tanks as well :dive:

[dorkfish]

I'll join in with jojo here I don't think closing off tanks that are less than two years old would be fair...

[OldManOfTheSea]

I guess I best too explain myself in why the decision of not less then a two year old tank and must have pretty much the same live stock for im sorry, im old fashion. I look at success rather differently then some I see and I see success is better recognized from the long term of things, then in the short term to where success isn't acknowledge by having some fish for few moths or so.

Dork, you and the rest of the staff here, if you see this as an idea that could help this site draw in many new members in the future as well as the other thing I mentioned. Then perhaps your`re should decide on a vote among yourselves, in privates and that the outcome would be the decision and that it would be posted on how old/aged ones tank need to be to qualify for tank of the month. Also that the voting for tank of the month tanks, I suggest that the voting as well should be in private and staff members only.

Please make the right decisions here with this, for its a huge step in the right direction, but do note that my reef tanks will not be in the tank of the month for at least a whole year or more until they are well enough stocked which I no idea of when that will be.

For me dork, its the enjoyment of the tanks and stocking in which I love most and then I enjoy them when their complete with live stock. I have this massage chair that is electric with a cup holder and this chair is facing these tanks. That I will be reading and having a beer or glass of wine while relaxing and eyeing over the beauty of which had taking me all this time of waiting with a great deal of patience. :)

I just not wish to have a tank of the month that's not completed and im guessing that you do understand my feelings on my own tanks. Also, I will be reading :read: while in this chair :)

[dorkfish]

I know what your saying, and believe me, I'm not supporting any fish - havers. Any tank that is deemed good enough for tank of the month really has to have some special qualities and must, must be good example to new fish keepers (and even expierienced keepers), or atleast I will do everything in my power to make it that way. Tanks with mostly newly bought livestock are a very bad candidate for TOTM - anybody can do that. The tanks should be up long enough that the keeper has prooved that they can keep the tank in a thriving condition.

FWIW, my tanks will not be TOTM material for a LONG time... usually once my tanks start aproaching that stage, I'll upgrade, or change some of my tanks around. Stocking a tank, building up the equipment, aquascaping etc. is half the fun for me.

[OldManOfTheSea]

Julian, Amen! I rest my case :dance2:


OOPS! Defense rest your honor ;)

[wataugachicken]

yeah. . . things change. . . if i had stayed with my original 10g tank, that would be over 4 years, but tanks get bigger, fish and decor get added or changed, old fish die, substrate gets changed for something nicer, filters are upgraded when more money is available, etc. . . and that's just my own experience.

i agree that someone should not just set up a brand new tank for TOTM, but i don't think an actual time limit is a good idea - there are too many factors to consider as listed above. exactly what must be there and for how long? maybe three months is a better number, if there has to be a standard time for it.

i do like the idea of having maybe two contests each month - one general contest for everyone, and then another specific contest - planted tanks, betta tanks, african cichlids, FOWLR, reef tanks, species tanks, under 5g, over 125 g, etc. . . tanks within the heading of the specific contest that month can't be entered into the general category.

[fballguy]

I don't see what the controversy here is.

So what if the tank has to be 2 years old? How is anybody going to judge that? There is no stopping anybody from saying that their tank they just got yesterday is 10 years old. There just is no way to judge the age of a tank.

[joander123]

I don't see what the controversy here is.

So what if the tank has to be 2 years old? How is anybody going to judge that? There is no stopping anybody from saying that their tank they just got yesterday is 10 years old. There just is no way to judge the age of a tank.


he does have a point, someone could simulate the age of their tank to seem older, by purchasing bigger fish and such.

Jay

P.S- but that would be unethical, and no one would ever even consider doing that :)

[necigrad]

The tanks should be up long enough that the keeper has prooved that they can keep the tank in a thriving condition.

I'm sorry, I thought the proposal was for a TANK of the month, not fishkeeper of the month.

[OldManOfTheSea]

I would have to say that im sorry for ever saying it for it might be that many of us here aren't ready for such an honor. I started out to say that I not wanted my reef tanks to be selected due to that their not be completed and I would have no idea on from the time I begin with the first coral and fish for both tanks, that it will much depend on the coral I buy at my LFS.

