Canreef Nano Contest Voting Thread: "Best Tank"

[JDigital]

After 6 months.....

The goals were simple, to make the best reef tank you could on a specific budget using either a standard 5.5g tank or a standard 10g tank.
The tank could be modified any way you wanted, as long as you started out with a 5.5 or a 10g and the budget was adhered to.
The budget for a contest was $395.
Each person who entered the contest had to pay an entry fee, and all of the entry fees are what the final prizes are taken from.
The total prize pot is $264 and there are 2 categories, so the winner of each category will receive a $132 gift certificate to the Canreef Sponsor of their choice.

The tank categories are:
- Best Tank
- Most Innovative Tank (can be any tank in the contest)

We began the contest with several contestants, but only 5 have made it through to the end.
The final contestants are: sphelps, noirsphynx, Chaloupa, Rocketlily, superduperwesman.

The contestants have all done a wonderful job on their tanks.

Now it's time for the Canreef public to cast their vote.
Please look over the following entries and cast your vote for which tank you think claims "Best Tank".

Best Tank is pretty straightforward, just vote for the tank you think is the best one in the contest.

The Most Innovative Category is a little different.
Wikipedia defines innovative/innovation this way:
"The term innovation means a new way of doing something. A distinction is typically made between invention, an idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied successfully.
The goal of innovation is positive change, to make someone or something better."
I think that the winner of the "Most Innovative" category should be someone who has found a new and creative way of approaching a particular aspect of reefkeeping. Even more importantly, they need to have applied their idea successfully in their tank.

We have one category in addition to the original 2 categories, "Best Theme".
This category is sponsored by Kevin & Doug @ Red Coral Aquarium.
The winner of this category will receive a $100 gift certificate to Red Coral Aquarium. Red Coral has picked silent judges for this category and is not open to the Canreef Public. The Winner will be announced as soon as I find out.

A lot of work was put into these tanks, so please take the voting seriously!

And the contestants are.......

[JDigital]

Chaloupa's 5.5G Primary Colors Nano

Full Tank Thread Here (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45542)

Well, after much debate with a 10g we had or finding a 5.5...we ended up going with a 5.5g as in the long run that is soooo much fun!

Picture with Space Alien;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/nanotankbuild.jpg

Picture with Nano Reef Survival Kit;
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nanotankbuild2.jpg

COSTING TO DATE; (updated with each purchase)
FREEBIES per the rules;
Tank; free
Stand; free (but did cost $41.33 for wood just as an FYI)
Mag Float; free
Live sand; free (but did cost me $40.00 as I couldn't steal any from my other tanks....)
Rock; free

ITEMS FOR THE BUDGET
Light; $59.95 from Dragon's Lair Pet Store in town...can produce receipt
Maxijet 1200; $26.95 x .75= $20.21 (I already had it...and that's the J&L price at 75%)
Sump; custom built by Jim (whiteice669) $20.00 as it's all used glass

To date; $100.16

ADDED TO BUDGET OCTOBER 27/08

Zoa frag (bluish); $10.00
Yellow polyp frag; $10.00 (going on the GSP pricing?)
2 red and blue mushrooms; $10.00
1 red leg hermit; $1.45
1 blue leg hermit; $1.29
1 Astrea snail; 1.69
TOTAL FOR THESE; $34.43

Total to date; $100.16 + $34.43 = $134.59

ADDED TO BUDGET NOVEMBER 6/08

Zoa frag (RPE); $5.00
Zoa frag (yellow); $10.00
Blue/Yellow Damsel; $4.95
Blue Porcelain Crab; $9.95
TOTAL FOR THESE; $29.90

Total to date; $134.59 + $29.90 = $164.49

ADDED TO BUDGET NOVEMBER 14/08

Zoa frag (bluish2); $10.00
Zoa frag (blue); $5.00
Zoa frag (redish); $5.00
Zoa frag (blue/yellow); $5.00
added more Yellow polyps; $10.00 (was a small piece that I chopped into 3 tiny ones)
2 Red and Blue Mushrooms; $10.00
1 Red Mushroom; $5.00
1 Blue Cloves (very sparse on disk); $10.00?
TOTAL FOR THESE; $60.00

