TOTM Diversity. Where is it?
- Thread starter mile sq. reefer
- Start date
bklynmet
New member
You wish!
You see, there's a conflict of interest by you having the editor position and winning a TOTM while holding that position. I'm saving you the ordeal of having to answer the eventual naysayers. So, when you look at it, I was thinking of when when I didn't nominate your tank.
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Don't worry Marc, your time will come!
-Joe
JustinReef
New member
Why should it be about who does the most maintenance. Often times there is way more beauty in simplicity. Having more maintenance and needing more care does not in any way make a tank exceptional.
I agree with a heck of a lot of the posts here although one or two could have been worded a little nicer. I have yet to see a TOTM with "crap" in it
I would say though that I too am very, very bored of the similar looking sps tanks month after month...I used to check them out and read the articles every month but I haven't even had the desire this month to read about another sps dominated tank that most likely is set up and maintained very similar to the last one. I think it is unfortunate though that we take our inspiration from the oldest and most diverse habitats on earth, yet most of us try to emulate an sps tank we see on here and think that is the measure of success. I can tell you that from the experience, people just do not "care" as much about "different" or soft corals. I have done my best to create a diverse lagoon style aquarium (nothing at a TOTM level mind you) and had some good feedback. Now if I had put the same time and effort and equipment into an sps tank, I would have had all kinds of attention and interest. Just like if my huge foot and a half in diameter toadstool leather was a huge sps colony, people would have been amazed at its size. Is this wrong? No. Its just what people like right now and like any fad or craze in this world, people will follow and decide they like it too.
I would love to see more soft coral or biotope aquariums in general and even some as TOTM but its unlikely to happen anytime soon. Nominating them would help no doubt but without those shiny sps colonies, there really is not much chance.
algaeguy
Over-The-Top- Reef Geek
Hi everyone,
I've followed this thread with considerable interest, and I'm in agreement with many of the things I've read here! It's a topic that is near and dear to me. First off, let me state that every TOTM has been a wonderful example of a beautiful, well-thought-out system; a source of inspiration for everyone. They serve not only to inspire hobbyists, but to provide a record of the current state of the hobby. And notice that I said "current state of the hobby"? Perhaps the time is coming when our views of what is "conventional" will start changing. Perhaps we are ready for some different approaches to reef keeping. With so many new types of equipment, aquariums, and talented, adventurous hobbyists, the paradigm is shifting.
I think that justimpsmith is right on target...The current "trends" do not yet reflect this shift. However, the future looks bright!
Mark is correct- if you see a unique aquarium, please do nominate it! He and his colleagues do a wonderful job with the TOTM. RK Mag is a one of the premier venues to present new ideas to the reef hobby around the world. However, there are many gorgeous, atypical, and downright fascinating aquarium systems out there that, for whatever reason, don't seem to get the publicity they deserve.
Perhaps hobbyists are too modest, not confident in their skills, or otherwise not ready to share their systems with the world yet. I think that we might be a bit too obsessed with thinking that the "TOTM" moniker requires a huge investment, a gleaming large aquarium, high-end equipment, and "designer" stony corals. I hope that I'm not out of line when I assert that this is probably not the intention of the TOTM title. I'd like to believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that it's about sharing unique and inspiring systems, regardless of their methodology, with the hobby.
I've been fortunate to travel the country, speaking about this very topic- unique aquascaping and biotope aquariums (which I will be talking about at both IMAC and MACNA this year), and I am pleased to say that in every city and club that I've spoken at this past year, I've been approached by hobbyists who are trying, or contemplating trying- all kinds of unique systems: Seagrass biotopes, mangrove thickets, soft coral-dominated systems, monospecific systems, etc. There are a lot of creative hobbyists out there who will be launching some incredible systems in the near future. Some are already out there. I will continue to present some of these ideas and aquariums in my presentations, in the hope of inspiring others to try their hand at creating unique systems. I hope that we as hobbyists feel free to put our ideas out there for all to enjoy!
Let's continue to encourage each other to create the best systems that we possibly can, and to never forget to share our successes-and failures- and to learn from each other! Regardless of what approach we embrace, the bottom line is that it's all about the fun, and most important- the long-term health of our animals.