Like they have this large LPS trumpet coral that is priced at $200. But the thing be, im to begin stocking not just one reef tank, but two at the same time>

Also I would like to add that this is supposed too be a friendly thing which we should enjoy and that the only competitor be is ourselves on trying to do better then we ever done. But if this is to give off sparks, then just perhaps then, many here aren't ready for also I like to say, there be no entry on the TOTM. Our postings with photos will be all that the staff here at AC would ever need.

And the member they selected as TOTM, would then take other selected photos of their aquarium upon request from the staff and none of us will know of this until the day the TOTM deadline is to be. That their be a pic of each coral and fish that be in the TOTM that all would see.

Now im a person who forgets any number of things, and so is why I bought these two hard cover books to help me keep a record of the date/year I buy some coral or fish, etc. For as myself, it would never bother me if from the time of completion of my reef tanks if they not be pick as TOTM for even five years. For I already had been waiting to begin these tanks for more then 5.5 years and as yet, their still not been completed in the way I wanted them, and I will not begin anything with these tanks until they are both ready.

I can understand somewhat on how all like to be picked as TOTM, but also this suggest was not mentioned for my own personal benefit. It was like in one other site, they have a contest of the month of pic picture and the pic not need to be your own fish. Now some here seen the kind of pics my camera can take, I entered one time some photos and in the email sending to the one who controls this, I said that im only entering those pics but I no wish to be selected for that I thought it to be a ridiculous contest that you can enter any fish photos as long you took the pic.

Like I said many times, maybe im old fashion that something's I just dare not try like using baking soda or vinegar other then doing things the old fashion way, by water changes. Now note that I had this upon the first time I had the idea of these SPS tanks that I was now moving into new grounds. As busy as I am with my family and doctors and so, I will give this my all and move slowly and patiently and upon before beginning to stock , I will have a chat with the lfs person, who I know and tell him of what im looking for in corals and that if anything about the coral I not like, I will wait until the next piece comes in for I will not simply stock these tanks with available corals only just so I would be done with stocking my tanks.

I do hope that this be understood, for many times folks not understand everything that im trying to point out :confused: The confused face is because it sounds as some are bickering that their worried is they will ever be selected as TOTM. Do note that there happens to be more then 69,000 members here and in any year, only 12 TOTM there could be. You will note that I not said winners, for we are winners>

[dorkfish]

I'm sorry, I thought the proposal was for a TANK of the month, not fishkeeper of the month.

So your saying it doesn't matter wether or not the tank is in a thriving condition? Your saying a tank full of sick livestock would be ok for TOTM? If the keeper is unabe to keep thier tank in a good condition, either by good old anual maintenance, new devices wich maintain/help maintain the tank and possibly some help from a local tank maintenance company (these people would have to be gaven credit for thier work), then said tank is never going to be TOTM, unless by some wierd 1 in a 1000 fluke.

[Max]

Why not just have more than one category ? Member less than 6 months, member 6 months to a year and member 1 to 2 years. If someone has more experience and tells us that their tank is 7 that's fine to how would we know and why would we care.
just my 2 cents
Max

[OldManOfTheSea]

If someone has more experience and tells us that their tank is 7 that's fine to how would we know

One thing I know is that there is always one person here or there that will make false claims such as tank age and so on. Also know that (This I not know as yet myself) I will search the threads for those who's reef tanks been thriving for a good number of years and not just 5-7 months. As well in this when I do begin my reef tanks, that it wouldn't be anywhere under five years for them to become noticeable by the staff to vote on which is something I know and understand for even if I have them stock enough in a years time, they still would require time to become notice on if my systems be thriving or not.

Like you said, of what of the more experience hobbyist? This my friend is truly a tricky thing, for the hobby as I see it, anything can happen what`re its a novice or experience hobbyist and that it takes much background in the hobby to own the perfect aquarium. As I said, I will be in new waters once I begin these tanks and I in no way know what to expect other then I will do all the things which I been through the years. Of course, I not do F/O tanks anymore and if there were some problem that I couldn't get the extra lines in my house, I would had gone with eels only. I would had gotten two pairs of dragon morays for the 180, and a yellowhead and blackedge morays for the 240.


Member less than 6 months, member 6 months to a year and member 1 to 2 years

Also you would find that kind of an idea is not feasible for you can never judge ones from a few years apart because not all learn as well as they should and would continue unfortunately in having developing problems. Also upon ever starting the idea of TOTM, AC has to have any number of members that already qualify as TOTM. We can begin there on the idea of building a TOTM club, and following those will be all of those who are less known to many here, and in time any of our tanks would become noticed as a possible TOTM material.