Total to date; $164.49 + $60.00 + $224.49


Full tank shot November 15, 2008 (budget is up to date for today also!)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanobuildFTS.jpg

ADDED TO BUDGET DECEMBER 1/08

WF Wicked Blue Zoa; $45.00
WF Double Red Zoa; $40.00
WF Aussie Zoa; $35.00
Blue Clove; $10.00
TOTAL FOR THESE; $130.00

Total to date; $224.49 + $130.00 = $354.49

Just an FYI...I have been bumped into the 10g category so have their budget now which originally was $300.00 then with the added on budget of $95.00 my budget total is $395.00...I am cutting it sooooo close. I really wanted to keep it low...but then I saw these few Zoa frags and well...bit the bullet as I had room in budget. Soooo there you have it. My update!

FTS for December 15, 2008 (budget has not changed since last entry)....I think I may have found one of the red and blue shrooms that survived...but not 100% yet...fingers crossed!!!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/DSC_0018.jpg


FTS for January 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

(I will be replacing this picture...battery was dying, and I just realized the date...OOPS)
I've had several rock falls at the "bridge" area....so tank is a bit sad looking today...but next month will be back to looking good. The red mushrooms have taken off...I have 3 now....2 bigger and 1 small....everything else is growing well.....


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanoJan.jpg


FTS for February 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/NanobuildJan.jpg


FTS for March 15/09 No budget change as nothing has been purchased

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/MarchNano.jpg

March 19/08 WOOOT, turns out I can't add!!!! Thanks to Josh for pointing out I still have $ in my budget to buy something with!!! YAYAYAYAYAY

ADDED TO BUDGET April 6/09

Yellow and Red Gorgonian $15.00
TOTAL FOR THIS; $15.00

Total to date; $354.49 + $15.00 = $369.54 under budget!!!! YAYAYAYAY

FTS for April 15/09 Budget updated for Gorgonian

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Nano%20tank%20build/Aprilnanobuild9.jpg

[JDigital]

superduperwesmans 10G Plate coral Nano

Full Tank Thread Here! (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=356119)

Guess who's in the game... look out people

Oh baby... oh baby it's fun already

Plate Coral Tank with a modern stand concept and a super easy water change system

Water change video on page 26

Budget = $395
Budget Exhausted = $390.00
Budget Remaining = $5.00

Details of Expenditure:

Equipment:
Heater = $24.99 x 0.75 = $18.75 - Used Via Aqua 100 watt - Originally bought at Bayside Corals
Lighting = $75 x 0.75 = $56.25 - Basically 75% of a Sunlight supply 24" New Wave T5 Fixture - Used from Saskreef c/w 4 bulbs (PM me for proof of purchase)
Pump = $52.50 x 0.75 = $39.50 -Used Rio 1400 - Originally Bought at Big Als
Sump = $17.00 - Engineered Aquariums (actually = 1 Lunch)
Total - $131.50

Livestock:
Bumblebee Snails = $2 x 2 = $4.00 - Red Coral
Hermit Crabs = 3 for $10 = $10.00 - Red Coral
Clown Fish = $10.45 - Big Als (Actually Paid $22 ahah I had a GC)
Dragonet Scooter Blenny = $8.45 - JL Price (Actually Paid $19.99 at Ocean City)- Dead
Yellow Box Fish = $25.45 - JL Price (Actually Paid $29.99 at Ocean City)- Dead
Finger Leather = $10.00 - Bayside Corals - Dead
Toadstool = $5.00 - Originally Bought at Bayside Corals
Candy Cane = $2.50 - Actually Free from sphelps but Almost Dead from Sitting in a Sump with No Lights (Almost all skeleton)
Orange Plate Coral = $5.00 - Originally Bought at Bayside Corals but is almost all Skeleton from being in a 2.5 Gallon Pico (hope it makes it) - Dead
Brown Plate Coral = $15.00 - Bayside Corals (Actually Paid $53.00)... hoping it might just be browned out and that it might get pretty
Pink and White Plate Coral = $20.00 - Actually Free from sphelps
Orange Plate Coral = $15.00 - Ocean City (Traded it for a Green Tongue Coral I bought 1 day prior $53.99)
Green Plate Coral = $15.00 - ElGuappo (Actually paid $25.00) - Dead
Green Plate Coral = $15.00 - De Iron Chef (Actually paid $20.00) - Dead
Pink Plate Coral = $20.00 - Ocean City (Actually Paid $45.00) - Dead
Brown Mushroom = Hitch Hiker so Included in Rock Prices = Free
Anthelia Frag = $2.50 - sphelps (Actually Free) - Dead
Crocea Clam 2" Shell = $20.00 - Ocean City (Actually Paid $35.00)
Frogspawn 3" Skeleton = $15.00 - Red Coral (Actually Paid $30.00)
Yellow Clown Goby = $0.25 - ColinD (Actually Free)
Green Plate Coral = $15 - Ocean City (Actually $42.99)
Orange Plate Coral = $15 - Ocean City (Actually $42.99)
Zoa Colony = $10 - Ocean City (Actually $60.00) I fragged it up
Total - $258.50

