2010 Tank Of The Year!!! sponsored by Bashsea!

[jimsflies]

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/toty-bashsea-lg.jpg
Tank of the YearCR has a new trophy, in fact the new trophy is the holy grail of trophy's here on CR...Tank of the Year. There are only a select few CR members that can even be considered for this trophy...Only the previous year Tank of the Month recipients have a shot at getting it. It is in fact the best of the best!

This contest serves as a showcase (see Post #2 of this thread) to honor the dedication and hard work our previous year's Tank of the Month (TOTMs) recipient. It hopefully will inspire us all to be better reefers...to do those water changes...to sacrifice other life's essentials and get the sweet coral or rare fish...to take clearer photos...and to share our tanks with each other on CaptiveReefs.

Unlike TOTM which is selected by staff members and previous TOTM winners, the crowning of the best tank for 2010 rides solely on CR members. So please help by voting for your favorite tank. Our list includes 2 tanks from 2009. I've included a summary and a link to each TOTM.

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/2010_toyota_prius.jpgBesides the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve a TOTM, putting together the TOTM article takes a lot of work on behalf of the honoree. These dedicated reefers have to provide a writeup, great photos, and make sure that their CR profiles and showcases are well polished. As a special thank you for their hard work, we thought it was appropriate to reward them with a chance to win a great prize. So, the TOTY winner will *have to make a choice between prizes...2 years unlimited use of a 2011 Toyota Prius or 7 days, 6 nights all expenses paid dive trip in Cancun Mexico...including air fare*. OK, just kidding we can all dream, right....

However, we do have a real sweet prize for the Tank of the Year Winner! Bashsea has donated a $200 gift certificate which can be used at any authorized Bashsea dealer to purchase that equipment upgrade they've always wanted.

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/dto_vendor/banner/1026_1.gif (http://www.bashsea.com/)

The TOTY poll will close on January 9, 2011 so please take a few minutes and review our previous winners and vote for the one that you think best deserves the title of Captive Reefs "Tank Of The Year". In the event of a tie, we will have a 3 day re-vote for to determine the winner.

[jimsflies]

Here are the summaries of each of our TOTM winners from 2010:


http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.png October 2009 - TimmyB770's 120 gallon SPS Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5753)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Oct/angletim_sm.jpg

The tank is a standard 120 gallon 48" by 24" by 24" Allglass aquarium fitted with Eshoppes overflow. Water is returned from the 50 gallon sump via aDanner Magdrive 1200. Flow in the display is provided by 2 Vortech MP40s. The substantial demand for calcium and Alkalinity is handled by a GEO 624. (read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5753)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Oct/zoas-x.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Oct/clownfish.jpg


http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.png December 2009- Werdlone's 150 Starphire SPS Dominated Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6131)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Dec/werdlone-tank2.jpg

Werdlone's tank is a 150-gallon, 72"x 24"x 20" starphire glass tank by Great Lakes Aquariums. It has a middle 1.5" overflow that runs through a filter sock at the sump. Water is returned from the 100 gallon Rubbermaid sump by a Gen-X pcx 40 pump through two penductors on loc-line. In tank flow is supplied by two Vortech mp40's. The sand bed is 2-inches of carib sea special grade sand. He runs a MSX 250 skimmer, GEO 418 calcium reactor, Tunze osmolator top off, and carbon through a Two Little Fishes reactor and GFO through another. Lighting consists of three DE 250 watt Phoenix bulbs in Lumen Max reflectors driven by blue wave HQI ballasts. He also uses two 60" VHO super actinic bulbs for actinic supplementation. (read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6131)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Dec/werdlone2.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/09-Dec/werdlone-bluestag.jpg


http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.png January 2010 - divecj5's SPS Dominated Nano Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6390)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Jan/fulltankshot.jpg

Display: 20 Gallon High - 24"x12"x16" AGA
Lighting: Aquatinics TX5 5-bulb T5 Fixture
Filtration: Aqua-C Remora HOB skimmer
Circulation: VorTech MP20W
Heater: Stealth Heater 100w
Top off: JBJ ATO
Controller: Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6390) |
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Jan/fulltopdown.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Jan/green_slimer.jpg



http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngFebruary 2010 - Bella127's Cube (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6889)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Feb/bella127.jpg