Max, There is a difference as well from a soft coral tank Then SPS corals, for soft corals under VHO lighting are for easier to maintain, that is at least my insight. And just between us Max, I not expect to make it as TOTM for at least seven years, but hopefully by the time I hit eighty :) Also, I do everything myself, that the only thing I not think I would manage is when corals would need to be cut to make frags, which I will bring over Jeff and pay him for it. I will not be able to reach in like that or so> I just not know if I can :huh:

[necigrad]

What I'm suggesting is that it's a tank of the month, and the stocking is not as important. There should be a requirement that the tank be habitble, and probably stocked, but that's all. One could make an awesome tank with no filter, pumps, or anything else, and it would look great. But that should not be acceptable as it cannot support life. to be a tank worthy of recognition one would need a tank with al necessary components. Personally, with my limited experience, I think a tank that has had some time to "grow in", especially with planted and reefs, will look far better then a tank just thrown together yesterday. If someone can set up a tank and submit a winning pic tomorrow, they should be eligable.

This contest, according to the title, is simply about the tank. It's kinda like sports. You cnbuild a winning team, but you must do it within certian limits and guidelines. You must have a pitcher on a baseball team (and I think you need 2 or 3). You must be within your salary caps. Things like that provide scope and conditions, actually furthering the spirit of the contest.

Aswas also mentioned, people wll cheat. Pretty stupid, but it will happen. By limiting the restrictions as much as possible, you limit the need to cheat, and thus limit the cheating. By allowing anyone to enter, and the winner being only on the visible merits, there is a lesser risk of manipulation.

OK, that was kinda a ramble, but I think you get th eidea. And yeah, pardon the typos, my laptop sucks :-(

[dorkfish]

What I'm suggesting is that it's a tank of the month, and the stocking is not as important. There should be a requirement that the tank be habitble, and probably stocked, but that's all. One could make an awesome tank with no filter, pumps, or anything else, and it would look great. But that should not be acceptable as it cannot support life. to be a tank worthy of recognition one would need a tank with al necessary components. Personally, with my limited experience, I think a tank that has had some time to "grow in", especially with planted and reefs, will look far better then a tank just thrown together yesterday. If someone can set up a tank and submit a winning pic tomorrow, they should be eligable.

This contest, according to the title, is simply about the tank. It's kinda like sports. You cnbuild a winning team, but you must do it within certian limits and guidelines. You must have a pitcher on a baseball team (and I think you need 2 or 3). You must be within your salary caps. Things like that provide scope and conditions, actually furthering the spirit of the contest.

Aswas also mentioned, people wll cheat. Pretty stupid, but it will happen. By limiting the restrictions as much as possible, you limit the need to cheat, and thus limit the cheating. By allowing anyone to enter, and the winner being only on the visible merits, there is a lesser risk of manipulation.

OK, that was kinda a ramble, but I think you get th eidea. And yeah, pardon the typos, my laptop sucks :-(


Actualy, now that you elaborate on that, it does sound like a good idea, since the staff would be choosing wich tank makes it further standards would be aplied.

[OldManOfTheSea]

The thing on thinking that some would cheat, this TOTM will have no entry form, The staff will not be asking for entries for TOTM> That the staff will select among themselves a TOTM and PM or email this member for an assortment of photos and data on the tank equipment setup. Nothing will be said of who's tank is TOTM until the day this is scheduled to be posted, in which the staff will do themselves.

I'm sorry guys on one thing, that I disagree with the thought that a reef tank is thriving. Like maybe soft corals or ones tank that was stocked in a rather quick/fast time frame for I cannot consider that my tanks are thriving well in such a short time for im expecting it that the least amount of time I would have two tanks stocked well enough is in 18 months. With that, I can never consider that these tanks are well thriving for which they will still be considered, young in progress.

So Julian, You and the rest of the staff make a note under my name that upon the time of stocking that I figure not less then five years to have any thriving reef aquariums in which is the lowest point in time and as greater as seven years in which many would know that they are thriving well.

For like I said, im old fashion and what Im saying of my own tanks, not need to apply to others. Its OK, Honest for I do the hobby and all I have done through the years for my own personal enjoyment and nothing more then that.

And yes, I am expecting these tanks to look beautiful in a year, but its the thriving part that im to be concern of if any problems were to come up and this takes a bit more in years I think to realize that these tanks are truly thriving. Don`t forget that im going yo have many corals that I only thought to having from viewing other members tanks.