OK so some stuff died but in my defense I was planning a wedding through out the contest and then I was gone for 2 weeks for the wedding and honeymoon... just for a little back ground... I know I still let stuff die but I couldn't commit my full attention to the tank. That's just life sometimes... as I'm sure most of you know... anyway... I guess that's enough excuses for now


"Free"
Entry Fee = $26.50 - I entered late
Tank = $20.00 - Engineered Aquariums ( Actually = Lunch... same lunch as above )
MDF = $58.50 - Home Depot
Screws/Misc Hardware = $10.00 - Home Depot
Hinges = $10.50 - Home Depot
Wood Filler = $5.00 - Home Depot
Fan Speed Control = $2.50 - Ebay (not wired in yet)
Two 3.5" Fans = $2.00 ea. - Princess Auto
12 Volt Adapter = $5.00 - Princess Auto
3 Cans of Flat/Gloss Black Paint = $5.00 ea. - Canadian Tire? I had them lying around but I know I had to pay for them at some point
Sand = $11.00 - Had around, originally bought at Wai's
5.5 lbs of Live Rock = $40.00 - Ocean City/ Bayside Corals
5ish lbs of Base Rock = $10.00 - Had but, originally bought at Bayside Corals
Tank Shipping = $30.00
Plumbing Parts ~ $65 - Rona / Bayside Corals / Engineered Aquariums
Magnafloat = $13.50 - Ocean City
Eggcrate = $10.00 - Home Depot
Fuge Light = $10.00 - Walmart
Glass Lid = $15.00 - Big Als
Coralife Battery Operated Digital Thermometer = $14.00 - Had around, but originally bought at Big Als (If I had the receipt I'd return it b/c it's out by 3 degrees)
Handful of Cheato = Free - From Jay180reef
Epoxy = $20 - Bayside Corals
"Free" Total - $365.50

Actual Total Spent ~ $1064

**Note: Some prices above have tax included... at first most did but then it got hard

Pictures

Standard 10 gallon

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/wes/DSC_1495.jpg

Standard 10 Gallon w/ Overflow and sump

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/tankandsump.jpg

FTS November 15

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1275-1.jpg

FTS December 15

With Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1344-1-1.jpg

Front
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1340-1.jpg

Left Side
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1342-1.jpg

FTS January 15
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0035.jpg



Front
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0312.jpg

Front Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0297.jpg

Front Showing Storage
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC01067.jpg

Side Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0298.jpg

FTS March 15

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0309.jpg

FTS April 15

Front with Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0548.jpg

Front Close up
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0555.jpg

Side
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0561.jpg

More pictures and water change video on page 26

[JDigital]

sphelps' 10G Intelligent Reef

Full Tank Thread Here (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45285)

The Intelligent Reef

$395 Budget:

Equipment:
2 24W T5 bulbs and reflectors: $25 (purchased used off Scythanith)
Workhorse 5 Ballast - $21.75 (Used, originally purchased from "Natural Full Spectrum Lighting" for $28.99)
Maxi-Jet 600: $16.47 (used, priced from J&L)
Visitherm Heater (50 Watt) - $16.47 (used, priced from J&L)
Total - $79.69

