The Puffer Forum

Out of all the questions I have asked in the last week I think this is the most important one. I have been bitten by puffer bug and now I'm addicted to the hobby. I have a breeding tank set up and my little puffer seems to be very happy. Now the only thing I have to worry about is explaining to my girlfriend now we as a couple would benefit from having another aquarium set up in our one room apartment in the downtown area of city. I find myself searching kijiji all the time and today I almost bought another 5 gallon tank to try and breed some cherry shrimp for puffer feeders. The only thing that stopped me was the voice in my head saying "She is going to f'in kill you if you bring that home." Which brings me to my question. How do you juggle a relationship and an aquarium addiction? I will gladly use any exuses you have come up with to use on your spouse.

thanks,
- Weaver

Make sure it is absolutely clear to her that you care about her happiness. Show interest in what she likes, make sure you buy stuff for her so she doesn't think only the puffer is getting "presents". Let her know that you support her hobbies/interests, and talk things over with her before making larger purchases. She'll be much more supportive if she doesn't think you're being selfish.

Instead of coming home with flowers for valentines day I came home with a big bag of snails... luckly she wasn't upset. lol

Weaver wrote:Instead of coming home with flowers for valentines day I came home with a big bag of snails... luckly she wasn't upset. lol

That sounds suicidal. I hope you got her *something*. Just keep in mind, you can't cuddle a fish.

I think I'm okay, bt I think Im going to get an engagement ring just incase I do something really stupid. That way I will always be ready for when I screw up royaly

OMG, are you in BIG trouble!

Weaver wrote:I think I'm okay, bt I think Im going to get an engagement ring just incase I do something really stupid. That way I will always be ready for when I screw up royaly

Scary!!!

I don't want to use that unless I have to... I'm saving that one.

Pufferpunk wrote:OMG, are you in BIG trouble!

No, I just want to have a plan for when I convert the bath tub into a tank for some new puffers I found on craigslist or through out her book cases to make room for a 75gallon tank lol. I'm a young male, as you ladies know we are prone to thinking stupid ideas are the best ideas ever! lol

Make sure you keep the receipt!

I got in these situations all the time in the early stages of my relationship with my fiance as I already had a GSP that was several years old at the time, and she felt that the fish and the aquarium were inconvenient. To answer your question, I will share some of my excuses:

"I got this so you can have one, too!" Note: For use when showing up with new aquarium equipment, while appearing excited at the fact that she'll soon have her very own puffer.
"But, I...I thought you wanted one..." Note: While appearing disappointed and confused. For use when the above excuse fails.
"But he's OUR fish...!" Note: Only ever worked after referring to several key items such as my xbox 360, hand-built computer, 52" LCD television, and Mustang GT as 'ours.'
"But look! He loves you!" Note: He's actually begging for food, but what she doesn't know...
"You don't love our puffer...!" (while appearing to be on the verge of crying and/or visually upset). Warning: Can backfire - use with caution.

Seriously though, she eventually caught the puffer bug as well and now the only problem we have is that there's no room for any more! See if you can give your lady the puffer bug, too. Since most puffers are like little puppies with fins it shouldn't be too hard. Good luck!

just keep it unobtrusive and out of the way. Cherries are really cool. At first my wife asked if she could eat them! LOL!!

It is strange, she doesn't partake in the day to day stuff pertaining to the upkeep, but shows off the tanks when friends come over. Nor sits down to watch the fish when she has time to do so. Go figure.

How is it there are so many fish loving men on this site??? Where were you all when I was single??

How do I convert my not-so-fond-of-fish husband into a fish lover?

Weaver wrote:I think I'm okay, bt I think Im going to get an engagement ring just incase I do something really stupid. That way I will always be ready for when I screw up royaly

Be very careful if you do buy that engagement ring.... those can backfire on you to! Make sure you put it somewhere she will never look... so somewhere like the sock drawer is not a good idea. You don't want her to stumble across it by accident!

Mine even does the water changes

zookey wrote:How do I convert my not-so-fond-of-fish husband into a fish lover?

haha tell your hubby that it's not really a tank. It is a live well for his catch on his next fishing trip. If he doesn't go fishing, tell him "oh... I was only thinking of you."