TOTM Diversity. Where is it?

[mile sq. reefer]

I am writing this in response to viewing last months TOTM and current TOTM. They are both true testaments of successful reefkeeping and illustrate the owners dedication, experience and understanding of keeping marine life. They capture what we, the marine aquarist, hope to achieve with our systems, a living thriving ecosystem that was once part of the ocean now only to be found in our homes. I have to say great job and thank you for sharing. The information they provide is valuable in helping us to become better aquarists. However, I did notice, that both of these systems were very similar in their overall appearance. That is why I ask, where is the diversity? The marine biotope, the LPS dominant system, the species only, the endemic, the deep water reef and the long forgotten but just as beautiful, "Softy Reef"? This is not posted as an attack or with disrespect to the past and current TOTM. They are astonishing. It is posted as a discussion to open up the TOTM to other systems that are just as successful which are owned and maintained by dedicated reefkeepers. Thanks.

 

[SDguy]

As a reference for this thread, I'll post this at the beginning just so everyone knows how to nomiate a tank:

<table width="375" height="55" border="2" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="1" bordercolor="#006699">
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#006699" width="73%">
<center><font color="#FFFFFF" size="-1">If you'd like to nominate a tank for Tank of the Month, click <a href="http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189" target="_blank"><font color="#FFFFFF">here</font></a>
or use the button to the right.</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="27%"><img src="http://reefkeeping.com/images/nominate1.gif" border="0" title="Click here to nominate a Tank of the Month">
</td>
</tr>
</table>

 

[mile sq. reefer]

Peter, great job with the Nano Reef Slides.

 

[Project Reef]

Mile sq. Reefer,
Thank you for your input. It was very well thought out and well said. I agree with you and I'm hoping to see more biotope systems. Although true biotope systems from specific regions are hard to find, I would love to see tanks nominated by fellow R.C.'ers that might include several large colonies of the same species.

There are not too many people that have the discipline to set up a reef aquarium and only place 3-5 species of coral in the tank and let those 3 to 5 species dominate the tank and grow into amazing colonies. It can truly make for a stunning display once all grown in and established.

Keep your eyes open gang and make sure to utilize Peter's link above.

 

[seapug]

This topic comes up every so often. I do agree with mile sq. reefer. There is no question that the TOTM's are always beautiful, immaculately maintained systems that we can all learn from but there is definitely a bias towards large, high tech, SPS dominated tanks. While these tanks in many ways do represent the "pinnacle" of the hobby, I've seen some pictures of other tanks on this site that are just as impressive in different ways. The only TOTM I've seen that's "different" in my time here was the Nano from a year or so back. Given the popularity of these systems it was really cool to see one operated and maintained so perfectly. It's something many people could learn from as they are popular with those who are just starting out.

Paradox's Cuttlefish Army Reef is a "different" one that comes to my mind. Not only is it a cool concept, the aquascaping and plumbing of the system are really interesting and the hand made stand and cabinet is a work of art in and of itself. I'm sure many of these "atypical" tanks are nominated and it would be cool to see them featured more often.

Not complainin'.....just sayin'.

 

[mhurley]

mile sq. reefer and seapug,

I've noticed that neither of you have ever nominated a tank so please use that link that's plastered in every TOTM article and get in there and do so!! Democracy only works if people vote! :thumbsup:

 

[superedge88]

Re: TOTM Diversity. Where is it?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12306113#post12306113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
I am writing this in response to viewing last months TOTM and current TOTM. They are both true testaments of successful reefkeeping and illustrate the owners dedication, experience and understanding of keeping marine life. They capture what we, the marine aquarist, hope to achieve with our systems, a living thriving ecosystem that was once part of the ocean now only to be found in our homes. I have to say great job and thank you for sharing. The information they provide is valuable in helping us to become better aquarists. However, I did notice, that both of these systems were very similar in their overall appearance. That is why I ask, where is the diversity? The marine biotope, the LPS dominant system, the species only, the endemic, the deep water reef and the long forgotten but just as beautiful, "Softy Reef"? This is not posted as an attack or with disrespect to the past and current TOTM. They are astonishing. It is posted as a discussion to open up the TOTM to other systems that are just as successful which are owned and maintained by dedicated reefkeepers. Thanks.