Display: 60 Gallon 25"x25"x25" Great Lakes Aquarium
Lighting: 250w Blue Wave 3 ballast w/Lumenarc reflector powering a Radium 20 k bulb
Ice Cap 430 over driving 2 x 24 w ATI Blue plus bulbs
Current Powerbrite Blue L.E.D Module
Refugium Lighting: 1 x Home Depot "fuge light" with 6500k bulb
Skimmer: Bubble King mini 160
Water Movement: VorTech MP40W x 2 and Quiet One 4000 return pump
Heater: Titanium heater by Finnex 300w
Auto Top Off: Tunze Osmolator pumping out of an 8 gallon reservoir
Controller: Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper Lite w/ 2 PC-4's, One SL-2 module, and Net module
Sump/Fuge: 20 gallon tank houses skimmer, grape culerpa, return pump, ato sensing unit and fuge light.
Supplemental power supply: American DJ PC-100/a 8 port power center
Water source: BRS 4 stage rodi filling a 32 gal brute conatiner w/ auto float shut-off.
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6889) |
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Feb/bella127-top-down.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Feb/bella127-scoly.jpg


http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngMarch 2010 - Tom@HassletMI's Mixed Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7356)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-March/fulltank-sm.jpg

Display: 50 Gallon 36"x18"x18" "Breeder"
Lighting: 3 - 39watt T5HO w/ TEK II reflectors (blue+, aquablue special, blue+)
1 - Current USA PowerBrite LED (white)
Sump/fuge: 20-gallon "Long"
Skimmer: EuroReef ES5-2
Refugium Lighting: DIY 4 watt cold cathode fluorescent
Return pump: Mag18 (partially routed back to fuge section of sump)
Circulation:
1 - Tunze Nanostream 6045
1 - Koralia 2
Heating/cooling: 100 watt Tronic heater and a 3-inch canopy fan
Top Off: Tunze Osmolator w/ a 6 gallon reservoir
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7356) |
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-March/rightfront.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-March/leftfront.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.png April 2010 - Youngtimothy's Beautiful Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7731) {colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-April/fts-youngtimothy.jpg
[Display: 100-gallon
Lighting: six over-driven T5's
3 ATI Blue plus
1 ATI Aqua blue special
2 UVL Super Actinic
Sump/fuge:
Skimmer: Octopus 150 skimmer
Return pump: 700 gph
Circulation: Two Vortech MP-40'2
Heating/cooling: 100 watt Tronic heater and a 3-inch canopy fan
Top Off: JBJ Tooff w/ a 10 gallon galss aquarium reservoir
Dosing Pumps:
Controller: Reef Keeper Lite
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7731) |
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-April/acros1.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-April/acros2.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.png May 2010 - PJR's 135g Awesome LED Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8095)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-May/panorama_sm.jpg

Display: 135 Gallon 72"x18"x21" All Glass Aquariums
Lights: Sunbrite LEDs
Filtration: Tunze 9010 Skimmer
Circulation: Tunze 6100, Koralia Hydor
Retun: Iwaki
Top Off: Spectrapure Litermeter III
Other Equipment: Reefkeeper 2
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8095) |
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-May/pjr-brains.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-May/pjr-front-right.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngJune 2010 - Vega15's Gorgeous Mixed Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8646)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-june/Vega-FTS.jpg
Display: 180 Gallon (AGA w/built in overflows) built in wall with 100-gallon sump.
Lights: 6' Maristar Light Fixture w/three 150W HQI (Ushio 14K) bulbs and four T-5 actinic.
Return PumpL Iwaki 70 Return Pump.
Filtration: ASM G-4X Protein Skimmer.
Circualation: Tunze 6100 w/Single Controller
Topoff: 20-Gallon water tower for top off. Tank has a simple mechanical float for top-off.
40W Aqua UV Sterilizer
Bulk Reef Supply reactor concerted into a De-Nitrate Reactor
Bulk Reef Supply reactor running GFO and Carbon
7-Gallon Kalkwasser drip system
75 GPD RO/DI unit.
300 Watts of Stealth Heaters on a controller.
Reef Crystals salt.
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8646)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-june/vega-corals.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-june/vega-tang.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngJuly 2010 - Schminksbro's SPS Garden (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9133)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-July/july-fts.jpg

Display: 100 Gallon 48"x26"x18"" Great Lakes Aquariums
Lights: two 250-watt halides, 2 54-watt HOT5 actinics
Filtration: ASM G3 Skimmer (mesh modded)
Return Pump; two Magdrive 7's
Circulation: two Vortech MP-40s
Top Off: Aqua Lifter (kalkwasser) controlled by Reef Fanatic topoff
Other Equipment: GEO 618 Calcium Reactor
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9133)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-July/mille.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-July/cap.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngAugust 2010 - Myteemouse's Blue Room (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9525)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Aug/myteemouse-fulltankshot.jpg