Livestock:
Large Brain - $20
Small Wellsophyllia - removed
Large Wellsophyllia - $20
2.75" Rainbow Lobo - $17
Small Orange Lobo - $15
Large Green Closed Brain - $20
Small Burgundy Closed Brain - $15
Small Green Moon Brain - Removed
Small, Small Polyp Red & Green Acan - $15
Large Green & Red Open Brain - Removed
Single Acan Polyp - $5
Small Red Monti Cap frag - $10 Deceased
Med Purple Acro Tort Frag - $15 Deceased
4 Small Zoo Frags - $20
Small Squamosa Clam - $20
Very Small Chalice Coral Frag - $5
Small Clove Polyp Frag - $5
Large Bright Green Closed Brain: $20
Small Red Chalice Coral: $15
3 Hermits @ $1 - $3
1 Urchin - $15 Deceased
Red Octopus - $60
Total - $315.00

Free Budget:
Tank - $20
Scrap glass, plastic and building supplies for tank mod - $0
Old Terrarium Canopy used for Light Fixture - $0
Rock - $40
Sand - $0
Mag Float - $15
Acrylic for lighting canopy - $40
Total - $115

SUMMARY:

10 gallon tank:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/October08/DSC_1379.jpg

Modified:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/October08/DSC_1398.jpg

October 19th 2008
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/DSC_1435.jpg

Theme change November 1st 2008
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/October08/DSC_1491.jpg

Full View November 9th 2008
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/November08/DSC_1706.jpg

November 15th 2008 FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/November08/DSC_1724.jpg

December 15th 2008 FTS (yeah yeah bad pic, I know)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/December08/DSC_1856.jpg

January 15th 2009 FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/January09/FTS.jpg

February 15th 2009 FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/Fev09/DSC_2648.jpg

March 15th 2009 FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano Contest/march09/2357513e.jpg

April 15th 2009 FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/April%2009/DSC_2994.jpg


Random Photos

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/d9fa5d1d.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/a1c149e8.jpg

Octopus Video: Einstein (http://www.facebook.com/v/66612409531)

[JDigital]

Rocketlilys Damsel in Zoanthidland

Full Tank Thread Here (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45294)

Budget update:

$300.00 Budget Items
Equipment:
4 Coralife Mini Compact 50/50 lamps 20 watt each @ $15.99 each Total $63.96 (Wiring supplies from shop)
Aqueon 50w Heater $25.99
Aquatech 20-40 HOB filter $ 2.00 ("scored" a good deal - receipt can be provided)
Used Nano Powerhead $26.21

Total Equipment: $ 118.16


Livestock:
3 small zoanthids (under 15 heads) @ $5.00 each $ 15.00 (transferred from 50 gal tank)
9 med zoanthids (15 - 25 heads) @ $10.00 each $ 90.00 (transferred from 50 gal tank)
1 small (7 head) flourescant zoanthid $ 5.00 (purchased from a local reefer)
1 small Blue Clove $ 5.00 (fragged from 50 gal tank)
1 green mushroom rock $ 20.00 (transferred from 50 gal tank)
5 blue mushroom $ 25.00 (transferred from 50 gal tank)
1 Yellowtail Damselfish (Live Aquaria price) $ 4.99 (transferred from 50 gal tank)
1 Stocky Cerith Snail (Big Al's) $ 2.99
2 Narssarius Snails (Big Al's $1.99 each) $ 3.98
1 Cerith Snail (Big Al's) $ 1.99
1 Blue Legged Hermit Crab $ 1.99
1 Red Banded Turbo Crab $ 4.99

Total Livestock: $ 180.93

Total spent on budget items (equipment and livestock): $ 299.09


"Free" Items
10 gal display tank - $0.00 (Had it at home already)
Maple for stand and canopy - $55.86
Sand - Left over from 20 gal - free
Rocks - 2 large cooking in basement - free
Rocks - 2 small $10.00
Thermometer - $1.49
Mag Cleaner - Left over from 20 gal - free

Total spent on free items: $67.35

Empty Tank
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/10_gal_empty.jpg

October 15-2008
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/10_gal_Oct_15-08.jpg

November 15-2008
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Nov_15_FTS.jpg

December 15-2008
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/IMG_0157.jpg

Jan 15-09
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/IMG_0243.jpg

Fb 15-09
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FTSFeb15-08.jpg

March 15-09
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FTS10galMar14-0925.jpg