[Reefscape]

suggested this to one of the mods a bit ago actually....i think it would be great to have things like this running on a monthly basis...gives some nice incentive to people to snap some awsome shots....

Niko

[wataugachicken]

That the staff will select among themselves a TOTM and PM or email this member for an assortment of photos and data on the tank equipment setup.

I think that's a bad idea. when people submit their own entries and are voted upon by the general population of AC, then it is much more fair and democratic than just the mods doing it *secretly*. we'd be overrrun by claims of personal popularity contests and bias. i get posts deleted once a month, and have a pretty smart mouth. i'd hate to have my tanks overlooked because a mod or two doesn't like me personally.

[Nighthawk]

I agree with you wataugachicken. The vote should be open to ALL members.

[dorkfish]

i'd hate to have my tanks overlooked because a mod or two doesn't like me personally.

How about if the tanks are nominated by members? Having the tanks voted on by members could actually end up being an even bigger population contest.

BTW, even though I would flame any mod who decides to try and bar somebody from tank of the month becuase they don't like somebody, you should know who's fualt that is if a mod doesn't like you:) However with some other contests we have here, a member can be barred becuase of thier behavior (however, I think this is one contest where members should be exempt from that-it's about the tank and how good a keeper the person is not how they act on AC).

Or another spin on this, again, tanks are nominated by members, then the nominated tanks are screened by mods (to knock of any tanks wich are bad examples and/or to knock down the numbers a bit) then voted on by members.

[OldManOfTheSea]

Like one here said that how we know if the tank is two years old or more that one could simply say that it is, and the idea of members simply to nominate the TOTM, that too can be, how I put this? that others could PM or email asking those to pick their tanks.

If it will be under that method, that members will nominate the TOTM, I not will enter it then for I feel that it will then turn into a circus and that too will be for more unfair to many others then to just one person.

I not believe that a mod on what`re they like a person or not, that it should have that mod in question to be so unfair to any member. As well, a moderator is to take no sides other then from right or wrong. So wataugachicken, I believe if your a thriving aquarium system, you have as many rights to be one of those who be selected for TOTM.

Maybe im wrong, but I feel that any number here or at any forum site could get a PM or email being asked to vote for them, I do feel that this takes place in all forums with a open vote to all. It is why I said that their be no entries or a members vote that the staff here will be honest and direct with the best possible tank as TOTM. It needs to be made fair to all, and not just for the few.

So Julian, If I may say that in all honesty, that it would be best handled behind closed doors, Staff Only

Im sorry fellow hobbyists that if this goes against most to what you all want :(

[Mgamer20o0]

you would spend day and days pming people trying to get them to vote on your pic. AC has 69,439 Members

how can anyone know if the tank is over 2 years old or not.

[necigrad]

Why not have the mods get together and select the ten best entries, and present those to the members for voting via a poll or somethng? The mods would be able to select pics usign the criteria they develop. From that list, the #1 pic is the winner, and #2-5 roll over to the next month, along with 6 other pics. The biggest problem I see is keeping track of what pics have won before. Perhaps limit a user to only one win. All the pictures could possibly be submitted to a TOTM thread, and then each month the mods would selct from that. I would also suggest a user be limited to only one submission. Should the user want to submit a different one they can, so long as the revious one had not been selected i the past. That could be chaned by editing the post maybe.

[Reefscape]

I would probably tend to agree with bits of what was said above that members are allowed one vote on any one tank, then, the top ten ranked tanks can then be put up for a poll by the members..I dont so much like the idea that #2-5 would be carried over till next month though as this will then be limiting a lot of new members tanks for getting in to the top 10 poll..your only leaving 6 spots available...each 10 that go to a poll should be done everytime, favouritism could end up playing a part..

Agree that the winner is not allowed to be entered into the next month as i dont think a tank of the month is about a single person dominating the comp which would potentially happen..

Agree with what julian also said about problematic members, that its not the member being voted on here, its the tank and setup itself...the way a members personality comes across on the board does not neccesarily bear any reflection on how good a tank keeper they are...

Hope some of this has made a little sense...

