Multiple Tank Syndrome and Mothers

[Goodcreature]

I've been making plans for a 1.5-2 gallon shrimp jar for some ghost shrimp. I've already found a jar, built a filter, and got some nice driftwood pieces for it.

The only problem so far is that I forgot to mention to my Mother where exactly this jar was going to go: the empty and completely out of the way corner of the bar in the kitchen where the light is perfect. But, she doesn't like anything relating to fish outside of my room if it can be avoided. I would gladly put it in my room, but the only place it could go would be on my desk, and I would have to buy a lamp for it. Unfortunately, my budget is quite small, and it would be much easier to put the jar somewhere that's already perfect and requires no further purchases.

I'm sure that someone has dealt with a similar situation before, so I was wondering if I could get some ideas, either for finding or making a cheap light for the desk, or for convincing my Mother to allow me to place my jar on the bar. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[platytudes]

You could try showing her some pictures of a completed shrimp jar, but chances are that what you find appealing and aesthetically pleasing won't be to her. Some people just don't like aquariums...I know, it's hard to believe. Does she like any of your tanks? Find any of them interesting?

I'm sure you can find a thrift store with a gooseneck desk lamp for very cheap, it's under $10 at Walmart. To grow anything besides Java moss or the like, you'll probably need a lamp anyway. Most windows filter out the useful light and only provide a bit of supplementary light. They do not usually work as the only light source.

 

[coach_z]

When mom says dont do it, dont do it.

the following is my own $0.02:
*Save your battles for something that has much more importance to it.
*Also, you should probably consult your mom next time you have plans to put something in her kitchen and then keep it there for long periods of time.

 

[flyinggig]

Pay her some rent and get some sort of "Sheldon Roommate agreement" (BBT). Don't feel too bad, some of us have wives who tend to treat us the same way!
We Feel your pain. Seriously though, I would try showing her a nice planted, low maintenance shrimp bowl online.... it might work.

 

[cicrush13]

Or gf's who complain that you spend too much time with your fish

 

[stephcps]

Yep, get used to it. It is a never ending battle. I think Coach and platy gave some good advice. If showing her some nice pics won't do it, then drop it and save the argument for somehing bigger. My only other suggestion if she is kind of part way there but not all the way...offer for it to be a "trial run" of a month. If she then finds it to be unobtrusive and maybe actually likes it...Awesome...if not move it to your room.

I did this with my tanks in the dining room. That was 3 years ago!

 

[To3kn33]

Or gf's who complain that you spend too much time with your fish

+1

 

[livebearerfreak]

or landlords who only allow 3 tanks... maybe i could slip one more in, but growing up is alot harder then alot think lol, even grown ups have to listen to there S.O or landlords, and if they live with there parents, then them.... but i would to go and show some pics to your mom..

 

[jpappy789]

You could try showing her some pictures of a completed shrimp jar, but chances are that what you find appealing and aesthetically pleasing won't be to her. Some people just don't like aquariums...I know, it's hard to believe. Does she like any of your tanks? Find any of them interesting?

I'm sure you can find a thrift store with a gooseneck desk lamp for very cheap, it's under $10 at Walmart. To grow anything besides Java moss or the like, you'll probably need a lamp anyway. Most windows filter out the useful light and only provide a bit of supplementary light. They do not usually work as the only light source.

I agree with the above. You could easily find a cheap CFL desk lamp that would work well.

 

[Goodcreature]

I completely agree that I should have informed my Mother with everything that my plan entailed, but I was so caught up with preparing that I forgot to even mention it. I would never make any plans about changing anything in the house if I didn't get the O.K. from her first; I just entirely forgot this time around.:duh:

I'm sure you can find a thrift store with a gooseneck desk lamp for very cheap, it's under $10 at Walmart. To grow anything besides Java moss or the like, you'll probably need a lamp anyway. Most windows filter out the useful light and only provide a bit of supplementary light. They do not usually work as the only light source.

The bar has some lamps already over it, and they provide excellent light, plenty for the shrimp jar.
Maybe tomorrow I can head over to a Walmart or something and find a good lamp. I think ten bucks is a much better price to pay for shrimp than straining our relationship; I love her too darn much.:hearts:

Yep, get used to it. It is a never ending battle. I think Coach and platy gave some good advice. If showing her some nice pics won't do it, then drop it and save the argument for somehing bigger. My only other suggestion if she is kind of part way there but not all the way...offer for it to be a "trial run" of a month. If she then finds it to be unobtrusive and maybe actually likes it...Awesome...if not move it to your room.

Tried pictures, information, and offering a trial-run before I started the thread. Unfortunately, I had to use those methods for her to let me buy a 55 gallon 8 months ago, and I don't think she's going to go for those again. That's alright; I'll make it work somehow in my room.