Excuses

[abstract]

pull out the "responsibility" card....

"you know, by getting a larger tank that takes more work, it is teaching me responsibility in the long run. if i start now, i'm sure it will help me to make responsible decisions in the future, not to mention fishkeeping will keep me away from drugs and gangs"

ok, the drugs and gangs was extra, but hey, it could work!

 

[pica_nuttalli]

just don't pull out the responsibility card AND buy big expensive things behond their back

(remember, asking forgiveness may be easier than getting permission, but don't count on keeping something you buy without your parents' consent. and don't count on convincing them later if you circumvent them now.)

 

[Maroonostrich]

Yeah, thing is with parents, they have a nasty habit of getting rid of things they just don't want you to have...
I brought a new rat, complete with cage, home from school when I was 13, sadly his little feet barely touched the ground and he was given away to my sisters friend.. I was well out of pocket on that one.. I mean I already had 6, what difference did one more make?!!!

I guess there's only so far you can push things...

 

[OohFeeshy]

LOL, my parents think my 20 is massive Luckilly the only problem with getting a larger tank for me is space and money. But I'd be extra-specially good, find out what sorts of fish they like (if they're anything like mine they'll like stuff you can't have, eg, angels and silver sharks) then say 'ooh, I can get those if I have a bigger tank' or whatever. Find put what the problem is with letting you have one- if its money, ask whether they'd rather you spend it on drink and drugs. If its space, have a good clean out and give all your old stuff to charity shops.

 

[Maroonostrich]

Or sell it all on ebay! Last time I had a clearout I gained 130 quid on Ebay, including selling a batch of pictures I cut out of old calenders which I could have just binned! I never did that as they were so nice...

So hey, 120 quid, that's a lot of mini tetras.. or apparently, 2 or 3 zebbie plecs!!






Please note it SHOULD have been 130 but there's always a couple of deadbeat bidders out there...!

 

[Bloo]

or apparently, 2 or 3 zebbie plecs!!

or make that one zebra plec as the going shop rate is at least £100

 

[Maroonostrich]

Yikes, dude in current PFK got a bargain! He paid 65 quid for one...

Bargain, chuh.. imagine having one of them dying within 2 days, you'd be playing war!

 

[daudy_dojo]

this reminds me of when i wanted a betta for the first time and my daddy said no SOOO i had my BF spend all of his pay check on me and my dad came home to another 10G, 1 betta, a 1G, some gravel, and a new sims game!

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Sorry to be a boring old bastard, but somtimes you gotta respect your parents wish's/rules depending on the situtation.
IF you are paying for the tank and all the gear to go with it and the fish etc and it is going in your room, fair enough- you have every right to get it in my opinion.
But i can understand your parents not been so keen on you getting the tank if they are paying for most/all of it or its going in a family room and they don't want fish tanks in every room of the house or that particular room or they are somhow going to be involved in helping maintain the tank.
Despite growing up on a farm, i wasn't allowed any indoor pets and my mum got angry enough when one day i turned up with a small goldfish tank despite me paying for and maintaining the thing and being in my bedroom. I'd feel very lucky and grateful at the time if my mum let me have 6 rats or 4 tanks or whatever.
On the other hand i knew the sooner i got my grades and moved out and got a job the sooner i could buy as many and whatever types of pets i wanted, so i gave me alot of motivation for doing those things and getting them done.
Now i am renting my own apartment and hopefully getting a house soon, i have good jobs and are very independant.

I think good ways to persuade parents to let you have a new tank is the promise of working realy hard and getting good grades at school/colege/uni or working/doing some household chore in return for them- that way everyone benefets and is happy and you get your tank. Simply buying the tank and fish without them knowing though is kinda sneeky though and not exactly respectful/responsable behavior...
Okay so im old fashioned i know but if you work hard in some way in return for getting the tank i think that is much better .

 

[fishwatcher]

well-said, Tokis. Being honest and hard-working is the best way to get the things you want, whether it be a fish tank or a house or anything else.

 

[Discus man]

say that you have a prize rare fish in the current tank and that fish is quickly outgrowing the tank please may i have a bigger one.

Or

say that you have a prize rare fish in the current tank and that fish is quickly out growing the tank BUY ME A 100 GALLON TANK OR THE TEDDY GETS IT

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

well-said, Tokis. Being honest and hard-working is the best way to get the things you want, whether it be a fish tank or a house or anything else.

Thanks fishwatcher ! At least im not the only person here now who still believes in hard work for gifts and the such like

 

[Isis_Nebthet]

You could say you want a large mammal that your parents would never let you have until you get yelled at really good say you'd settle for a 100 gallon fish tank

I totally see Tokis' point too though. I'm probably going to be taking up half of the living room soon (building an 8'x4' tank) and I'll be paying for it and doing most of the construction (assuming I ever find descent lumber!). I'll be the one maintaining it. The guys I live with will allow it because they like the fish and they like watching them. Visitors are always impressed even though I think my tanks could use improving B)