April 15-09
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FinalFTS.jpg

A few favorites:
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FinalFlourescantZoanthid.jpg

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FinalManofSteel-SnowmanZoanthid.jpg

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FinalSaucerZoanthid.jpg

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/rocketlily/10%20gal%20Nano/FinalPinkZoanthid.jpg

[JDigital]

noirsphynx's 10G Nano Reef

Full Tank Thread Here! (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45566)

This tank is going to remain very basic as I'm fairly new to the hobby. This is more about the fun of it. I'm going to try a mushroom themed tank.
Oct 15/08 FTS
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=11
Nov. 15/08 FTS
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=122
Dec. 15/08 FTS
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=240
Jan. 15/09
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=409
Feb. 15/09
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=572
Mar. 15/09
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=808
Apr. 15/09 (http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45566&page=8)
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1025


Budget $395.45
Used $383.73
Remaining $11.72

Free Items:
Tank, 10g
LR
LS
Stand
Themometer

Supplies:
Subcurrent Filter(new) $38.99
Light, Nova Extreme 18" T5(new) $79.99
Elite 50w heater(used) $16.49(75% of Petsmart price, have reciept)
Koralia 1(used) $25.46(75% as per J&L)
Moonlights $7.80

total $168.73

Livestock:
Gumdrop Coral Croucher $31.99
Anenome Shrimp x 2 (one was $7.49 other was $14.54) = $22.03
Nassarius Snails $1.34 x 2 = $2.68(already had so 75% of J&L (http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=rc-nass))
Turbo Snail $1.46 (already had so 75% of J&L (http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=rc-turbo))
Feather Duster x2 = $36.84
Orange Spotted Mushroom $5
Green Stripe Mushroom $5
Orange Yuma $5
Pink Yuma $10 Died =(
Blue Mushroom $5
Red Mushroom $10
Red Spotted Mushroom $5
Purple Mushroom $5
Bullseye Mushroom $5
Florida Ricordia 5 x $5ea = $25
Florida Ricordia $10
Orange (argent orange?) zoa's $5
Purple zoa's $5
Green/Blue/Peach (earth, wind & fire?) zoa's $5
Pink w/ green center (candy apple pink?) zoa's $5
Orange (armour of god?) Paly $5
Green Palys $5

total $215

[christyf5]

up :biggrin:

[rocketlily]

:bump:

[superduperwesman]

"Best Tank" is over rated... even if it does have 10 extra votes ahaha I guess people care more about this category... some people anyway... I obviously don't or I would have built the bestest tank ever... ok maybe I did try to build the bestest tank ever but I'll take my 3 votes and inflate them in my mind :) I'll just tell people I was in the top 5 outta 12 ahah At least it's the top 50 percentile... they don't need to know that 7 people got dq-ed or quit.. I wont tell them ;)

[sphelps]

haha Wes, it's not over until it over :wink:

[Trigger Man]

Great colors and layout on your tank sphelps

[rocketlily]

"Best Tank" is over rated... even if it does have 10 extra votes ahaha I guess people care more about this category... some people anyway... I obviously don't or I would have built the bestest tank ever... ok maybe I did try to build the bestest tank ever but I'll take my 3 votes and inflate them in my mind :) I'll just tell people I was in the top 5 outta 12 ahah At least it's the top 50 percentile... they don't need to know that 7 people got dq-ed or quit.. I wont tell them ;)

Placing in the top 5 in a national contest isn't really that bad at all.

[superduperwesman]

Dude it was over at your second FTS ahah. That brain is bigger than the one in my head... but I guess that's not saying much ahah

[superduperwesman]

Placing in the top 5 in a national contest isn't really that bad at all.

I agree fully :) And it's still fun

[superduperwesman]

Currently 209 active users but only 57 votes???

[christyf5]

Currently 209 active users but only 57 votes???

LOL, you can't expect them all to vote. 25% voting is pretty darned good if you ask me :razz:

[sphelps]

from the photo contest I noticed we got up to 100 votes within a week. Sometimes less depending on the season. I would expect about 75 after a week of voting however the poll isn't always on the front page like it was for the POTM so the number isn't too bad.