Andy

[Dixon]

the TOTM comp is being discussed very soon by all staff members at our next meeting.
we will look at all aspects and take on all opinions stated here.
personally i prefer both staff and member input and will make sure that it is not a popularity contest and that these comps have nothing to do personality and everything to do with whether i like them or not, LOL JK.
anyway we will get back to you all soon the POTM is next so everyone get ready for that.
Dixon

[OldManOfTheSea]

you would spend day and days pming people trying to get them to vote on your pic

Nobody would do anything as that, but rather would or could with those one consider to be friends with.

necigrad, the staff would see all members tanks in the forums and from there they can request a better tank shot from any member so that they best can judge.As well as for your concerns on becoming the TOTM a second time will and should not happen. It is why one reason I said of my own reef tanks that when they are a year old are two, are by no means TOTM material. For me to have a thriving reef system, it take years. Of course the tanks would always nice and all.

[Lady G]

I like the idea, and having mod's choose 10 best tanks...I think members names should be left off the poll/voting post though. This could lessen the "favortisim" toward whoever may be in the contest. Then once the winner is chosen the tank and name of the member could be posted.

[Germanman]

I like the idea, and having mod's choose 10 best tanks...I think members names should be left off the poll/voting post though. This could lessen the "favortisim" toward whoever may be in the contest. Then once the winner is chosen the tank and name of the member could be posted.
lots of people can recognize other members aquariums...i can recognize a good amount myself. the top 10 idea sounds good though that and a poll.

[Que]

Not only will you need to have a nice tank set-up but you'll have to be a good photographer too. Some of us just cant seem to get a good photo of our tanks. This honor of TOTM will mean more than just a nice tank.

I think if someone were to whip a setup together for an entry into TOTM that'd be a hell of a lot of effort for a little recognition.

Yes there are thousands of members but how many have accessed AC or posted in the last few months?

I think this is a nice idea for those who want to do it but it doesn't really matter much to me. I'd like to see some nice tanks and set-ups but I wont be competing.

Q

[wataugachicken]

what about post count instead of length of time the tank has been running. say if the minimum post count is 250 or something (minus obvious trolling and only posting in General chit-chat) then you can at least see that the member has been a contributor to this forum and should hopefully know better than to fake tanks, etc. . . to win the contest.

do posts in general chit-chat go towards post count?

[Germanman]

what about post count instead of length of time the tank has been running. say if the minimum post count is 250 or something (minus obvious trolling and only posting in General chit-chat) then you can at least see that the member has been a contributor to this forum and should hopefully know better than to fake tanks, etc. . . to win the contest.

do posts in general chit-chat go towards post count?
doesnt work really u can spend one day and make 1000 post if u comment on each photo on ac bad way to tell.

[wataugachicken]

as i said, minus obvious trolling.
that would be trolling, and personally i don't think that the picture forums, classified ads, or general chit-chat should count towards post count. only the advice forums.

[OldManOfTheSea]

you'll have to be a good photographer too. Some of us just cant seem to get a good photo of our tanks
I don't know about you but you can speak about yourself if that's you for it would much depend on the camera and how you use it>


what about post count instead of length of time the tank has been running.
Why you say in post count? For one thing, post count not mean anything other then that you have been here longer or posted more then the next person>


doesnt work really u can spend one day and make 1000 post if u comment on each photo on ac bad way to tell.
I seen many members in a good number of forums and the majority of their post count is from not saying anything on the topic itself. Much with almost any number of people post worthless chit-chat only :rolleyes:


personally i don't think that the picture forums, classified ads
We can post our tanks in our own threads, keep any updates in that same threads which any member here starts. And with that, the staff here can and will be able to come to resolving which should be tanks of the month. It is about the only way without some here sending PM to one the staff to make sure if they saw their tanks. Simply post and if anything, you be the first to know of it for im sure that also the staff will request up close shots, so get yourself a micro lens. Also if your contacted to be the TOTM, your to say nothing until the post is put up by the staff.

Buddy ><{{{{">

[Que]

Quote:
you'll have to be a good photographer too. Some of us just cant seem to get a good photo of our tanks
I don't know about you but you can speak about yourself if that's you for it would much depend on the camera and how you use it>Well yeah... my point is out of the thousands of registered users there are a few out here who may not be able to put a decent photo together... no good photo... no chance at tank of the month... or is there?

[OldManOfTheSea]

I guess there that the staff would have to figure out something that if it be some sort of problem in which could possibly disqualify any member tanks as TOTM material, But also not all of us have the type of camera to doing so to have the ability to take up close shots and as well that the pictures would be perfect. For Im hearing where your coming from, being that this would be many members concerns, I think that one the staff rulings as TOTM be that the shots be clear as the next person and if they not a micro lens, then that the staff needs to be able to get pictures to get around it.

