*** MARINER OF THE MONTH: February Edition! Sponsored by EShopps, Top Shelf Aquatics, Premium Aquatics, and SaltwaterAquarium.com! ***

[JoJosReef]

OK! I have updated my nominations for

@Fish Styx https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/m...d-saltwateraquarium-com.1090571/post-13191889

@TangerineSpeedo https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/m...d-saltwateraquarium-com.1090571/post-13191893

and @00W https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/m...d-saltwateraquarium-com.1090571/post-13191894

There are others here that I would nominate but you've already been covered!

 

[Slocke]

Kudos to all of the great Mariner candidates so far! I'm not feeling all that Mariner-y this month and taking the bench to cheer on my teammates. January is going to be a rebound month, a ton happening and getting my tanks back in tip-top shape, so expect to see me again in the future, as salty as ever!

I agree. I have not done much of the work for my tanks these last few months as I have been traveling for work and pleasure and thus this months prompt is not as applicable to me. Reading the other entries makes me feel that others deserve this more then me. Like @JoJosReef it will hopefully be a month of repair and regrowth for my tanks and I will return next month!

 

[Slocke]

Oh and thanks for the genuine nomination @tbrown. It means a lot and shows why you deservingly won last month. Next time though I'd prefer something a little insulting… I don't know how to react to genuine-ness.

 

[JoJosReef]

Oh and thanks for the genuine nomination @tbrown. It means a lot and shows why you deservingly won last month. Next time though I'd prefer something a little insulting… I don't know how to react to genuine-ness.

 

[VintageReefer]

I would also like to nominate you! But, I get it!

I would like to nominate you!

 

[JoJosReef]

I would like to nominate you!

I'm sitting this one out. I'll be back next month with an amazing new tank, though!

 

[Fish Styx]

Oh and thanks for the genuine nomination @tbrown. It means a lot and shows why you deservingly won last month. Next time though I'd prefer something a little insulting… I don't know how to react to genuine-ness.

I genuine-ly put thought into my prose. Pfft...

 

[Slocke]

I genuine-ly put thought into my prose. Pfft...

Don’t worry you have a nomination coming. Might even be a serious one

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I nominate @TangerineSpeedo !

Experience, attitude, humor and a sense of community meet in our Mariner @TangerineSpeedo . I've been fortunate to be among the locals in his SoCal community that benefit from his knowledge and generosity, whether it's dishing out frags, calling to discuss your build or egging you on to jump into the Pacific Ocean (Not in these waters! Nuh uh!). He can build his own tanks or refit any old tank. He runs multiple successful reefs and a temperate water tank! You can try to transplant his bone marrow but all you'll find is rock salt! He's a Mariner through and through and should be a contender for this MOTM!

Wow! That was beautifully composed. A tear, well maybe more than one, came from my eye...
dang onions...

 

[*GAREEF*]

A little update I had to move some things around to make room for incoming…

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

First I would like to thank @JoJosReef for his wonderful nomination, it means a lot.
I have been keeping marine tanks since 1989, while not continuous, it would be if I had my druthers.
The ocean has special healing powers for many including myself and when I became a certified diver in 1989 I needed to somehow keep a bit of it with me. I always had MTS from the very beginning and nothing has changed in that department. I will touch on this in a second. But first I am appreciative of the people in my life that share the love of the ocean, from people here on R2R to friends in public aquaria and aquaculture.