Scott
I've followed this thread with considerable interest, and I'm in agreement with many of the things I've read here! It's a topic that is near and dear to me. First off, let me state that every TOTM has been a wonderful example of a beautiful, well-thought-out system; a source of inspiration for everyone. They serve not only to inspire hobbyists, but to provide a record of the current state of the hobby. And notice that I said "current state of the hobby"? Perhaps the time is coming when our views of what is "conventional" will start changing. Perhaps we are ready for some different approaches to reef keeping. With so many new types of equipment, aquariums, and talented, adventurous hobbyists, the paradigm is shifting.
I think that justimpsmith is right on target...The current "trends" do not yet reflect this shift. However, the future looks bright!
Mark is correct- if you see a unique aquarium, please do nominate it! He and his colleagues do a wonderful job with the TOTM. RK Mag is a one of the premier venues to present new ideas to the reef hobby around the world. However, there are many gorgeous, atypical, and downright fascinating aquarium systems out there that, for whatever reason, don't seem to get the publicity they deserve.
Perhaps hobbyists are too modest, not confident in their skills, or otherwise not ready to share their systems with the world yet. I think that we might be a bit too obsessed with thinking that the "TOTM" moniker requires a huge investment, a gleaming large aquarium, high-end equipment, and "designer" stony corals. I hope that I'm not out of line when I assert that this is probably not the intention of the TOTM title. I'd like to believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that it's about sharing unique and inspiring systems, regardless of their methodology, with the hobby.
I've been fortunate to travel the country, speaking about this very topic- unique aquascaping and biotope aquariums (which I will be talking about at both IMAC and MACNA this year), and I am pleased to say that in every city and club that I've spoken at this past year, I've been approached by hobbyists who are trying, or contemplating trying- all kinds of unique systems: Seagrass biotopes, mangrove thickets, soft coral-dominated systems, monospecific systems, etc. There are a lot of creative hobbyists out there who will be launching some incredible systems in the near future. Some are already out there. I will continue to present some of these ideas and aquariums in my presentations, in the hope of inspiring others to try their hand at creating unique systems. I hope that we as hobbyists feel free to put our ideas out there for all to enjoy!
Let's continue to encourage each other to create the best systems that we possibly can, and to never forget to share our successes-and failures- and to learn from each other! Regardless of what approach we embrace, the bottom line is that it's all about the fun, and most important- the long-term health of our animals.
Scott
JustinReef
New member
VERY well said algaeguy. I think your description of stony corals being "designer" is exactly what I was getting at.
Its no mystery what the voters for TOTM consider beautiful and successful. There is not the diversity I would like to see and if it were up to me, every month the TOTM would have to have a different "feel", look, inspiration, approach, theme, ect. Something to inspire new ideas or teach others about a specific biotope or simply show a different type of beauty this hobby has to offer. Keep it new and unique.
Its no mystery what the voters for TOTM consider beautiful and successful. There is not the diversity I would like to see and if it were up to me, every month the TOTM would have to have a different "feel", look, inspiration, approach, theme, ect. Something to inspire new ideas or teach others about a specific biotope or simply show a different type of beauty this hobby has to offer. Keep it new and unique.
mile sq. reefer
New member
algaeguy, thank you for sharing your insightful and thoughtful commentary. When I posted this thread, your presentation on Reef Biotopes/ Aquascaping came to mind. I enjoyed our meeting at the NJRC 2007 Fall Symposium and appreciate the exposure you created for me and my system by including it in your presentation. It means alot when such a notable speaker/ author takes notice of what you are doing and has the vision to see that it works in a non-typical way. I have to say, Thank You , for all the work you do to forward this hobby and the inspiration it creates fostering new approaches for the long term success reef systems.
I too agree that the sps dominant TOTM has become routine. These systems are beautiful and worthy of the title they receive however I do think that it's true that sps tanks represent the ultimate achievement in this hobby. When I first decided to go SW I was only going to do a FOWLR. Then I saw the aquarium portrait article in coral magazine (anemonefish edition) and that tank was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, which inspired me to go reef. However, I have yet to see a tank setup like that one, the aquascaping was different from the usual sps tanks.
After doing some more research I found that it was more of a challenge to perfect and maintain a true mixed reef. That's what I'd like to see more of, along with nanos, softy dominated, and cleverly aquascaped tanks for TOTM. The sps tanks that have been featured are all beautiful and well kept, and I only wish I had a tank like those. But on the other hand, they are all starting to look the same and read the same. Rows and rows of sps against the wall of the tank and all the same/similar equipment.