That means that it not be that you must have the type of camera in which needs to take a picture as this one:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/20060501_0810.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2605.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2610.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2969.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2608.jpg
For not everyone will get these type of close ups:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2974.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_2006.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/Buddy1938/IMG_1993.jpg
Not nearly half the members here have the type of lens for those up close shots which says, the staff needs to accept photos for TOTM as long as their clear enough to make it fair for most here. I cannot ask them to accept pictures that folks like myself would need far better reading glasses in order to even tell what's in the picture. They will in this decide what be fair enough all around.

That as long we all can tell what's in the tank, as well, the TOTM will as well have a listing of the corals and fish, etc

TOTM shouldn`t be just a photo of the tank and that's it, as well some background data on the person with the TOTM. Like how they became interested coming into the hobby and their background on their experiences telling all on anything which lead them in the direction that brought them to become AC TOTM.

I hope that its clear enough to be understood in all that im suggesting for you people see, if I myself were to never be doing those reef tanks which I had from the first thought to do them about 11-12 years ago, and I began putting those thoughts into reality by making it happen. Only thing for me with all that, I should had took up a cheaper hobby for between both reef tanks so far nears in cost at $30,000 and im not done yet for there will be a few more thousand yet to finish these tanks, and much more then that for live stock, YIPES :help: My hand is out for Donations .

OH, I forgot> I bought the camera I have because, and only because of the reef tanks I been paying and planning, if I stayed with eels only, I not believe that I go out and spend more then $3,000. Also in the camera are for me, im not done there as yet for I need to buy me a third lens and power flash and how long after that, I'm to get me a digital camcorder.

[necigrad]

Another though, what defines a TOTM? Is it a good equipment setup? Stocking? 'Scaping? A combination of the above? What about the tank that isn't necessarily noteworthy, but is inspiring at the same time? Sometimes simple is far better then something complex, the less is more concept.

It would also be nice to ensure that different tank genres are included. A nice reef tank will always be more "eye catching" then pretty much everything else. The colors are far more dazzling. Well done planted tanks are slightly below that. But we've also all seen those minimalistinc tanks (I believe a 100G with just some rock comes to mind recently), and while they don't "pop", they are simply awesome. Whatever the criteria decided, these tanks must be ensured a "fair shake".

[Que]

Nice tanks Old man.

Q

[OldManOfTheSea]

The only pic there that is my own is the top photo, the 70 gal tank with a pair of goldentail morays. I would like to do nothing better then too go to all the LFS in a 90 drive from me and take all kinds of pics and say that those were mind. :eek:

[Bkman]

(maybe I missed this while reading this thread) But to my understand you want nothing like a specific thread where people would post their tanks to be entered correct? You would just like the mods to look at pic's people have posted in random threads, so that no-one would know who they are looking at? What is to stop someones pictures from being overlooked?
Once again, excuse me if this issue has already been covered.

[OldManOfTheSea]

(maybe I missed this while reading this thread) But to my understand you want nothing like a specific thread where people would post their tanks to be entered correct? You would just like the mods to look at pic's people have posted in random threads, so that no-one would know who they are looking at? What is to stop someones pictures from being overlooked?
Once again, excuse me if this issue has already been covered.


I`m not entirely sure to what your trying to say :confused:

[Bkman]

lol, ok, let me try and restate..

For this contest, you want mods to pic the totm. But you dont want there to be any type of way to enter this contest, you want the mods to pick a tank that they have seen posted on the forums before correct?

So my concern is that someones tank would get overlooked, or lost in the crowd of posts on the forum, unless there is some type of thread or specific board for people to post their tank in specifically for this contest.

[Germanman]

lol, ok, let me try and restate..

For this contest, you want mods to pic the totm. But you dont want there to be any type of way to enter this contest, you want the mods to pick a tank that they have seen posted on the forums before correct?

So my concern is that someones tank would get overlooked, or lost in the crowd of posts on the forum, unless there is some type of thread or specific board for people to post their tank in specifically for this contest.
i agree thats an issue but im sure the mods have that in mind already and will cover all the rough spots.

[OldManOfTheSea]

lol, ok, let me try and restate..

For this contest, you want mods to pic the totm. But you dont want there to be any type of way to enter this contest, you want the mods to pick a tank that they have seen posted on the forums before correct?