How does having an aquarium affect your daily life?
The short answer to that question is... It is an obsession! And a bit of a curse I guess...
I am always thinking about my tanks or projects that I want to try. My current project thought, is to create a Caribbean reef without using actual Caribbean reef coral (because not really available). My family and friends know to politely ask about my tanks when we get together because my eyes light up and excitedly talk about the latest going ons with my tanks.
So, as I said prior, I started keeping saltwater tanks with MTS and today is no different. Currently I am keeping four tanks with independent support systems and two satellite systems. What this means on a daily basis is, priority is food and supplements, making sure the system is running within acceptable parameters and putting out fires. Scraping the glass and glueing frags to plugs are a bit down the line. ( I have so many frags laying down on the bottom of my sand bed...) I haven’t chosen the easiest styles of tanks to have MTS either. From my SPS dominated DT to my tide pool temperate tank. I try to keep my DT and frag tank as close as I can parameter wise so I can go back and forth with little or no shock to the corals. My temperate tank is it's own animal in itself and my IM30 long is the only tank that is an AIO, that for me is a struggle everyday. I only have about an hour before work everyday to fix whatever the CUC has tore down the night before. Luckily I live close to where I work so I can come home for lunch an give everybody an afternoon snack. Then at night when I come home, the tanks get their Phyto and coral food. My weekends is when the big stuff happens. Water changes, making live foods, going to the ocean to get kelp and NSW and cleaning and testing the tanks, etc. All of this can be thrown into turmoil if I decide to start a new project. That can be anything from hatching and raising Grunion fry, to building a new tank or maybe rescuing a jellyfish in the mix for fun....
The interesting thing is with all of this chaotic MTS reef keeping I do. I am fairly accidentally successful, and that causes it's own catch 22 that keeps me going. (Catch 22... dang, that's another book I forgot to put down in the book thread...)
I love keeping tanks and creating their own unique life support systems. I guess the question is; If I lived in a place that had a amazing accessible tropical reef would I still keep tanks... Probably....
Thank You all again, I am blessed...

Oh, BTW. The names of my tanks...
Frankencube AKA 40Trop.
Tide pool temperate AKA RS170Temp
The Aquarium no one wanted AKA Frag
30L is going thru a transitional stage now and identifies as The Caribbean tank.

 

[tbrown]

First I would like to thank @JoJosReef for his wonderful nomination, it means a lot.
I have been keeping marine tanks since 1989, while not continuous, it would be if I had my druthers.
The ocean has special healing powers for many including myself and when I became a certified diver in 1989 I needed to somehow keep a bit of it with me. I always had MTS from the very beginning and nothing has changed in that department. I will touch on this in a second. But first I am appreciative of the people in my life that share the love of the ocean, from people here on R2R to friends in public aquaria and aquaculture.

How does having an aquarium affect your daily life?
The short answer to that question is... It is an obsession! And a bit of a curse I guess...
I am always thinking about my tanks or projects that I want to try. My current project thought, is to create a Caribbean reef without using actual Caribbean reef coral (because not really available). My family and friends know to politely ask about my tanks when we get together because my eyes light up and excitedly talk about the latest going ons with my tanks.
So, as I said prior, I started keeping saltwater tanks with MTS and today is no different. Currently I am keeping four tanks with independent support systems and two satellite systems. What this means on a daily basis is, priority is food and supplements, making sure the system is running within acceptable parameters and putting out fires. Scraping the glass and glueing frags to plugs are a bit down the line. ( I have so many frags laying down on the bottom of my sand bed...) I haven’t chosen the easiest styles of tanks to have MTS either. From my SPS dominated DT to my tide pool temperate tank. I try to keep my DT and frag tank as close as I can parameter wise so I can go back and forth with little or no shock to the corals. My temperate tank is it's own animal in itself and my IM30 long is the only tank that is an AIO, that for me is a struggle everyday. I only have about an hour before work everyday to fix whatever the CUC has tore down the night before. Luckily I live close to where I work so I can come home for lunch an give everybody an afternoon snack. Then at night when I come home, the tanks get their Phyto and coral food. My weekends is when the big stuff happens. Water changes, making live foods, going to the ocean to get kelp and NSW and cleaning and testing the tanks, etc. All of this can be thrown into turmoil if I decide to start a new project. That can be anything from hatching and raising Grunion fry, to building a new tank or maybe rescuing a jellyfish in the mix for fun....
The interesting thing is with all of this chaotic MTS reef keeping I do. I am fairly accidentally successful, and that causes it's own catch 22 that keeps me going. (Catch 22... dang, that's another book I forgot to put down in the book thread...)
I love keeping tanks and creating their own unique life support systems. I guess the question is; If I lived in a place that had a amazing accessible tropical reef would I still keep tanks... Probably....
Thank You all again, I am blessed...

Wait wait wait... Is your picture a nomination for @Projects with Sam ?

 

[JoJosReef]

Wow! That was beautifully composed. A tear, well maybe more than one, came from my eye...
dang onions...

I may have overshot a little, what with the uncut 2040 staring at me...

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Wait wait wait... Is your picture a nomination for @Projects with Sam ?

Heck No! Sam is a serious reefer! @Projects with Sam is like the Beyonc'e of reefers! Scrappy, innovative, creative, family man, 3d printing fume huffer ! Why would I compete against the like of him? That is not even a competition, that's a slaughter. When Sam first started all he had was a used 120 Oceanic tank he found at a spring cleaning yard sale with nothing in it. Being a family man in this economy, he had to come up with creative ways to make it work. With his Western Suburb, street dog style, he did that and more. He parlayed that into ParlAquatics, which is now so successful that it had to move to a new dedicated location.
No @tbrown, I am just trying to show some Western Suburb pride and glean votes from people who love his gumption.

Psych! Not!
@Projects with Sam You are nominated!

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I may have overshot a little, what with the uncut 2040 staring at me...

This maybe cheaper than gas for your Tesla to get up here...

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-14-in-single-bevel-compound-miter-saw-57174.html

But always, anytime... only an hour from your work...

 

[JoJosReef]

This maybe cheaper than gas for your Tesla to get up here...

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-14-in-single-bevel-compound-miter-saw-57174.html

But always, anytime... only an hour from your work...

If I buy any more tools my coworkers are going to come in to find my disembodied head in a tank. Knowing my luck, my wife will probably put it in the 10gal clown prison where the clowns will happily gnaw on my face until my ammonia filled head eventually gets them.

And don't be spreading those lies about me having a Tesla. I drive a soccer mom van. With the "sport" package. Because that's how I roll.

How's your Thurs? Lunch and 2040?? Need a grafted monti digitata??? Just got to be back in Irvine for my 2pm meeting.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

If I buy any more tools my coworkers are going to come in to find my disembodied head in a tank. Knowing my luck, my wife will probably put it in the 10gal clown prison where the clowns will happily gnaw on my face until my ammonia filled head eventually gets them.

And don't be spreading those lies about me having a Tesla. I drive a soccer mom van. With the "sport" package. Because that's how I roll.

How's your Thurs? Lunch and 2040?? Need a grafted monti digitata??? Just got to be back in Irvine for my 2pm meeting.

Great! Come out after traffic. And it's funny I don't have any monti's... But that will give you plenty of time to raid my tank and have lunch.

 

[Projects with Sam]

Thanks for the nomination @TangerineSpeedo!
I was going to wait this one out because the question didn't pique my interest as much as the last months' but here goes because I was nominated! I decided to play around with AI and in the interests of transparency, I'll include my prompts...

my prompt (Copilot):
write a short essay about how having and aquarium affects my daily life. Include points about how it gives me something to look forward to; noticing all the changes, new life, loss of life... also, mention how the daily task of feeding and observing the tank is relaxing and add a sentence about how routine and pets helps mental wellbeing. Having the tank helped me quit nicotine... Also mention something about the pride of researching and setting up and getting it to all run and keep these wonderful creatures alive imparts a great deal of pride; not to mention how enjoyable it is sharing all of it with my kids.

Here a few few responses:

---

The Impact of an Aquarium on Daily Life
Having an aquarium has brought a profound and positive change to my daily routine and overall well-being. Each day, I find myself looking forward to the moments I spend with my aquarium, eagerly observing the dynamic ecosystem within. The ever-changing landscape of the tank, with new life emerging and occasionally, the sad loss of a beloved fish, continuously captures my attention and piques my curiosity. This constant cycle of life and change provides a refreshing perspective and a sense of anticipation that adds a unique excitement to my days.
The daily task of feeding and observing the tank has become a cherished ritual. There's something incredibly calming about the rhythmic motions of the fish and the gentle bubbling of the water. This routine has become my personal moment of tranquility, allowing me to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life. The act of caring for the tank, from feeding the fish to ensuring the water parameters are just right, has a soothing effect that helps to center my mind.
Moreover, the sense of routine and the presence of pets have significantly contributed to my mental well-being. The structure that the aquarium care demands has provided a healthy routine, and the companionship of the fish has filled a void that I didn't realize existed. This newfound sense of purpose and responsibility played a crucial role in my journey to quit nicotine, offering a positive distraction and a healthier outlet for my attention and energy.
The pride I feel from researching, setting up, and maintaining the aquarium is immeasurable. It took a considerable amount of time and effort to understand the needs of the various species, the intricacies of the tank's ecosystem, and how to create a balanced, thriving environment. The satisfaction of seeing my efforts result in a beautiful, thriving aquarium is immense. It is a source of great pride to know that I have created a home for these wonderful creatures and that they are thriving under my care.
Sharing this experience with my kids has added another layer of joy to the experience. Watching their eyes light up with fascination and wonder as they observe the fish and learn about the aquatic world is incredibly rewarding. It has become a bonding activity for us, fostering a shared sense of accomplishment and teaching them valuable lessons about responsibility and the beauty of nature.
In conclusion, having an aquarium has profoundly impacted my daily life, providing me with something to look forward to, a sense of relaxation and mental well-being, a healthy routine, and a source of immense pride and joy. It has enriched my life in ways I never imagined and continues to be a source of happiness and fulfillment.

