HOW MANY: Is there life out there?

[Fishmanic]

It is public who you voted for So we all know who you voted for

yes, that's right...who voted for whom can be viewed...that helps keep entrants honest

 

[jaylach]

It is public who you voted for So we all know who you voted for

LOL! Hey, I live within my own fantasy world. Please no longer disrupt this world with reality!

 

[Alice B]

Before I vote, can I still enter? Almost done redoing my 29

 

[Lynnzer]

Before I vote, can I still enter? Almost done redoing my 29

Too late for this one Alice. Pity though.
Keep a watch on the next competitions. 29 gallons is a good size so I bet you're able to put a good tank together.

 

[Fishmanic]

for July contest we will feature tanks sized at 17 to 30 US gallons…you will see a banner announcing the start of the contest

 

[Lynnzer]

I know it's sort of an anomoly but most tanks of a set volume such as a 30 gallon, hold far less water due to substrate, hardscape etc. My own 75 ltr tank only has 58 litres of water.
Nevertheless, it's still a 30 gallon tank. Just thinking out loud.

 

[Fishmanic]

Be sure to vote in the present contest

 

[Deleted member 149562]

This is my own opinion, I own it and stand by it completely

I think there should be a new aquarium of the month (I hate the word "tank" cos you put fuel in tanks and tanks are used in warfare...not with fish)

Open size limit aquariums, 25 entries maximum and ONLY artificial (decor/planting)

Cos I have noticed (and I am sure others have noticed too) that artificial decor aquariums tend to be overlooked due to the sometimes (possibly inadvertent) overt push for live planted aquariums being more worthy, prettier etc.

I believe that this should be done at least twice a year....maybe once to test the water so to speak. I am not suggesting this due to my own preference to use artificial but I am certain that there are ALOT of aquarium owners in this forum's membership who shy away from entering the competitions due to feeling like second class fishkeepers just cos they only use artificial decor - and lets not forget that most artificial decor is much more expensive than the "real" stuff alot of the time too, so IS worthy of its own competition cos these aquariums ARE worthy of showcasing....even those with the psychadelic colours...cos they all take careful planning and constructing, just as any aquarium with real planting & rocks does.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

This is my own opinion, I own it and stand by it completely

I think there should be a new aquarium of the month (I hate the word "tank" cos you put fuel in tanks and tanks are used in warfare...not with fish)

Open size limit aquariums, 25 entries maximum and ONLY artificial (decor/planting)

Cos I have noticed (and I am sure others have noticed too) that artificial decor aquariums tend to be overlooked due to the sometimes (possibly inadvertent) overt push for live planted aquariums being more worthy, prettier etc.

I believe that this should be done at least twice a year....maybe once to test the water so to speak. I am not suggesting this due to my own preference to use artificial but I am certain that there are ALOT of aquarium owners in this forum's membership who shy away from entering the competitions due to feeling like second class fishkeepers just cos they only use artificial decor - and lets not forget that most artificial decor is much more expensive than the "real" stuff alot of the time too, so IS worthy of its own competition cos these aquariums ARE worthy of showcasing....even those with the psychadelic colours...cos they all take careful planning and constructing, just as any aquarium with real planting & rocks does.

So how about it, @Fishmanic

Would you at least consider doing a one-off to test the proverbial waters on an all artificial set up like this?

You might be surprised and have more participation both with entries and voting...especially those who have never entered for fear of being overlooked due to their use of artificial decor & planting.

 

[jaylach]

So how about it, @Fishmanic

Would you at least consider doing a one-off to test the proverbial waters on an all artificial set up like this?

You might be surprised and have more participation both with entries and voting...especially those who have never entered for fear of being overlooked due to their use of artificial decor & planting.

I sort of like the idea but have to question if there has been a bias against artificial plants in the contests.I MAY enter my 20 gallon cube in the July contest. That gives me a month of algae to really form on the fake plants. If that happens in time you would swear that the fake plants were live.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I sort of like the idea but have to question if there has been a bias against artificial plants in the contests.I MAY enter my 20 gallon cube in the July contest. That gives me a month of algae to really form on the fake plants. If that happens in time you would swear that the fake plants were live.

It isn't a question of bias per se

I started a thread last October regarding the fact that it can be perceived that those who use artificial, like myself, are frowned upon somewhat by the "real" plant aquarium owners.....whether it be actual or subconsciously...

Anti-Artificial?

I am not having a rant or anything like that, so no-one needs to get their proverbials into a knot But.... Why is there so much anti-artificial...erm...for want of a better descriptive phrase...."snobbery" in fishkeeping generally (not just amongst people here but everywhere) about the use of...

www.fishforums.net

I withdrew my aquarium last month cos I honestly felt out of my depth against all the planted aquariums, I felt uncomfortable showing it off in a competition viewpoint...and I am absolutely sure others here feel the same way.

 

[Lynnzer]

Those who have fake are more likely to vote fake, as long as it looks good. I see no problem in that. And vice versa of course.
I wouldn't expect a well planted tank that didn't look good to be voted for out of any bias.
However the numbers of votes getting made are so low as to question the validity of having a competition anyway.

 

[Fishmanic]

I won a TOTM with mixed fake and real plants in my 35 gallon tall hex tank. Some silk plants look very real.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

However the numbers of votes getting made are so low as to question the validity of having a competition anyway.

I disagree about the number of votes being "so low". You've had the bots explaining "guests vs members" explained to you - the number of active forum members at any one time isn't always that high. 70 odd votes is enough for a prizeless, fun forum contest. Frankly, the contests aren't that important to everyone. They're here to read, or to ask for help, or to use the forum as they see fit. I know that while I try to remember to vote when I'm around, there are long stretches where I'm not here and voting, and other contests that pass me by even when I am here.
"The validity of having a competition anyway" - what?? It's supposed to be FUN. Not some serious aquascaping contest, there are no prizes, just a little banner on your profile that doesn't change anything. So why take it so seriously? That only sucks the fun out of it and discourages people from entering even more, if their tank isn't "aquascape competition level". It wasn't designed to be a serious competition like that.

 

[Fishmanic]

The TOTM contest is more about showing your tank so other members can possibly get ideas for their tanks. And as Adorabelle stated is mainly for fun and enjoyment for all. As stated in my contest rules, the tank doesnt even have to be planted or even at your final goal. We seek maximum participation to make the contests more interesting. It’s not about whether you win or lose…. what’s important is that you participate by entering or voting or both.