Definitely try the negotiation tactic. Like some people said we don't know what you were asking for. If you asked for big tanks then they said small try a medium tank. A 55 gallon is a wonderful starter tank. Great way to break into the hobby with some mid sized cichlids and get a feel for breeding them (like convicts maybe since its so easy to breed them). Then upgrade from there once your family sees you are able to handle the responsibility. I remember when I started out my parents only allowed me my one 55 gallon tank until they saw how responsible I was in its upkeep. Then they allowed me more tanks over time. Now I have my own place with my own family and run 8 fish tanks at the same time with a total gallonage of almost 1000 gallons. You will get there with time, but sometimes you start smaller and work your way there. I've been doing this 20 years now and you don't get there in one moment. You get there with time.
The fight for a fish tank
- Thread starter Sharkluver
- Start date
Try writing a short essay on why you want them, with a plan on how exactly you will take care of them, how you will finance this (if you don't have money- maybe say this will be next bday present or something), and how this is a scientific hobby which is better than you playing video games. I wouldn't worry about proving they are amazing, if they don't see it they won't. Focus on how this is actually a healthy hobby, and hopefully they will understand.
Sorry if I didn't specify enough. I was not in my dreams planning any tank over 100 gallons for several years. According to my family, a 30 gallon is considered HUGE. I was more shooting in the 40-75 range. I've kept some small tanks (5-10 gallons) before but my dedication annoyed everyone more than anything with my constant running back and forth from the sink to my room with fresh water and trying to save the fish because my tanks were simply too small to properly care for them. I think this is why my parents don't think I am up for the task. I make jewelry and other art and make a decent profit off that to fund this tank. I was planning on using a sturdy kiddie pool and covering it in flex seal to use as a temporary setup until my dad can help me build them a permanent home in the summer. I've offered to pay for any water and electrical costs. The cichlids I planned to keep were going to be convicts and firemouths.
In this case, it sounds a bit like your parents just dont want to risk the potential water damage and accidents that may happen with larger tanks...
Either that or maybe they have plans for renovate the basement at some time in the near future and dont want your tanks taking up the space???
But as some members have already said, you are at a huge disadvantage here as it is your parents house, so its also your parents rules...
Either that or maybe they have plans for renovate the basement at some time in the near future and dont want your tanks taking up the space???
But as some members have already said, you are at a huge disadvantage here as it is your parents house, so its also your parents rules...
Sharkluver, that definitely clears some things up, yes! As for your family members thinking that a thirty gallon is HUUUuuuuuUUGE, it made me laugh. Specifically because I have a friend who works for the same company who loves explaining to stubborn people that their 30-60 gallon tank is still considered a relatively small tank and then going on to explain why water volume matters.
With any hobby or business, having the proper tools (access to a closer sink, ability to run a Python or hose into your tank area, etc) can be the difference between success and failure. If you don't have the proper tools or proper tanks, of course things will be harder! Perhaps explaining in terms like that might help. If you only do an oil change on a car that's run heavily using the cheapest possible oil and don't do any other maintenance to it, it will eventually break. Something like that, maybe.
With any hobby or business, having the proper tools (access to a closer sink, ability to run a Python or hose into your tank area, etc) can be the difference between success and failure. If you don't have the proper tools or proper tanks, of course things will be harder! Perhaps explaining in terms like that might help. If you only do an oil change on a car that's run heavily using the cheapest possible oil and don't do any other maintenance to it, it will eventually break. Something like that, maybe.
I agree with
Cyanopica
. Location and tank size make all the difference for caring for fish. A python or similar(I have the cheap version) would make tank maintenance go so much faster and easier.
I do think you are in a tough spot though. Being under someone else’s roof you have no choice but to follow their rules.
That being said, I wouldn’t give up either. I’d make sure I was helpful with any chores around the house and fit fish talk in whenever possible to keep it on their minds too. Haha Hopefully hearing your passion and seeing your responsibility in others areas will sway them.
Cyanopica
. Location and tank size make all the difference for caring for fish. A python or similar(I have the cheap version) would make tank maintenance go so much faster and easier. I do think you are in a tough spot though. Being under someone else’s roof you have no choice but to follow their rules.
That being said, I wouldn’t give up either. I’d make sure I was helpful with any chores around the house and fit fish talk in whenever possible to keep it on their minds too. Haha Hopefully hearing your passion and seeing your responsibility in others areas will sway them.
Hello; You appeared to answer this. So all the cost will be on you?
Hello; Not a good plan if you want to keep the "trust" of the parental units. Sneaky does not build trust for when you need a bit more of something.
hello; I had the same choice when at home with the parents. Also later with renters rules in some places.
Hello; This. I get that you want what you want right now, but it is their call.
Hello; Good point.
Hello; So there is a history of your behavior that is a basis for the parental decision. You apparently could not make the existing tanks work without making problems.
That you tried to keep fish in tanks too small for them seems poor judgment on your part already. If you have small tanks keep fish that fit. Do not get large fish until after you already have the large enough tanks. To many on this forum have either too many fish in a tank or way too big of a fish. You appear to have gone about this backwards.
My take is that proper dedication includes housing fish in a proper sized tank, not have too big fish for a tank and then scrambling to try to keep them alive.
I have tried to keep too many fish in my tanks when I was younger and after a talk learned that my inexperience did lead to the problem with me getting a bigger tank. Since my last 10-gallon tank crashed due to algae I have purchased many new books and learned a lot from people here. After sharing my new knowledge, and how I was going to pay for this I am allowed to keep a fish tank. I must admit it was a lack of communication on my part that kept me from getting another tank. I've found a used tank nearby that is free but ugly. It's 40 gallons and comes with everything except a heater, sand, and plants. There also one that's 55 gallons that's a lot nicer with everything included and working but it does have two Oscars which I know will not live in harmony in that size tank when they get bigger and they want $65 for it.
