Parents aren't cool with my idea...

[Wulfonce]

I was looking at an unused corner of the basement last week and got an idea. "If I just get rid of that old desk and move a few things into the crawlspace I'd have room for three 20g stacks". Now just for clarification this unused corner is full of cob webs, an old worthless desk, and random gauge sale quality stuff that could otherwise be thrown out. What I had in mind was a breeding setup consisting of six 20g tanks.

I have everything I need to get started minus two 20g stands, 2 tanks and of course the fish. They say I have enough tanks already. Well all I have is a 90g show tank in the living room (which they both seem to enjoy) and a bunch of unused tanks sitting in the crawlspace.

I dont understand their argument. The tanks would be out of sight in the corner of a room no one goes in except to do laundry.

Any ideas on how I can change their minds?

 

[D7620]

start doing work around the house :]

 

[suki_koko]

tell them that the money you would make from breeding/selling the fish would pay for your hobby and that means that you wouldn't have to rely on them for financial assistance. you could tell them its like you will be your own boss, and its not like your outlay would be huge, it would help you with taking care of your own responsibilities.

this worked for my brother when he started out with his tanks my parents were impressed that he was going to be self sufficient.

 

[sick_lid]

It's their house. If they don't want them, then there's your answer.

 

[kdrun76]

It's their house. If they don't want them, then there's your answer.

I agree. If you don't like their rules, support your self and you can do as you choose with your own space.

Remember who will be paying the electric and water bills for these tanks, and who's home will be damaged by any leaks or spills.

When you own your own house, you can make your own rules, until then, follow theirs.

 

[Toby_H]

start doing work around the house :]

For starters... In a mature conversation ask them why they said no...


They may have a very logical reason such as they do not want the resultant humidity from the tanks in that area...

Or they may feel you aren't going to properly care for them. If this is the case ask them if you can do something to show them you are ready for more responsibility. Be careful doing this though, as you are asking them to assign you more chores/responsibilities.


Chances are they do not feel you are going to be responsible with/to/for the additional tanks. So keep in mind that being mature/responsible in your approach will win you points and being childish will instantly take points away...

 

[Wulfonce]

start doing work around the house :]

I do alot around the house cause my parents are nice enough to not charge me rent.

tell them that the money you would make from breeding/selling the fish would pay for your hobby and that means that you wouldn't have to rely on them for financial assistance. you could tell them its like you will be your own boss, and its not like your outlay would be huge, it would help you with taking care of your own responsibilities.

this worked for my brother when he started out with his tanks my parents were impressed that he was going to be self sufficient.

Just so were clear I'm 21, have a job, own a house, truck, and motorcycle. Im very self sufficient. But why am I currently living with my parents? Well when the economy crashed I lost alot of money including my job and was forced to move back home due to financial difficulties. Now I'm slowly recovering and hope to move out again in a few years time.

I'm trying to get my dad into fish keeping as hes 63 and is getting close to retiring. I figure I'd share my passion of fish keeping with him and hopefully it'll give him something to do when he retires. He use to be a fish keeper and breeder back in his prime but stopped some 30 years ago.

But as far as making money to pay for my hobby. I have discussed this with my dad and he says I probably wont make back what I put into it. personally If I break even I'd be happy but if not... that's ok to. The joy is in the doing of it.

EDIT: oh yeah. The home that I own is 3600km away in Alberta. Im currently in Ontario.

 

[oscarcrazy]

It wouldn't matter if you were 12, 21, or 45. If your parents say no to more tanks in their house, that's the answer. You can ask them why they don't want you too, but be ready for an answer like "one is enough." Remember your parents are doing you a favor right now, so don't push to hard...

 

[Toby_H]

I confess I made the assumption you were much younger... No offense, as many of us are feeling the crunch of the current economy...

While I agree it is your parent house and therefore their ultimate call… I still see no reason why you can’t talk with them as adults to see if there is some reason or compromise…

I doubt they are saying “no” just to flex their parental muscle… They may have a valid reason to say no… and they may be saying no to prevent something that you can ensure them won’t become an issue…

There is some crazy new age philosophy that communication is the key to any relationship… So… talk to them…

 

[kdrun76]

You own a home on the far side of the country. You want to set up tanks that they don't want. From their stand point... you are going to set up a whole bunch of tanks that they don't want to maintain when you move back out again and leave them.

You will not earn back even a small part of what you invest unless you go for a much larger scale operation.