[superduperwesman]

I can't say I'm impressed by the number ahaha

[superduperwesman]

Hey Rocketlily where's your PH in you April FTS... you sneaky lil bugger :lol:

[rocketlily]

Hey Rocketlily where's your PH in you April FTS... you sneaky lil bugger :lol:

Took out all the equipment for a cleaning and somehow forgot to put it back before I took the pictures.:lol:

[superduperwesman]

Took out all the equipment for a cleaning and somehow forgot to put it back before I took the pictures.:lol:

ahaha I was just teasing you

[rocketlily]

Actually, I was trying to give you some competition in most innovative. No heaters, no filters and no powerheads.

[superduperwesman]

Actually, I was trying to give you some competition in most innovative. No heaters, no filters and no powerheads.
ahah

[superduperwesman]

76 votes total... WHAT!!! Now there is a 14 vote gap from the Most Innovative... ahah

[superduperwesman]

:Banane43:

[superduperwesman]

Only 7 more days

[superduperwesman]

:eating:

[rocketlily]

:laluot_08:

[superduperwesman]

:microwav:

[superduperwesman]

:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

:neutral:

[superduperwesman]

Really....? 36 extra people have voted for the best tank category? I'm confused how that poll increases by 10ish over night but the most innovative only gets 1-2ish extra votes and the threads are side by side?? I get that less people might be interested in that category but that many less? Seems a tad bit weird if you ask me ahah... ok so nobody asked me but I like to think out loud.:question::question:

[superduperwesman]

I guess it does have more views....

[JDigital]

I just think that some people don't think the tanks are "innovative" and have chosen not to vote based on that. I think a lot of us, including myself when I still had my tank, forgot about the innovative category and concentrated more on best.. but I could be wrong! :lol:

[sphelps]

well unfortunately the voting system has a flaw, it's pretty easy for someone to sign up multiple accounts using different IP addresses. I noticed a big jump last night and I also noticed a few new members also signed up at the same time :confused: and I also have a hard time understanding why so many people vote for the one and not the other, a few is understandable but 36? I also don't recall ever seeing a poll with so many votes. Keep in mind this wouldn't be the first time, and this time a real prize is involved so I think the threat is there.

But these are just observations :wink: I do think that if someone really is cheating they need serious help, it's just a silly contest and you've got way too much time on your hands.

[superduperwesman]

I just think that some people don't think the tanks are "innovative" and have chosen not to vote based on that. I think a lot of us, including myself when I still had my tank, forgot about the innovative category and concentrated more on best.. but I could be wrong! :lol:

I guess... but voting on who's most innovative doesn't necessarily mean that anyone had to be cutting edge. Should still be able to vote on who did the best worst job, at the end of the day I'm not too concerned I'm just looking for excuses to bump the polls back to the top cause there is only a few days left and crying about the vote difference is a good way to do that ahaha. And in the back of my mind I know more people are inclined to vote when it's a close race... "oh I could make the difference" but hopefully that's the only thing people are inclined to do :D

[JDigital]

well unfortunately the voting system has a flaw, it's pretty easy for someone to sign up multiple accounts using different IP addresses. I noticed a big jump last night and I also noticed a few new members also signed up at the same time :confused: and I also have a hard time understanding why so many people vote for the one and not the other, a few is understandable but 36? I also don't recall ever seeing a poll with so many votes. Keep in mind this wouldn't be the first time, and this time a real prize is involved so I think the threat is there.

But these are just observations :wink: I do think that if someone really is cheating they need serious help, it's just a silly contest and you've got way too much time on your hands.

I agree there is that possibility, seen it before on other forums.. Would be hard to believe that 36 extra accounts have been made, but I guess anything is possible. :neutral:

There are real prizes in the photo contest though, I suppose not of a monetary type, but a free 8x10 framed photo is still something worth winning. I'd love to get one of my pics as a winner.. :mrgreen:

I guess... but voting on who's most innovative doesn't necessarily mean that anyone had to be cutting edge. Should still be able to vote on who did the best worst job, at the end of the day I'm not too concerned I'm just looking for excuses to bump the polls back to the top cause there is only a few days left and crying about the vote difference is a good way to do that ahaha. And in the back of my mind I know more people are inclined to vote when it's a close race... "oh I could make the difference" but hopefully that's the only thing people are inclined to do :D

I did have a few PMs about the category and that they didn't think any of the tanks were "innovative" based on the definition I provided. I was straight forward and told them they are not obligated to vote. I didn't have 30+ PM's about it (thank god! haha), but if it hadn't been for your water change system (not something you see on a nano setup very often), I probably wouldn't have voted either to be honest. :wink:

You did say you were gonna kick ass in your first post in your build thread.. You are definitely doing that in the other votes. haha!

