So I have a bit of a problem. I live at home with my parents and they've kindly allowed me to have my 3 tanks. My dad also has 2 tanks, 180 ltr which is in good condition, and a 60 ltr biorb. Sometime ago I converted the biorb with the help of the fantastic jennybugs. Dad was really pleased with it and the tank looked and was in fantastic condition. The tank had been in a disgusting state before I converted it (stupid under-gravel filtration system >.<).
Now my dad has been keeping fish for probably 10+ years plus, where as I've only been keeping fish for about a year and a half. I'm not saying I know more than he does, but I've done my fair share more of research where as he's always kind of "winged it". So therefore he's determined that he knows best because of his longer experience. Fair enough I guess.
Except his attitude to water changes is infuriating. His 180 ltr will get a water change about every 3 weeks or so. I know it could be pushing it, but over all the tank is in good condition.
It's the biorb that is once again the problem. Because you can't see much of the bottom due to the anubis and java fern in there, dad doesn't realise how awfully dirty it is. He also over feeds (something he is starting to listen to me about) which really doesn't help the situation.
I've just done a partial water change and have only just realised how bad it is. I asked if I could totally clear the tank and tidy it up, and was told to mind my own business and to carry on with what I should be doing (getting ready for uni). So hence why I need to think up a sneaky action plan that will allow me to clean the biorb before I go away on Saturday without him noticing (I can clean it whilst he's at work). I know it would be dangerous for the fish to clean the tank all in one go, so what would be the best way to go about getting this tank into an acceptable condition?
Please understand that I'm not slating my dad, nor is he a bad fish keeper or cruel to his animals. He feeds them well, medicates when they're sick and overall really enjoys looking after them. The tanks are also set up really nicely. He's just still following information about fish keeping from 10+ years ago and doesn't realise how much things have changed since then. Without dad I doubt I would have gotten into fish keeping either, and it something we both enjoy talking about, etc. I just hate that biorb!!!!!
Also, any ideas on ways to help "educate" him without me sounding like an annoying "know it all" would be fantastic too XD
Thanks for any help
Now my dad has been keeping fish for probably 10+ years plus, where as I've only been keeping fish for about a year and a half. I'm not saying I know more than he does, but I've done my fair share more of research where as he's always kind of "winged it". So therefore he's determined that he knows best because of his longer experience. Fair enough I guess.
Except his attitude to water changes is infuriating. His 180 ltr will get a water change about every 3 weeks or so. I know it could be pushing it, but over all the tank is in good condition.
It's the biorb that is once again the problem. Because you can't see much of the bottom due to the anubis and java fern in there, dad doesn't realise how awfully dirty it is. He also over feeds (something he is starting to listen to me about) which really doesn't help the situation.
I've just done a partial water change and have only just realised how bad it is. I asked if I could totally clear the tank and tidy it up, and was told to mind my own business and to carry on with what I should be doing (getting ready for uni). So hence why I need to think up a sneaky action plan that will allow me to clean the biorb before I go away on Saturday without him noticing (I can clean it whilst he's at work). I know it would be dangerous for the fish to clean the tank all in one go, so what would be the best way to go about getting this tank into an acceptable condition?
Please understand that I'm not slating my dad, nor is he a bad fish keeper or cruel to his animals. He feeds them well, medicates when they're sick and overall really enjoys looking after them. The tanks are also set up really nicely. He's just still following information about fish keeping from 10+ years ago and doesn't realise how much things have changed since then. Without dad I doubt I would have gotten into fish keeping either, and it something we both enjoy talking about, etc. I just hate that biorb!!!!!
Also, any ideas on ways to help "educate" him without me sounding like an annoying "know it all" would be fantastic too XD
Thanks for any help