So my concern is that someones tank would get overlooked, or lost in the crowd of posts on the forum, unless there is some type of thread or specific board for people to post their tank in specifically for this contest.


Oh yes, I believe that I covered that issue :) In the tank pic forum, we not post a load of pics, but rather a tanks shot and in the reef forum you would be posting coral pictures and through this, the staff will see the tank shot and a number months later a update photo of the same angle. The mods from that should be able to make their minds up and select the top ten and then they break it down to five, and then the one, the TOTM.

Now that has to sound rather easy and simple enough, so why the confrontations for concerns? If this is to be an open vote to all members, it will/could become a circus for I had covered that issue a while ago.

The rules, one as far as I know will be that tank needs to be not younger in age then one year and then as well, another ruling will be is that the TOTM, corals or fish must be thriving.

As for posting in the forums photos, the staff will see them all, there be a number of staffs here and they will cover all bases to make it fair for yourself as well as others. And myself in this for my reef tanks will be one exception that I requested my reef tanks not to become a TOTM material until the fifth to seventh year for my reasons with it be quite simple.

I pray that this answers your question, and note that nothing is solid as yet to what the rules will be. :dog:

[Bkman]

Sorry, didnt mean to sound 'confrontation' was just asking a question i had that i didnt understand from the thread. you cleared it up by saying they'd go off 2 pictures from 2 diffrent dates in the tank pictures forum(i think io understood that correctly)

I was never rooting for it to be an open vote for all members, I think that would turn into a fiasco.

This question wasnt a concern for myself, i just didnt understand exactly how the contest would work and wanted it cleared up. Unfortunitly in my last move i was not able to keep my tanks/fish, (but did find them a few happy home with some knowledgable family friends, my current tanks are nowhere near developed enough to be up to par with many of the tanks ive seen on this site

[OldManOfTheSea]

Bkman, its OK> And I would say that in the tank picture forum that if the tank be F/O (fish only), it might be more ideal to post an update picture from the same angle and distance, about every three months and if its a coral tank, about every fourth month. This is just an idea to possibly do and only post one picture each time.


This question wasnt a concern for myself, i just didnt understand exactly how the contest would work and wanted it cleared up.
All the rules of a possible TOTM will be listed by the Administration prior before it begins and it might not start for a few months after the announcement of a TOTM and its rules>


my current tanks are nowhere near developed enough to be up to par with many of the tanks ive seen on this site
Your not alone in having a tank that's not started as yet or up and running as yet for that would make all that much differences in it being TOTM material for the members tank would need to be thriving. Besides Bkman, im in the same vote as yourself that I two of my tanks I still not started as yet. And im not will be in any hurry to do this just to be TOTM. Just take your time and not be in so fire hurry to stock/load a tank in a rather short time frame. Those be the actions of a beginner or novice hobbyist.

So just sit and wait, for the Administration will/would list all the rules and a date in which they had voted on to begin the TOTM, and if your ants in your pants, you can :dance2:

[aoscar]

I know what your saying, and believe me, I'm not supporting any fish - havers. Any tank that is deemed good enough for tank of the month really has to have some special qualities and must, must be good example to new fish keepers (and even expierienced keepers), or atleast I will do everything in my power to make it that way. Tanks with mostly newly bought livestock are a very bad candidate for TOTM - anybody can do that. The tanks should be up long enough that the keeper has prooved that they can keep the tank in a thriving condition.

FWIW, my tanks will not be TOTM material for a LONG time... usually once my tanks start aproaching that stage, I'll upgrade, or change some of my tanks around. Stocking a tank, building up the equipment, aquascaping etc. is half the fun for me.
so my new setup with old fish(3 years old) wouldn't qualify? that would be a bs rule.

[Coler]

how about break out a coupla categories - accomodate new set-ups, accomodate newbies etc

I stress that I am not so proud of my efforts that I would be entering :)

[Cichlids4ever]

Hey Coler.
Nice to see you here.
You answered some of my questions on Aquatic Community.

Seems you like the way I do things on my forum. I guess they will work well here also.

I am Cichlid_man over there :-)

[Coler]

howdy...I am a sporadic visitor over there :)

[Kyohti]

Ideas for Categories...

