fishlover78

hi everyone, I hate life since I live with my parents I have to listen to how many tanks I can have, which really stinks like krud because I can only have one tank I said to them " what if I want fish that can't be in the same tank?" and their answer was "get a tank divider" but I was wondering, "what if I want fish that have different pH and parameter needs like that?" and they shrugged their shoulders and my next problem is if I get another tank my science teacher wants the tank she gave me back. it just feels like everything about keeping fish is falling on my shoulders. If I get another tank The science tank would have to go back to school, and I wanted to purchase a 33 gallon tank. I am also going to try to buy my uncles old 60 gallon off him. sigh, so now I go from almost having three tanks to one. what should I do? please help -fishlover78

Lucy

That's the thing about us parents, we can sooo unreasonable.

Your parents probably have a good reason for wanting to cut back on tanks. Room, electric and water bills, meds and equipment.
The economy is rough and maybe they need to begin cutting back some where.

fishlover78

well, I guess so, should I save and get the biggest tank I can (like 100 gallons), that would be considered one tank! so what should I do?

Lucy

Come up with a good stock list with fish that are compatable and you really really want.
Go to your parents with a plan. No whining (not saying you whine, but some young people do) and discuss your plan.

Another stradegy could be start discussing bigger than you'll actually have.
100g tank is huge. Present plans for a 100g but during the discussion be prepared to compromise for a 55g.

MeGustaUnaPez926

Oh, thats a good idea Lucy, bargain with them. Find fish that could fit in a 55, then like double the stocking list for the bartering, (it doesn't really matter if those fish wouldn't work in a 100) so you'll have a perfect plan for the tank you'll most likely end up getting.

Lucy

I have a teen and a college kid, I know the ropes. lol

Minnow

Plus, you might actually get the 100g!

Emory

Lucy is right. (Isn't there an 80s or 90s song called, "parents just don't understand" by Will Smith?) I would suggest a 100 gallon to your parents. Look at the majority of your fish that are compatible and go with them. Since you have the most of them they obviously bring you the most pleasure.

For whatever their reasons are, they probably just haven't come to fully understand your deep love of keeping fish. They may never understand. Some people are immune to MTS, I guess. So be patient as fighting could severely limit your options, again, as Lucy said. If you are mature and reasonable they should be mature and reasonable.

Keep us posted and best of luck to you!

MrsM3197

Does the barganing thing work with husbands too? I have an empty corner in my den and a warm space in my heart that just the right 75 gal might fill!!!

fishlover78

thanks guys, and Lucy you've been a great help, and everyone else also. I am done negotiating having multiple tanks. I am going to try to put together some plans and present them, my first reaction was " then I will just have to keep the fish I want in the tank I have" but then I realized that the point of fish keeping is the fish being happy, and sticking 2 oscars in a 27 gallon hexagon tank certainly wouldn't make the fish happy! I will see what I can through together, they also don't like the idea of a big tank, my Mom said " well I'd have to see it, then say yes or no" so a 55-60 gallon tank would be a stretch! but hey, miracles can happy thanks guys I needed some encouragement

Lucy

Yes, it does!

fishlover78

well, I had my discussion with them, and talked about some important subjects like:
1. aquarium size
2. picking fish before equipment and a tank
3. tank maintenance
4. why my old hex tank is bad for the fish
5. discussing newer less outdated fish keeping methods (my Dad was not happy discussing this one!)
6. location of the tank
7. the new water changing system (by python)

some of these things didn't go over well with them (one of them at least), the first being the water changes. my Dad doesn't believe that water changes are needed, I read him the tank maintenance article and he still could care less, he seems to think that my fish died because I cleaned the tank (they really died because of ICH). they also weren't happy that the 33 gallon tank was 4 feet long, but that's something they'll learn to suck up! they were happy when we talked about and discussed a water changing system. my Mom said she would gladly buy one for me so she didn't end up with water all over the floor every time I changed some water. so all is well I believe I will be getting a 33-40 gallon tank in June, that way I have some time to save money. and that way the tank will be given proper attention during cycling! thank you all, I can't have multiple tanks but maybe I will when I get my own house! hehehehehe! thanks again, -fishlover78

Lucy

It sounds like it went really well. Good job.

fishlover78

thanks Lucy