Originally Posted by
flpriest
http:///forum/post/3090016
I think maybe you could try a combination of suggestions here.
As said by Flower: "The only solution I could come up with worked for me...I had my spending money on whatever I wanted (fish stuff)...He got equal money for his mad spending..AFTER bills and household things were accounted for. As for HIS time...I gave my husband extra attention in the area he liked best (use your imagination here, it is a family site) when I wanted something. For that "extra" attention , I made it clear what I wanted in exchange ahead of time...he was glad to do anything I asked of him. LOL..he even would give me some extra money from his stash for the tank at times when I really wanted or needed it."
Not a bad idea...
As said by Tizzo: "Every now and again, don't mention anything at all about fish for a few days at a time. Then maybe with any luck, he will start recommending things, especially after company starts complimenting the tank.
Good luck"
Another great idea, especially when the company compliments...
Even my best friend gets upset because I'm cleaning my tank or can't go the beach for a week with the girls, because there is no one to take care of the tank. I did manage to go for 2 days, but didn't leave until I fed the fish and tested the water. Then my husband only had to feed them the next morning. I also have an umbrella cockatoo that will let you know when she wants attention, but he's great with her.
As for my situation, my wife has kinda half heartedly been into my tanks, but ALWAYS had something to say when I need any equipment, or cool new fish. She is just starting to see, and understand that some of these SWF cost a few coins... Any how, my son, which is 26 started getting interested in my tank and thuoght that he would like to get into SWF, we've always been a family into fish tanks, but only fresh water up until a few years ago. So he got a tank going, and I started handing down some of my older equipment to him so that he could get his tank established. He has his up and running now, and he and I talk SWF a lot now. My wife has seen this and really thinks it's cool that he and I share this hobby. She is starting to really get into it now, and wants to share with him too. Example: While we were at the LFS the other day she said she wanted to get something for his tank, and she did, a couple of mushrooms.
My point, long may it be, is maybe one of you sons would like to get involved with your hobby. You could facilitate this by maybe not asking your husband to help move stuff and letting him not have to help and ask one of your sons, or both, for some help when you need to move something or set something up while giving them a little exposure to our great hobby, while giving your hubby a break from helping. Then if the interest sparks in your sons, maybe he will want to be involved along with them.
Hope this helps, Good Luck!
And no matter what happens, enjoy your tank!
Oh, and I've been married 27 years this Friday, and have two children, my son 26, and my daughter 23.
Congratulations! It's hard to find couples that can stay together.
Our oldest son likes to buy things for the tank. He brought home the powder brown tang for me. He likes to watch the fish, but thinks it's too much work. I've been told that the 180 should be easier to care for.
He's a great man, but he only likes fish he can catch on a fishing pole.
I believe in that and it does work 
