mefishyguy

Hello Everyone.
I am getting my 36 Gallon Tank for my Birthday (ALLL the way in april) and I just calculated the cost for it. its $315.00 (w/o tax) for everything in ALL my tanks (36 gallon and both 10 gallons) which means fish the 36 gallon tank price and decor included, $135.00 is what the tank costs, so that means around $180 for all that stuff (decor, fish, siphon) and my dad is paying for it. He's alright with the tank price but how can I convince him to pay for all the other stuff? Thanks

AND

what can i do in that LOONNNGGGG 4 month wait?

Thanks :P

1hawaii50

Save up money for your tank accessories?

platyfish

Get a smaller tank and upgrade later?

mefishyguy

I already have $180 myself, its just my mom wont let me spend it :/

mr. Clown Loach

welcome to my life...

Meenu

I'm not sure how old you are, but maybe you could sit down with your mom, show her the research you've done, so she knows that you've done your research and know the exact numbers. Then you can ask about extra chores around the house to make the money, or get a job, or mow the neighbors' lawns, etc. You can also look for sales between now and when you get the tank.

Also keep an eye out on craigslist if your parents let you.

Tigerlily

Can you do odd jobs or extra chores around the house to earn money for the accessories?

Perhaps talk to your dad, express your appreciation for his generosity, and offer to take on extra chores just to help out (without pay).

Make sure your regular chores are done without reminders and power struggles.

Take excellent care of the tanks you have while you wait. Learn, learn, learn... as much as you can about fish keeping. If you are in school keep your grades up. My youngest son always found a way to research and write a paper for school about things he wanted, from video game systems to cars.

I dunno what else to suggest but appreciation, education, hard work and dedication sure impressed me when my sons had their eye on something they wanted my help to purchase.

Really, if you stay busy and keep your eye on "the prize", April will be here before you know it!

Edit: I think I just got

rae64

I know how you feel Talk to your parents and tell them all the reaserch. Make 2 lists: what you MUST have to be successful, and what you would like to have in addition. You can show them your research, and hopefully they will be impressed. Ask about chores and things you can do to help them out. Maybe you can mow the lawn, clean out the garage (a biggie my parents pay well for) or babysit younger siblings if you have them. I know some parents pay for this, but others do not. I have a twin brother, so no babysitting there.... lol. Even though sometimes I feel like I have to babysit him.

OH! Also, sometime doing little things that aren't your responsibility to help you parents out will incline them to pay you: sometimes when my brother needs homework help but my mom really needs to cook dinner she will pay me a few dollars to "tutor" him.

mefishyguy

Thanks Guys Ill Ask them tommorow

JSK

There are a few pointers I would give you:

1. Don't beg. Show a willingness to work and earn. Show them that you appreciate the value of a dollar. Maybe stop spending money on a few other things that you spend on now (if you do)....maybe tell them you'll save up by not going the movies for the next few months, etc. It shows you are serious.
2. Show your parents how much research you are doing on what you need and what you are going to get, and that this is not just a spur of the moment decision. Show them you are spending wisely.
3. Point out that fishkeeping is a very scientific hobby, combining chemistry, biology, even physics. You LEARN stuff by keeping fish...much better than a video game or spending $180 on the "right" pair of Nike shoes.
4. See if you can work it into your school work, maybe writing reports, etc. Point out that the experience you gain might even be setting yourself up for a job at a LFS next summer (or some time).
5. I've got two kids myself now, and I can see the impact that hobbies like fishkeeping have on them. Point out to your parents that you are learning responsibilities, you are planning ahead, you are actually learning something in your free time....parents love that stuff!

When I was a kid, I was always into "sciency" stuff. Not fishkeeping exactly, but I worked to save money to buy stuff like telescopes, microscopes, chemistry sets, ferrets, etc. I'm sure my parents didn't get it, but I worked hard around the house, got summer jobs, and earned it.....guess what....I actually did become a scientist...so I guess it worked out!

mefishyguy

You guys are such great help

flyin-lowe

Go to Craigslist. I would bet you can buy a 36 or even better a 55G already to go for around $100.00. Just a thought. There are lots of people out there with used stuff that they will let go for cheap.

bolivianbaby

I'm a parent myself and all of the above suggestions are great!

Regal

I wish my kids were begging for fish instead of video games lol

I would say start watching Craigslist. People buy an aquarium and all the stuff needed for it and then change their minds and just want it gone. You will end up with twice the aquarium at half the price and everything is included.

mr. Clown Loach

i agree go to craigslist ive seen a 120g saltwater tank for only $250 and a 100g freshwater for only $200