Fastest way to get new tank

[austin_socal]

Hi everyone,
I’d love to upgrade my tank from a 25gal lagoon to a 50 gallon or maybe more. Only issue is that my dad doesn’t want to let me upgrade lol. Anybody young too had luck convincing your parents?
lol

 

[tinyfellows]

Don’t know your situation but maybe say you will get a job to buy the tank

 

[Tinnerito]

Hi! I am 15, and started in the reef keeping hobby just last year, and let me tell you, my parents originally hated the idea of a 60 gallon reef aquarium being plopped into the living room. What exactly does your dad not approve of in terms of upgrading your tank? The cost? The space? The maintenance? Or some other reason? Leave a reply and maybe I can help you because I had some convincing to do with my family aswell.

 

[Formulator]

Are you asking him to pay for it, or he just doesn’t want a bigger tank in the house?

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

When I was your age I just went and got a job and bought what I wanted.

 

[Formulator]

When I was your age I just went and got a job and bought what I wanted.

That’s kind of where I was going with my line of questioning

I had my first job at 12 getting paid cash under the table to run a batting cage and snow cone stand…

 

[austin_socal]

Hi! I am 15, and started in the reef keeping hobby just last year, and let me tell you, my parents originally hated the idea of a 60 gallon reef aquarium being plopped into the living room. What exactly does your dad not approve of in terms of upgrading your tank? The cost? The space? The maintenance? Or some other reason? Leave a reply and maybe I can help you because I had some convincing to do with my family aswell.

I think that he thinks I won’t take good enough care of it. I currently have a 25gal in my room and would love to get a 50gal so maybe he doesn’t want it in my room. Maybe if I get tons of coral and make my tank nice he will let me get a bigger one

 

[austin_socal]

Sadly my parents told me I am not allowed to get a job and it is more about my dad just not wanting me to have it then the money

When I was your age I just went and got a job and bought what I wanted.

 

[austin_socal]

Are you asking him to pay for it, or he just doesn’t want a bigger tank in the house?

Just doesn’t want a bigger tank in the house- it’s in my room tho

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Sadly my parents told me I am not allowed to get a job and it is more about my dad just not wanting me to have it then the money

That is a rock and a hard place to be in then. Stick with the 25 gallon for a while, make it thrive, and show him there's a need for a larger system as things grow out.

 

[Formulator]

Sadly my parents told me I am not allowed to get a job and it is more about my dad just not wanting me to have it then the money

Bummer. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when it comes to parenting styles, but I know for dang sure my kids will have jobs as soon as they are legal LOL.

 

[austin_socal]

Bummer. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when it comes to parenting styles, but I know for dang sure my kids will have jobs as soon as they are legal LOL.

Gotcha lol, I’m really serious with my baseball and I think my parents want me to focus myself on that more instead of the reefing hobby

 

[Formulator]

Gotcha lol, I’m really serious with my baseball and I think my parents want me to focus myself on that more instead of the reefing hobby

Maybe show them you can do both and get your current tank in really great shape. Then try again. I’m sure they have good reasons, even if you can’t always see them. You could always emphasize the science of what you are doing, and that it is a worthy academic pursuit. The odds of you becoming a marine biologist are much more in your favor than making the MLB . Go for your dreams, but that’s just the reality I’m sure you understand.

 

[Tinnerito]

Gotcha lol, I’m really serious with my baseball and I think my parents want me to focus myself on that more instead of the reefing hobby

If that is the case, show that you can well maintain your 25 gal, while being very dedicated to your baseball. Then your parents may reconsider. Also always mention upgrading your tank in a good light, and mention the benifits. For example, my parents encourage I expand my reef hobby as for the learning experience with marine animals, and biochemistry.

 

[austin_socal]

Maybe show them you can do both and get your current tank in really great shape. Then try again. I’m sure they have good reasons, even if you can’t always see them. You could always emphasize the science of what you are doing, and that it is a worthy academic pursuit. The odds of you becoming a marine biologist are much more in your favor than making the MLB . Go for your dreams, but that’s just the reality I’m sure you understand.

For sure- I get it.
Thanks bro

 

[Formulator]

my parents encourage I expand my reef hobby as for the learning experience with marine animals, and biochemistry.

Great way to frame it. I am a biochemist in the pharmaceutical industry now and this is a great hobby for learning some of those concepts first-hand.

 

[VintageReefer]

Get them involved. Prove you can maintain the tank and your life. Give them some involvement in the tank.

Hey M + D; I’m between these two corals / fish/ and was looking for input on which would look better?

Just an example but stuff like that. They will walk by the tank oblivious but if you get them involved they might like it and interested. Go to the LFS with them Then you can say ohh look at this fish! Id love to have one one someday but it needs needs a 60/75g tank.

or ask open questions - if you can have any fish at the store, what would you pick and why? Then look into what’s needed for it’s care and make suggestions

 

[TheStrangler]

I think that he thinks I won’t take good enough care of it. I currently have a 25gal in my room and would love to get a 50gal so maybe he doesn’t want it in my room. Maybe if I get tons of coral and make my tank nice he will let me get a bigger one

This is what did it for me when I was a kid. I had a 40g tank in my room, no common space for a larger tank. Eventually I had it looking really nice to the point where my parents would want to show their friends my tank during tours of the house (obviously in my room it was a problem depending on my availability) and then it became a much easier transition to say, hey wouldn't it be more convenient to have a tank in a main living area where everyone can enjoy it? Also, easier access to water supply, fewer 5 gallon buckets being hauled up stairs, less potential for mess, etc etc.

Even if it doesn't go exactly as planned, whats the downside to having a really nice tank? I say go for this as your first step.

 

[austin_socal]

This is what did it for me when I was a kid. I had a 40g tank in my room, no common space for a larger tank. Eventually I had it looking really nice to the point where my parents would want to show their friends my tank during tours of the house (obviously in my room it was a problem depending on my availability) and then it became a much easier transition to say, hey wouldn't it be more convenient to have a tank in a main living area where everyone can enjoy it? Also, easier access to water supply, fewer 5 gallon buckets being hauled up stairs, less potential for mess, etc etc.

Even if it doesn't go exactly as planned, whats the downside to having a really nice tank? I say go for this as your first step.

Sounds like a good strategy, thank you!

 

[Aquariumaddictuk]

Hi everyone,
I’d love to upgrade my tank from a 25gal lagoon to a 50 gallon or maybe more. Only issue is that my dad doesn’t want to let me upgrade lol. Anybody young too had luck convincing your parents?
lol

Great hobby for people to get into at a young age.
It suits inquisitive minds & people that enjoy the puzzles of chemistry.
You will find some really, REALLY intelligent people with very technical careers who enjoy it long term for that reason.
It's relaxing, but it also makes you think.lots.
Good luck with the tank!
Stick with it and I'm sure it will all come good