That is just about the nicest way I have ever seen anyone give constructive criticism! I do agree, though I can appreciate the difficulty in finding the other types of tanks you mention, and well done ones at that.

 

[dzeadow]

I nominated a tank of the month from the Macro Algae forum that's a great biotope, I knew that since it wasn't SPS dominant like all the other TOTM's, it didn't have a chance... too bad.

 

[mhurley]

dzeadow,
When/how did you nominate this tank?

 

[seapug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12306590#post12306590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mhurley
mile sq. reefer and seapug,

I've noticed that neither of you have ever nominated a tank so please use that link that's plastered in every TOTM article and get in there and do so!! Democracy only works if people vote! :thumbsup:

Thanks....just did.

 

[dzeadow]

I sent a PM to billsreef who forwarded the message to Melev who asked me for a link to the thread, which I gave. I figured that was enough?

 

[cweder]

I would like to see a separate thread/forum for tanks that are nominated. This way we could all see the nominees and vote for our favorite. I think this could greatly encourage voting and participation as well as give recognition to all contenders.

 

[dzeadow]

it's how the Nano forum does it... nTOTM is based on reader's decisions/votes.

 

[seapug]

good idea, cweder.

then again, perhaps this whole thread should be in the feedback forum....
but then nobody would see it....

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12306245#post12306245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Peter, great job with the Nano Reef Slides.

Thank you.

 

[cweder]

Voter participation could also be encouraged by having a featured sponsor of the month give away. All those who voted would be entered for the prize. A free frag or a gift certificate would work nicely for me.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12306955#post12306955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cweder
I would like to see a separate thread/forum for tanks that are nominated. This way we could all see the nominees and vote for our favorite. I think this could greatly encourage voting and participation as well as give recognition to all contenders.

Good idea but it may have to be part popular vote and probably some board or other input criteria. I can only imagine there has to be a lot of background communication, writing, editing, picture taking, layout formatting, permission forms, etc, etc, that have to be considered. Not to mention monthly timelines that has to be met to get a quality publication done each month. And all by volunteers, its an amazing feat that we get to see these quality TOTM issues every month and just voting doesn't make it happen. Plus, I’m not even sure how you would work this out; vote first then try and get permissions pictures etc or the other way around? It may be a logistics nightmare. What if people voted and the winner didn't want to or couldn’t participate, or get the write-ups or pictures taken in time, what do you go to for a back up plan?

 

[drama07]

So true! For once I'd like a tank nominated for its difference to past winners.

 

[melev]

Thank you for your feedback.

What we are looking for are established beautiful tanks that have been cared for long term. Tanks can be set up and look amazing, but how long can the hobbyist maintain proper husbandry? Did they grow it to this point from frags or buy a bunch of stunning corals and post pictures? How is it maintained specifically? What hurdles had to be overcome, and what worked successfully?

Every tank that is nominated is posted where Team RC members can discuss its candidacy. Research is done to see if it was honored elsewhere, as RKO (ReefKeeping Online - our magazine) would prefer not to copy or duplicate a featured tank.

During my travels recently, I've had the opportunity to see some beautiful reefs that many have probably not seen online, for whatever reason. These people are contacted to see if they would like to have their tank featured. Nominated tanks can be varied, and as was pointed out it could be Nanos, softies, etc. Everyones' taste varies, so if the next tank after Weatherson's was a cuttlefish tank, the reaction would be interesting to say the least.

Regardless, if you find a system is worthy, submit it. No-one is being ignored.

 

[OnoIgotICH]

All it is is an SPS Forest.

Looks boring seeing the same crap every month i log into this hoping for a great looking tank.

Dont take it the wrong way they are all great looking tanks, that just look so similiar to each other.