[sphelps]

I agree there is that possibility, seen it before on other forums.. Would be hard to believe that 36 extra accounts have been made, but I guess anything is possible. :neutral:

I'm not sure it's that hard to believe, I don't necessarily think 36 accounts have been made but I've talked to a few people who also agree that something seems quite off.

I understand that some might not vote for both but 36 people (30% !) and yet the only person who posted why they didn't vote for both has now voted for both.

I'm not sure if it's possible but for future contests I think the best way to have public voting is to hide the results until the end.

I'm honestly not trying to cause any problems here.

[superduperwesman]

I did have a few PMs about the category and that they didn't think any of the tanks were "innovative" based on the definition I provided. I was straight forward and told them they are not obligated to vote. I didn't have 30+ PM's about it (thank god! haha), but if it hadn't been for your water change system (not something you see on a nano setup very often), I probably wouldn't have voted either to be honest. :wink:

You did say you were gonna kick ass in your first post in your build thread.. You are definitely doing that in the other votes. haha!

ahah Nothing too special about the water change system. Lots of people have water change pumps. I just tee-d into my main pump so I didn't have to by a new one. I just like how it shoots out the bottom of the stand ahah. Like my stand is taking a pee blahaha. I thought the return coming in the overflow (which wasn't actually my idea ahah) was more innovative than the water change, same as the sump beside the tank for easy access (I'll take credit for that :) ) Plus part of the budget or not, the stand does bring it all together well. It accommodates my tank/sump design which I would think is something that's important for any system, but I guess we all think differently which explains the voting number difference.... kinda still doesn't totally make sense in my mind :) I'm surprised those people could vote for a "Best Tank" because are any of them truly the bestest tank in the whole world... oh right it's best one in the contest... wait... kinda like most innovative for the contest.

[christyf5]

I think of it like this. Anyone can answer to what flavor of ice cream they like best, but can they answer which they think is the most innovative? I think it can apply easily to many different examples. Everyone knows what they like the best, its easy however being "most innovative" makes people have to work harder to choose one. Sometimes they come up with something sometimes they don't.

[Chaloupa]

well unfortunately the voting system has a flaw, it's pretty easy for someone to sign up multiple accounts using different IP addresses. I noticed a big jump last night and I also noticed a few new members also signed up at the same time :confused: and I also have a hard time understanding why so many people vote for the one and not the other, a few is understandable but 36? I also don't recall ever seeing a poll with so many votes. Keep in mind this wouldn't be the first time, and this time a real prize is involved so I think the threat is there.

But these are just observations :wink: I do think that if someone really is cheating they need serious help, it's just a silly contest and you've got way too much time on your hands.

I agree with what others have said regarding the innovative versus best tank...most wouldn't know which was the most innovative but really know what they like....Best tank is an easy one to vote for....innovative not so much....

Since mine and yours are the ones with the big jump and you are the one complaining......that would lead me to believe that you are accusing me. What is the problem...you start to fall below and then have to lash out?? I have done NOTHING to influence any votes, to encourage people to sign up and vote for me, nor to throw this out of balance. I want to win based on my tank and my tank only.

It IS just a silly contest, but one that if you don't win it seems you must slam me. NICE. I caused no problems during the contest, was never rude, or obnoxious to anyone and just played by the complete set of rules that was handed out at the beginning. I never questioned it nor did I try to sneak in any coral that was worth WAY ABOVE the claimed cost and say I got it for a great deal, and even though a very large price was paid according to the rules it was claimed as previously owned and claimed on size due to the rules. I claimed my frags and corals as what I PAID. 3 polyps at $45.00....etc as that is what I paid....could've just claimed a small Zoa frag price and had a ton of room in my budget for some stunning pieces. But I didn't. I DO believe in honesty.

