Hobby or something else?

[jeaninel]

I too, was brought up with lots of animal including horses, which was my main hobby growing up. I think it taught me to be responsible. I don't have horses anymore (can't afford them) so the fish hobby fits right in. I enjoy doing water changes as well. Sure, there are some times when it seems a bit more of a chore but the enjoyment I get from caring for my fish is worth it. This hobby really helped me keep my sanity when i was going thru a divorce. And thankfully, my boyfriend, who knew nothing about the hobby, has really taken an interest and encourages me.

 

[Yoimbrian]

Like others said the big issue is how it impacts your spouse.

If you spend so much money on your hobby of animals that you can't afford her hobbies, it's not fair to her.

If you spend so much time on your hobby that you neglect her it's not fair to her.

If you keep it in a healthy balance she has no right to be mad. Tell her you'll drop the animal hobby and spend your free time and money drinking at strip clubs, she'll love fish.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[Rivers2k]

This hobby can easily become an obsession. My wife knew I was into fish long before we were married but after we were married she became more and more resentful of it. I took a step back and looked at it from her point of view and realized I was spending way to much time on my "hobby". So I cut down on the amount of tanks I keep and I check the amount of time I am spending. Could I be reading a book to my kids instead, are the kids or wife looking for my attention, if the answer is yes then I go and spend time with them, they are way more important anyways. I also don't do water change right after my wife has cleaned the bathroom or kitchen that is big no no or while she is trying to cook. Before I spend any amount of time working on my tank I check to see if my wife has other plans or at least give her a heads up. This has made for a happier marriage.

I do WC on Saturdays during kids nap time, or while my wife is out. I bring my kids in with me to feed the fish and they love it. I watch my fish before bed while we are watching tv and my wife is doing her thing. I must say we are both very happy and I don't feel as I am missing out on anything. I am just as happy with my 3 tanks as I was with 7. My wife still doesn't like it but she feels a bit better about it.

PS. I tried the argument at least I am not at the bars with the guys every night after work. She responded "well I wouldn't marry a man who would do that" ...she is better at arguing than me but I love her

 

[convict360]

I only have two tanks, but to girls that I bring back to mine, they see the 90 gallon downstairs, the 50 upstairs; and that automatically seems more than a hobby to them lol.

140 gallons of water, and 3 fish, no wonder they think I'm mad haha

Sent from my Nexus 5 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[fishy5]

I can understand that, my dad feels the same way. He always says that I won't have much of a life if I don't stop putting so much time towards my tanks. I do have 10 tanks and it's a lot of work but to me it's worth it and very rewarding. I don't do much in my free time other than keep fish and care for them, go fishing, and scuba dive (primarily to watch fish) so you can see that to a person like me that it's really not a pain to devote a lot of time towards my tanks. I'm one of the few people on this forum that actually enjoys doing water changes . However I think that my dad respects my hobby at the same time because he really enjoys the DIY stuff I make and is going to help me set up plumbing, wiring, etc on the large basement Fishroom I'm putting in as a sort of Christmas present.

+1 I love doing water changes

 

[Lepisosteus]

I too, was brought up with lots of animal including horses, which was my main hobby growing up. I think it taught me to be responsible. I don't have horses anymore (can't afford them) so the fish hobby fits right in. I enjoy doing water changes as well. Sure, there are some times when it seems a bit more of a chore but the enjoyment I get from caring for my fish is worth it. This hobby really helped me keep my sanity when i was going thru a divorce. And thankfully, my boyfriend, who knew nothing about the hobby, has really taken an interest and encourages me.

Get a seahourse...bit of both worlds

 

[903Herp]

I found one way that helps me manage both my hobby and my marriage is that I wait and spend money on fish or extra stuff after bills are paid and I have had date night with the wife. Also as alot of you have said, I maintain a balance between my animals and my wife. If I catch myself staring at my tank to long I turn the lights out and sit on the couch. I almost think my wife would prefer I spent my time at the bar instead of in front of watch she says is "just a freaking giant bowl of water with some stupid fish".