Contest #2

[sphelps]

Yes a budget on hardware works, introduces a challenge and is easily monitored and controlled. If I thought a livestock budget would actually work I would be all for it, problem is there are too many variables and to me it just seems more fair and easier to simply eliminate it. The worst case is someone will spend a ridiculous amount of money on super rare livestock but the majority of people don't like or notice the rare stuff anyway so I see no advantage. You'll also see much more variety in livestock as much more freedom will be available.

My recommendations are:

• Hardware - limited budget
• Livestock - unlimited budget
• Total system volume - limited to 20 gallons or whatever most would prefer
• 1 month preparation build time
• 3-6 months additional contest time, again whatever most prefer
• People wanting extra build time can use addition contest time (no restriction on when tank has to be wet)
• Absolutely no changes within last month (proves sustainability)

We also didn't get too many people in the last contest so multiple categories, which although would be nice, probably won't really work. The more people actually competing against each other the better.

[michika]

That makes lots of sense, and I'm all for that. Thank you for the recommendations.

Start dates? I'm thinking May 1st, or June 1st?

[Ron99]

Lot's of good suggestions and discussion. After considering all the input I think the following would be good:

1. Two Categories; stock tanks and custom tanks
2. Hardware - limited budget of maybe $300 to $400
3. Livestock - unlimited budget (hey if somebody wants to blow $2000 on livestock more power to them. I think the contest should be based more on the whole package rather than what fancy corals or rare fish somebody has)
4. Display limited to 20 gallons with a max 20 gallon sump
5. Total of 6 months contest time with no set wet deadline (to give people as much time as they need for the build) and no changes in the last month (other than water changes of course).

As for start date maybe June 1st. I know my schedule is pretty full and life seems to be busy for many people so that gives a bit more time to plan for those wanting to do a custom build.

YMMV but I think the above maybe incorporates many of the opinions and suggestions made so far.

[sphelps]

Any thoughts on monthly FTSs and updates? I think expecting people to post on certain day every month is a little far fetched since some of us aren't always around. Also with summer coming this becomes even more difficult. Some ideas:

• No actual picture requirements however people obviously realize this is a contest and to win they have to show something. Could also add a prize for best documentation/build thread.
• Monthly FTS required but not date specific, just sometime every month or even with in the first two weeks.
• FTS required whenever something is added or updated.

[JDigital]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Any thoughts on monthly FTSs and updates? I think expecting people to post on certain day every month is a little far fetched since some of us aren't always around. Also with summer coming this becomes even more difficult. Some ideas:

• No actual picture requirements however people obviously realize this is a contest and to win they have to show something. Could also add a prize for best documentation/build thread.
• Monthly FTS required but not date specific, just sometime every month or even with in the first two weeks.
• FTS required whenever something is added or updated.

I won't be in this contest, but this is something I agree with. This caused a huge headache in the first contest, and should be considered.

[michika]

Originally Posted by sphelps

• No actual picture requirements however people obviously realize this is a contest and to win they have to show something. Could also add a prize for best documentation/build thread.
• Monthly FTS required but not date specific, just sometime every month or even with in the first two weeks.
• FTS required whenever something is added or updated.

I agree with this too.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by michika

I agree with this too.

Any insight on which option might be best?

rstar, I like the point system idea however it's still similar to money. Assigning points to livestock will probably be just as complicated as assigning a dollar value. I could see a similar system being used for deciding on an ultimate winner. Essentially have one contest category but at the end have multiple polls setup for voting on different aspects of each tank. Then award points to each contender based on how they place in each aspect. Kind of like Super Mario Cart
Reading your post again it seems we actually might be on the same page here?

[rstar]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Any insight on which option might be best?

rstar, I like the point system idea however it's still similar to money. Assigning points to livestock will probably be just as complicated as assigning a dollar value. I could see a similar system being used for deciding on an ultimate winner. Essentially have one contest category but at the end have multiple polls setup for voting on different aspects of each tank. Then award points to each contender based on how they place in each aspect. Kind of like Super Mario Cart
Reading your post again it seems we actually might be on the same page here?

Yes ecentially we are! However do think it could work for budget as well. As long as the points are very broad. Not down to each peice but each group of corals. SPS as a whole group would be worth say 5 point because its relatively easy to find really nice sps. softies could be worth 2 as its not quite as easy to find the really amazing softies. and lps would be inbetween. This would alow people to spend whatever they want but also keep themselves in check as to not rack up all their point. Itll keep people looking for the real gems to add to their tanks. I dont think it could work if you got species specific, it would have to stay broad.

Mario cart was just what i was thinking. I do think however most of the point would have to awarded via a set group of invited judges as if you leave most of the points awarding to the public you will NEVER get an unbiased vote. however you could hold a public vote and use a percentage as point. this would keep the contest fair and not just a "popularity" vote.

[michika]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Any insight on which option might be best?

All three!

I would say one FTS a month, and it must be done within the first two weeks of the month. I would say make shots for additions as well. Then like you mentioned people who want to expand upon their build with additional photos can, and have that play into a best documentation/build thread award like you mentioned.

[rocketlily]

Just for clarification, is the 20 gal sump mentioned above
20 gal total volume or
20 gal water circulating through the sump