I play within the rules...end of story. If people like my tank, so be it. If people like your tank, again so be it. If people like any of the tanks that is fantastic as most of us in the contest really tried our hardest and managed to build some amazing little tanks. If I lose I will be a good loser, if you lose can you say the same??

I will NOT have my integrity and honesty questioned by YOU. I have spoken to a mod and have advised them that I will have a decision on whether or not I will continue in the contest after such accusations by you. End of story. I do not want a rebuttal from you, but I also know that you will feel compelled to write one.

[superduperwesman]

I think of it like this. Anyone can answer to what flavor of ice cream they like best, but can they answer which they think is the most innovative? I think it can apply easily to many different examples. Everyone knows what they like the best, its easy however being "most innovative" makes people have to work harder to choose one. Sometimes they come up with something sometimes they don't.

I guess that makes sense and I guess this thread has been in the portal a little more cause it's had a little more discussion. I guess at the end of the day I'd rather have my say and click some buttons on something I can't totally decide rather than just opt out, but like I said, we're all different.. sometimes its just hard to understand our differences but what you're saying makes sense, but I'd still rather vote than not ahah

[sphelps]

I agree with what others have said regarding the innovative versus best tank...most wouldn't know which was the most innovative but really know what they like....Best tank is an easy one to vote for....innovative not so much....

Since mine and yours are the ones with the big jump and you are the one complaining......that would lead me to believe that you are accusing me. What is the problem...you start to fall below and then have to lash out?? I have done NOTHING to influence any votes, to encourage people to sign up and vote for me, nor to throw this out of balance. I want to win based on my tank and my tank only.

It IS just a silly contest, but one that if you don't win it seems you must slam me. NICE. I caused no problems during the contest, was never rude, or obnoxious to anyone and just played by the complete set of rules that was handed out at the beginning. I never questioned it nor did I try to sneak in any coral that was worth WAY ABOVE the claimed cost and say I got it for a great deal, and even though a very large price was paid according to the rules it was claimed as previously owned and claimed on size due to the rules. I claimed my frags and corals as what I PAID. 3 polyps at $45.00....etc as that is what I paid....could've just claimed a small Zoa frag price and had a ton of room in my budget for some stunning pieces. But I didn't. I DO believe in honesty.

I play within the rules...end of story. If people like my tank, so be it. If people like your tank, again so be it. If people like any of the tanks that is fantastic as most of us in the contest really tried our hardest and managed to build some amazing little tanks. If I lose I will be a good loser, if you lose can you say the same??

I will NOT have my integrity and honesty questioned by YOU. I have spoken to a mod and have advised them that I will have a decision on whether or not I will continue in the contest after such accusations by you. End of story. I do not want a rebuttal from you, but I also know that you will feel compelled to write one.



WOW, settle down friend. Never did I accuse anyone, I just stated some of my observations as someone mentioned the difference in votes. Like I said I wasn't looking for trouble and there's certainly no need to blow this out of proportion, oh wait too late you already did, congratulations.

[superduperwesman]

I was just hoping to get some discussion going to keep these threads were people can see them to hopefully snag a few more voters :) but it looks like the plan only worked for the one thread and not in the best way... my bad

[rocketlily]

I was just hoping to get some discussion going to keep these threads were people can see them to hopefully snag a few more voters :) but it looks like the plan only worked for the one thread and not in the best way... my bad

I agree with everything you tried (too many smilies) to keep this on the front page. I would have like to seen this poll on the front page for awhile. Not your fault it got turned around.

[Chaloupa]

I couldn't thank you enough for keeping it up to the top as you have been trying to do! I would like to have seen both polls take the first page by storm! Much more visibility that way! Thank you for the effort and don't give up on it! There is always discussion that comes out of threads, some good some bad and some anywhere in between!:biggrin:

[christyf5]

Well the latest poll is supposed to automatically go on the front page. I'm not sure what is up with that. I never go to the front page, I go directly to the index so I had no idea this was happening. I've PMed Titus.

[superduperwesman]

Tomorrow is the last day of voting

[superduperwesman]

Last day of voting

[Chaloupa]

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/gifs/images.jpg for the last day to vote..come on everyone VOTE!:lol: