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

[Daniel@R2R]

​

Do you dream of creating a stunning reef tank that captures the beauty and wonder of the ocean? Are you passionate about exploring the endless possibilities of reefing and sharing your story with a thriving community? The Mariner of the Month contest is your opportunity to shine! It’s a celebration of dedicated hobbyists who inspire others and bring the underwater world to life.

Each month, one outstanding hobbyist will be crowned Mariner of the Month through voting on Reef2Reef, earning a fantastic prize package and a custom trophy to mark the achievement. Monthly winners will also compete for the ultimate title of Mariner of the Year 2025, with a grand prize worth over $12,000!

We’re looking for hobbyists who showcase creativity, commitment, and a love for the community. This contest celebrates more than just your reef tank—it’s about your journey and the passion that drives you. Are you ready to Dream, Explore, and Discover? Let’s dive in!

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

• Must be an R2R member (new members welcome!)
• Have a tank thread on R2R
• Be 18 years or older (minors may participate with parental consent) and living in the continental US
• Monthly winners can only win once in the year but automatically qualify as a finalist for the Mariner of the Year selection!

HOW TO ENTER

To submit your entry, please include the following in a single post in this thread:

• A photo of yourself and a photo of your reef tank. (These can be separate photos or combined, but separate photos may better showcase your tank.)
• The name of your reef tank—or name it now if you haven’t already!
• Your response to this month’s Mariner of the Month prompt: How does having an aquarium affect your daily life? (Your answer should be at least 5 sentences long.)
• A link to your build/tank thread on Reef2Reef. Don't have one? Our Members Aquarium Showcase is a great place to do that! CLICK HERE and get yours going!

Want to nominate another member? Here's how to do it:

• Tag the individual you would like to nominate.
• Share a nomination statement of at least 5 sentences, explaining why this person deserves to be considered. (Your statement will serve as an endorsement in the final voting thread.)
• Nominees must accept the nomination and complete the entry requirements in this thread to be considered as a Mariner of the Month finalist.

Entries and nominations must be submitted by January 21, 2024.

PRIZES

Our Community Selected MARINER OF THE MONTH for February 2025 will receive:

Total Prize Value is $1,000!! Here's what the winner will get:

• Mariner of the Month Trophy!
• Eshopps C-120 Skimmer
• Premium Aquatics Gift Card/Store Credit: $250
• Top Shelf Aquatics Frag Pack: $250
• SaltwaterAquarium.com: $250
• Bragging Rights!!!

Mariner of the Year 2025: An ultimate prize package including a Mariner 130, a substantial gift card selection, and thousands of dollars in accessories!

RULES FOR ENTRY SUBMISSION AND WINNER SELECTION

Entries must be submitted by January 21, 2025. The top 20 entries will be selected by @ESHOPPS.INC staff. A new voting thread will be started by January 22, 2025 with 20 finalists for the community to select the MARINER OF THE MONTH. Winner of MARINER OF THE MONTH will be announced on February 3, 2024.

At the end of the contest, the winner's username will be tagged in the winning announcement. We will not email, PM, or contact the winner other than tagging their username. Be sure to check back to claim your prize.

Thanks so much to @ESHOPPS.INC for putting together this awesome event! Let the search for the Mariner begin!!

 

[Fish Styx]

I nominate @fishguy242 !

 

[Fish Styx]

I nominate @Slocke

 

[Fish Styx]

I nominate @Stang67

 

[Fish Styx]

I nominate @vetteguy53081

 

[Fish Styx]

I nominate @JoJosReef

 

[JoJosReef]

I nominate @Fish Styx !

*placeholder -- I have to write my paragraph. But it's gonna be a good one!

 

[JoJosReef]

Somehow @tbrown is going to win this anyway...

 

[JoJosReef]

I nominate @TangerineSpeedo !

*placeholder -- I have to write my paragraph. But it's gonna be a good one!

 

[JoJosReef]

I nominate @00W !

*placeholder -- I have to write my paragraph. But it's gonna be a good one!

 

[Slocke]

I nominate @Slocke

Uh you need to write at least 5 sentences about how much I mean to you and how you couldn't live without me.

I believe I paraphrased that correctly?

 

[Fish Styx]

Uh you need to write at least 5 sentences about how much I mean to you and how you couldn't live without me.

I believe I paraphrased that correctly?

They're place holders, silly; but yours will now be written in prose.

 

[JoJosReef]

They're place holders, silly; but yours will now be written in prose.

I suggest getting AI to write his.

 

[tbrown]

I suggest getting AI to write his.

Somehow he will end up with 3 feet, three eyes and half of a leg...

 

[tbrown]

I will be putting together some nominations for this one as well! Those will be here later as I am busy this evening unfortunately. Looking forward to a lot of great participation and nominations this month!

 

[Slocke]

Somehow he will end up with 3 feet, three eyes and half of a leg...

Sam is an exceptional reef tank keeper, known for his dedication and attention to detail in maintaining the healthiest aquatic environments. Despite having three eyes, he has an extraordinary ability to spot even the smallest changes in water quality or coral health. With three feet and half a leg, Sam's agility and determination allow him to move around his tank setup with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that every coral and fish thrives. His unique physical traits only add to his charm, as they seem to enhance his already impressive ability to adapt and problem-solve. Sam's resilience and passion for reef keeping inspire everyone around him, proving that true greatness isn't defined by how we look, but by the care we give to the things we love.

 

[tbrown]

Sam is an exceptional reef tank keeper, known for his dedication and attention to detail in maintaining the healthiest aquatic environments. Despite having three eyes, he has an extraordinary ability to spot even the smallest changes in water quality or coral health. With three feet and half a leg, Sam's agility and determination allow him to move around his tank setup with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that every coral and fish thrives. His unique physical traits only add to his charm, as they seem to enhance his already impressive ability to adapt and problem-solve. Sam's resilience and passion for reef keeping inspire everyone around him, proving that true greatness isn't defined by how we look, but by the care we give to the things we love.

But nothing about a cat or dog???

 

[JoJosReef]

Sam is an exceptional reef tank keeper, known for his dedication and attention to detail in maintaining the healthiest aquatic environments. Despite having three eyes, he has an extraordinary ability to spot even the smallest changes in water quality or coral health. With three feet and half a leg, Sam's agility and determination allow him to move around his tank setup with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that every coral and fish thrives. His unique physical traits only add to his charm, as they seem to enhance his already impressive ability to adapt and problem-solve. Sam's resilience and passion for reef keeping inspire everyone around him, proving that true greatness isn't defined by how we look, but by the care we give to the things we love.

That brought a tear to my eye. Let's get this poor, horribly deformed--I mean, I can barely look at him--reefer a trophy!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

Somehow @tbrown is going to win this anyway...

He wins everything lol

 

[Fish Styx]

Uh you need to write at least 5 sentences about how much I mean to you and how you couldn't live without me.

I believe I paraphrased that correctly?

Limerick:

There once was a reefer named Sam,
Whom I nominate because he's a good man,
He really likes wrasses
Has no time for *****
Yet somehow he's part of the fam.

Haiku:

Slocke is competent
Wrasses flash in his presence
I want him to lose

Free Verse:

Crystal waters swirl as the sacred wrasse knowledge is shared.
Turbulent beauty.
Speak latin.
Fin.