125 Gallon
Display: 60"x 24"x 20" by CFI
Lights: (2) 250w MH 14k coralvue w/lumen bright reflectors.
(2) 48-watt HO-T5 on Icecap 660
Filtration: SWC 250
Circulation: Closed Loop with two inlets four out on Dart pump (3600gph)
Hydor K-4 modded on sea swirl (1200 gph)
Return: Posidon 1200 GPH
Top off: DIY ATO
Other Equipment: Reefkeeper Lite Controller
Kalk reactor w/ blueline 10 stirrer, Phosreactor
Chiller in the summer
29 Gallon
Display: 24"x12"x16"
Lights[: (1) 250w MH 14k corlavue W/lumen bright reflector
(1) 24-watt HO-T-5
Filtration: Euro reef 100 skimmer
Circulation: (1) Hydor K-3 (1) Hydor K-1
Return: Quiet One 400GPH return pump
Top off: DIY ATO
Other Equipment: Phosreactor
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9525)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Aug/myteemouse-blueroom.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Aug/myteemouse3.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngSeptember 2010 - DBarsotti's SPS Jungle (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9999)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Sept/fulltankshot.jpg

Main Display:40 gallon - 36x18x16
Lights: 36" Current USA Outter Orbit 2x150watt 14k Phoenix Metal Halide, 4xT5 actinic
Flow: three Koralia 2 and one Koralia 3
Frag Tank: 15 gallon - Size 21x18x10
Lighting: 24" Current USA outter Orbit 1x150watt 14k Phoenix Metal Halide, 4xT5 actinic
Flow: two Koralia 1
Other Equipment:
Skimmer: Aqua-C Ramora
CPR External overflow box
Mag 6 Return Pump split between the display and frag tank with ball valve to reduce flow to frag tank.
Neptune AquaController3
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9999)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Sept/frags.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Sept/acropora_echinata.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/images/medals/totm-icon.pngNovember 2010 - Manoj's Mixed Reef (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10804)
{colsp=2}
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Nov/manoj-fts.jpg

Display: 65 gallon - 36 inches x 18 inches x 24 inches
Refugium: 30 inches x 12 inches x 16 inches
Overflow system: 700gph glass holes overflow
Water Movement: Two 6045 Tunze pumps
Skimmer: DNW150 Reef Octopus external recirculating skimmer
Lights: 5 High Output T5 bulbs with SLR's run by workhorse ballasts
Bulb Configuration: Front to Back: ATI Blue+, ATI aqua blue, ATI blue+, ATI aqua blue, ATI blue+
Auto Top Off : Tunze Osmolator
(read more) (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10804)
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http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Nov/manoj-picasso.jpg
http://www.captivereefs.com/totm-pics/10-Nov/manoj-blasto.jpg

[Manoj's Reef]

Thats a real sweet deal!!!!

[tazzy695]

very sweet way to honer the totm winners

also you almost had me with the first two prises you had listed LOL

[Sir Patrick]

This is going to be a close one, for a few people I am betting!!

Voted!

[cephalotus]

This one is gonna be a toughey.

[CrabbyCorals]

Amazing tanks...congrats to all.

[kgood1]

Great job to all TOTM winners!!!!!!! picking one is hard!

[vega15]

I was really happy to of been nominated and then win TOTM this year. Now that I see all of the past winners lined up here I have to say that I am blown away by them all!

I know that we have a great thing going here on Captive Reefs and it is awesome to see the community growing, sharing and working together. I know from personal experience that I would not have the wonderful ocean view in my basement that I do without the support of the many members and friends that I have made here on CR. You guys have been a huge help to me and I really do appreciate it!

So good luck to this years winners! We all have something to be proud of.

[IamSpicy]

Absolutely gorgeous tanks.

[schminksbro]

Very well said and I couldn't agree more.

I was really happy to of been nominated and then win TOTM this year. Now that I see all of the past winners lined up here I have to say that I am blown away by them all!

I know that we have a great thing going here on Captive Reefs and it is awesome to see the community growing, sharing and working together. I know from personal experience that I would not have the wonderful ocean view in my basement that I do without the support of the many members and friends that I have made here on CR. You guys have been a huge help to me and I really do appreciate it!

So good luck to this years winners! We all have something to be proud of.

[jimsflies]

If you want to be a TOTM or see one that you think should be considered, click on this link (found in a few places on CR) to nominate the tank.

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/totm-icon.jpg (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/misc.php?do=form&fid=1)

We'll do this again next year and if you're one of the lucky few TOTM's you'll be in the running too!

[igot2gats]

Just like Election Day...Get out here & vote, reefers!

It only takes a minute or two of your time...

[vega15]

Lets keep it going guys!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Only 36 votes? That's a pitiful particiaption rate!

Each one of these tanks is worthy, so pick your favorite and VOTE!

Tom

[korndiddy20]

I agree, we need more people voteing. I really liked july 2010 but I dont like the blacked out background. For me that made me go in a different direction. I think if your going to be a tank of the month or tank of the year winner we should see the tank as is, no photo shopping. all of these tanks are awsome, way better then mine, lol. its hard to only pick one.

