My parents took it a lot gentler than I expected... Although I did just say 'a fish, a pretty expensive one', I think they knew exactly what I had in mind! They said if I can get the money, then go for it. It'll take awhile, but I got something to look forward to!
I managed to find a free big @$$ tank too, looks at the very least 100 gallons. My animal science teacher has lots of random old tanks and cages layin' around, so it looks like a lot less to save up for! I'm so excited! I could probably score a filter from her too, but I doubt it would handle a ray, but I could certainly find a future use for it
Well, StingrayJK said he would have pups by March, and I would probably feel safer paying in advance and letting them grow a bit before I take them, hopefully by then I could find a male. And hey, thats another month or two to save up!