3-12 months under 50 gallons
3-12 months over 50 gallons
~~~~~~
2 years and up under 50 gallons
2 years and up over 50 gallons
~~~~~~
400 gallons and up (no age limit)
Nano (8 gallons and under)
Wild Card

That way newcomers have a chance to show off their stuff as well as older established aquariums... and the under 50 class will give a spectacular example for those who don't have a lot of tank to show them what can be done with limited space. And let's be honest... bigger tanks can win easier than smaller ones BECAUSE they can offer better variety and 'mood', right? It's easier to get lost in the visual splendor of a planted 250 than a similarly planted 20, right?

Nano category is for the college-student, the office worker, or the nano hobbyist who don't have the space for anything bigger, or feel their little betta palace is the best on the block! Again giving examples of what great things can be done with limited space.

400 gallons isn't something a lot of people have, but it's impressive to see all the same. And we can dream, right?

Wild Card could be considered 'honorable mention' or it can be any tank that was different or had something unique going on, but just wasn't good enough to make TOTM this time around. WildCard would also not always have to be chosen each month, but would be awarded whenever appropriate.

The winner of each category can keep that title for 3 months in a row, max (in case there's some slow months where there aren't a lot of good entries sent in)

And once you win, you have to wait another 3 months to enter another tank of the same size (as in if you have two 30 gallon tall setups and one 55 and you win with one of the 30s, you'd have to wait 3 months to enter the other 30, but you could enter the 55.)

I also think that people who choose to use fake plants should get a fair shake in the contest as long as their overall composition and design for their aquarium are outstanding. Fake will never look as good as the real thing... but it'd be unfair to penalize someone for not wanting the hassle of live plants.

[Kyohti]

Also as far as age of tanks... yes, it cannot be proved. Yes, someone could win who wasn't qualified. People cheat. But you're taking away from the focus here. This is tank of the month. Tank of the month is a beautfully composed aquarium with good aesthetics, a well balanced community of fish, and the essential parts necessary to sustain this environment (aka filter, heater, lighting etc).

The person has to provide stats on the tank and a bit of it's history. If you're a good judge, you can see where something maybe doesn't jive and weed out some of the imposters. As for the rest... if they win they win. They were good enough to fool you and will probably fool everyone. If they brag about faking it later, ban them permanently from the contest. That's all you can do, right?

Even if they just threw it together overnight, if it looked and was composed well enough that you felt it was a good elective for tank of the month, then they must have been doing something right.

So it goes by the honor system. I saw where someone said there should be a general and a special category, the special being different each month? Or that can be the WildCard category I was talking about, too. :D

[Coler]

i agree 100%

[Gbbudd]

the type of fish i keep tetras rummies goo-boos most only live a year and a half to two years.

[zerosum]

95% of the time the more expensive tanks will win.
I'd say make prize give aways random, people with $5000.00 tanks I'm sure won't care about small prizes.

[OldManOfTheSea]

I not commented for a while for as well as all that, I been extremely busy. But as far as the age of a members reef tank, that can only be proved from the hobbyist beginning thread(s) on their tank. But as for winning due to only the tank is a more expensive setup, that isn't really all as true for you need to know that there are people out there who would tell you that you not need the most expensive in setup to have a troubling reef system. You just need the proper equipment for your tank size and the bio load you will have. Also, you can have an expensive setup as was said and not do as well, so what would been the big deal on spending? None at all.

But to buy cheap wise all the way or as to say the not so proper equipment for your tank, this will fail above all in having a TOTM. I mean the tank might look as its doing great for a while while in its starting months, but long term, it will be fail.


95% of the time the more expensive tanks will win.
I'd say make prize give aways random, people with $5000.00 tanks I'm sure won't care about small prizes.

The only tanks I have the cost $5K or less is my 40 gal QT. But as for the prize, I could pass on it for yes, it may be something that I can use. But the idea for the most part is the enjoy the hobby and to show others to what you have and tell their methods to what you success is base on.

Also, I seen many of those with reef tanks that they failed much sooner, only because they had no patience.

Buddy

[The Zigman]

All,

I realize these posts are pretty old, but I just got around to reading them. It would be interesting to have some sort of contest to award the progress of a tank, but that would require pictures of the tank from start up, and as it progresses into maturity.. Any thoughts?

[OldManOfTheSea]

Pretty old, perhaps but for the most part of any issues were taken up is either you read them in this thread or you could simply view over the standard rules for TOTM.
Both links are in here:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126066

"contest to award the progress of a tank" I would think that reward enough would be in the knowing of your present success, don`t you think?

[lymabean]

i think there is already a tank of the month contest, maybe you are responsible for the update!?