[jimsflies]

I'll take the blame for the photoshopping...when I get the pics and arrange the articles sometimes it just looks better to tweak or remove the backgrounds. There is a certain amount of creative editing that gets applied to TOTM articles to make them into more than the typical member tank thread. You can of course click on the member's tank thread in each of the articles to see the less edited versions.

[Werdlone]

Hey Jim...could you do some photoshopping on my pictures!!! lol. I seriously need it :(My tanks' colors look pale in comparison to the other TOTM winners! Truly beautiful tanks guys. Honored to be in the running.

[jimsflies]

Hey Jim...could you do some photoshopping on my pictures!!! lol. I seriously need it :(My tanks' colors look pale in comparison to the other TOTM winners! Truly beautiful tanks guys. Honored to be in the running.

LOL....I think I've gotten a little better over the last year. I agree you and timmyb may be at the biggest disadvantage in this contest because you were first and I was lower on the learning curve. In preparation for this TOTY contest, I went back through all the TOTM threads to bring them up to par with the current TOTM article formatting. But didn't do a lot with the photos themselves.

Skyhigh starting helping me around February with spiffing up the photos. He has helped me a lot with TOTM so a lot of credit (blame) goes to skyhigh too.

[Chelle's Ocean]

Voted :) Good Luck!!

[Werdlone]

@Jimsflies...I was just joking. I thought you did a great job with my TOTM. thanks. I would love to see recent pics of the TOTM's....I bet a few would look a little different..including mine! I'll post one when I get a chance.

[The Rugger]

Tough choice... Lots of time invested here... Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

[jimsflies]

Last week of voting...

[jimsflies]

Congrats Schminksbro! CR tank of the year!

[schminksbro]

All I can say is WOW! I am humbled and flattered by this honor. I would like to thank all of my fellow reefers who have helped me out along the way, Jim and everybody here at CR, as well as Bashea for sponsoring TOTY. The tank was torn down and moved shortly after it was featured in July's TOTM. It is now recovered and growing well. Updated pics are coming soon!

Congrats Schminksbro! CR tank of the year!

[EMUreef]

All I can say is WOW! I am humbled and flattered by this honor. I would like to thank all of my fellow reefers who have helped me out along the way, Jim and everybody here at CR, as well as Bashea for sponsoring TOTY. The tank was torn down and moved shortly after it was featured in July's TOTM. It is now recovered and growing well. Updated pics are coming soon!

Man TOTY and FF... ur not allowed to play anymore! haha awesome job man!

[schminksbro]

I would also like to congratulate all the other TOTM winners for 2010. These are elite tanks that require a lot of effort from elite reefers. All are stunning in their own unique way!

[Manoj's Reef]

Man TOTY and FF... ur not allowed to play anymore! haha awesome job man!

+1 he should be disqualified already lol...Congratulations Andy:highfive3:

[schminksbro]

Thanks man! I think I will go play the lotto!:)

Man TOTY and FF... ur not allowed to play anymore! haha awesome job man!

[schminksbro]

Thanks Manoj! Now get some more acros in that tank of yours!

+1 he should be disqualified already lol...Congratulations Andy:highfive3:

[jolson10450]

nice!! congrats!

[jimsflies]

That's quite a CR trophy chest you are getting there, Andy!

[steve&mari]

Congrats on the award n happy reefin.


Sent from my SPH-M900 using Tapatalk

[schminksbro]

nice!! congrats!
Thank very much!


That's quite a CR trophy chest you are getting there, Andy!
Yes it is Jim! Thanks for all you do for CR!


Congrats on the award n happy reefin.

Thanks guys!

[Manoj's Reef]

Thanks Manoj! Now get some more acros in that tank of yours!

Yup I got a new one last weekend. Its the red robin.

[Sir Patrick]

Congrats Andy!!! I am sure you will put that Bashea Skimmer to work!

[schminksbro]

Yup I got a new one last weekend. Its the red robin.
Awesome to hear! That's a nice stag!

Congrats Andy!!! I am sure you will put that Bashea Skimmer to work!
Thanks Chris, Not sure if it will be a skimmer but I am certain I will find something cool!

[AJ :)]

Nice job Andy!

Great prize too!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Well deserved, Congrats! Now post some updated pics already!

Tom

[jimsflies]

Well deserved, Congrats! Now post some updated pics already!

Notice Andy is missing a golden camera in his trophy case....

[schminksbro]

Nice job Andy!


Great prize too!
Thanks AJ!


Well deserved, Congrats! Now post some updated pics already!

Tom
I have a photographer coming this weekend! Pics are coming soon.:)

[schminksbro]

You are correct Jim:) I do however have a family member with a nice camera coming over tomorrow.;) I don't see one of those camera trophies in my trophy case any time soon.

Notice Andy is missing a golden camera in his trophy case....

[Seph]

Congrats Andy! You sure have a beautiful tank.

[schminksbro]

Thanks very much!

Congrats Andy! You sure have a beautiful tank.