I'm going to start voting as well cause I want to see more diversity!!!!
After doing some more research I found that it was more of a challenge to perfect and maintain a true mixed reef. That's what I'd like to see more of, along with nanos, softy dominated, and cleverly aquascaped tanks for TOTM. The sps tanks that have been featured are all beautiful and well kept, and I only wish I had a tank like those. But on the other hand, they are all starting to look the same and read the same. Rows and rows of sps against the wall of the tank and all the same/similar equipment.
I'm going to start voting as well cause I want to see more diversity!!!!
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholders. Truth be told I have never thought of a softie tank as "unique". Granted I've been gone for a year, but when I got back into reefing (Still in the middle of my build) I went straight for what I love most... softies.
I've done SPS, but out of helping others, not for my own sake. My reef represents what I like... my goal is just do the best job I can for it as I would hope my caretaker would do for me. If it happens to be considered TOTM material then great but in the mean time I love reading what's provided.
I do hope this thread brings out more of the unique tanks out there to pictured threads. I am sure there are members out there who have these beautiful reef tanks (lagoons, sponges, carnation, etc) that just need some camera love.. and the rest will come
Regardless... keep up the good work Reefkeeping.com staff!
I've done SPS, but out of helping others, not for my own sake. My reef represents what I like... my goal is just do the best job I can for it as I would hope my caretaker would do for me. If it happens to be considered TOTM material then great but in the mean time I love reading what's provided.
I do hope this thread brings out more of the unique tanks out there to pictured threads. I am sure there are members out there who have these beautiful reef tanks (lagoons, sponges, carnation, etc) that just need some camera love.. and the rest will come
Regardless... keep up the good work Reefkeeping.com staff!
chingchai
Premium Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12310362#post12310362 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by justinpsmith
Why should it be about who does the most maintenance. Often times there is way more beauty in simplicity. Having more maintenance and needing more care does not in any way make a tank exceptional.
I agree with a heck of a lot of the posts here although one or two could have been worded a little nicer. I have yet to see a TOTM with "crap" in it
I think it is unfortunate though that we take our inspiration from the oldest and most diverse habitats on earth, yet most of us try to emulate an sps tank we see on here and think that is the measure of success. I can tell you that from the experience, people just do not "care" as much about "different" or soft corals. I have done my best to create a diverse lagoon style aquarium (nothing at a TOTM level mind you) and had some good feedback. Now if I had put the same time and effort and equipment into an sps tank, I would have had all kinds of attention and interest. Just like if my huge foot and a half in diameter toadstool leather was a huge sps colony, people would have been amazed at its size. Is this wrong? No. Its just what people like right now and like any fad or craze in this world, people will follow and decide they like it too.
I would love to see more soft coral or biotope aquariums in general and even some as TOTM but its unlikely to happen anytime soon. Nominating them would help no doubt but without those shiny sps colonies, there really is not much chance.
I did look at your tank. It is very nice.
kar93
Active member
I think all TOTMs that have been featured in the magazine are great! I personally favour SPS systems over all others but thats JMO. I think many of the TOTMS are SPS dominated or mostly because there is more to SPS keeping than just keeping softies. Such as water parameters, tank maturity and equipment. Thats just my 02.
I hope, too, that people realize with so many folks involved/needed to make TOTM happen, logistics and timing and schedules occasionally barely permit us the luxury of finding a gorgeous tank every month, much less making sure it is very different in style, composition and theme than the previous months tank.
glassbox-design
New member
First off, big thanks to Melev and everyone else contributing to make such a great resource available for free online!
I must admit I am guilty of never submitting any TOTM entries, but I will make an effort to change that in the near future.
I would like to see more emphasis on ingenuity and overall aesthetic, and less on how many corals one has... but that just aligns with my tastes
What about about tanks focusing on fragmented corals, reusable materials or low electric consumption? ...RK Mag goes green :lol:
I must admit I am guilty of never submitting any TOTM entries, but I will make an effort to change that in the near future.
I would like to see more emphasis on ingenuity and overall aesthetic, and less on how many corals one has... but that just aligns with my tastes
What about about tanks focusing on fragmented corals, reusable materials or low electric consumption? ...RK Mag goes green :lol:Similar threads