---

Shorter
The Impact of an Aquarium on Daily Life
Having an aquarium has deeply enriched my daily routine and well-being. Each day, I eagerly observe the dynamic ecosystem within, finding joy in the changes, new life, and the occasional loss. This anticipation adds excitement to my days.
Feeding and observing the tank has become a cherished ritual, providing a calming escape from daily stresses. The structure and routine of caring for the aquarium have significantly contributed to my mental well-being. This newfound sense of purpose and responsibility played a crucial role in my journey to quit nicotine.
The pride I feel from researching, setting up, and maintaining the aquarium is immense. Seeing my efforts result in a thriving tank is deeply satisfying. Sharing this experience with my kids has added another layer of joy, fostering a shared sense of accomplishment and teaching them about responsibility and the beauty of nature.
In conclusion, having an aquarium has profoundly impacted my daily life, providing relaxation, a sense of pride, and a source of happiness and fulfillment.

---

how would Wordsworth have responded to the question
The Impact of an Aquarium on Daily Life
In the spirit of William Wordsworth, let me express my thoughts thus:
Having an aquarium, as a source of profound inspiration, doth enrich my days with a ceaseless spectacle of life’s tender ebb and flow. Each morn, with eager heart, I witness the manifold transformations within this miniature cosmos, where new life dawns and, sadly, some must fade away. This ever-changing tableau imparts a sense of wonder, painting my daily existence with hues of anticipation and delight.
The gentle task of feeding and observing the tank becomes a cherished moment of repose, akin to a tranquil stroll through nature’s bounty. The serenity bestowed by these simple acts doth calm my spirit, as the fish dance with grace and the water murmurs softly. This daily ritual, a balm for the mind, hath woven a fabric of routine that fortifies my mental well-being.
In truth, the aquarium hath been my steadfast ally in the pursuit of health, helping me cast aside the chains of nicotine. The routine, the care, the sense of purpose—these elements coalesce to offer solace and strength.
Pride swells within me as I reflect upon the journey of research, the meticulous setting up, and the vigilant maintenance of this vibrant aquatic realm. To see my diligent efforts bear fruit in the thriving life within is a source of immense satisfaction. The joy of sharing this marvel with mine children, teaching them the virtues of responsibility and the beauty of nature, doth add to my contentment.
Thus, the aquarium hath become a cornerstone of my daily life, bestowing relaxation, a sense of pride, and a boundless well of happiness and fulfillment.

The AI leaves a little to be desired... pretty nice but... meh... seems formulaic.

I guess the name of the tank is DIY Solutions or ParlAquatics? I have the sign from a coral swap vendor attempt so it works out.

Build thread link: (this is mid-latest upgrade)

 

[tbrown]

I'm going to nominate @Imrahilwjz ! This guy has an awesome reef tank. I've been stalking it since the beginning and I love the way he gets his kids involved! I've got two kids and both of them will look at the tank and ask questions, but his kids are involved and excited! You want to talk about a mentor? He is literally raising up the next generations of reefers. His kids are learning skills that they're going to take with them for the rest of their lives - skills like responsibility! 9 kids and counting and he still has time and energy for his reef tank.

 

[Imrahilwjz]

I'm going to nominate @Imrahilwjz ! This guy has an awesome reef tank. I've been stalking it since the beginning and I love the way he gets his kids involved! I've got two kids and both of them will look at the tank and ask questions, but his kids are involved and excited! You want to talk about a mentor? He is literally raising up the next generations of reefers. His kids are learning skills that they're going to take with them for the rest of their lives - skills like responsibility! 9 kids and counting and he still has time and energy for his reef tank.

Aaawwww shucks