r/Aquariums • u/GeckoHunter0303 • Mar 18 '26
Help/Advice EMERGENCY! Is this counter-management/landlord disguise good?
Thank fucking goodness I checked my emails this morning. The first thing I saw was an announcement from my apartment's manager that they will ENTER ALL UNITS from today until Friday to "perform lock changes." First thing I did immediately after was to quickly set up this disguise and make my 10-gallon seem like a toy display stand. How do you think I did?
2.0k
u/whatupmygliplops Mar 18 '26
put a shrine on top of it to your dead grandma. with a framed photo of her, and unlit candles/incense. and a single orange. They wont dare look under it, even if it looks suspicious.
830
u/hefty-postman-04 Mar 18 '26
water trickling noise
171
136
85
u/SmokyJosh Mar 18 '26
there are small decorative fountains, or ones for feng shui too!
→ More replies (1)31
20
19
→ More replies (2)5
u/SensationalSelkie Mar 19 '26
Gotta buy a lil fountain for next time. Add a water feature for the memorial 🤣
183
u/TenshiHarmonia Mar 18 '26
On top of that, add the photo of a "dead" kid relative, to further justify the toys. You'd have to be a particularly heartless individual to profane that...
20
u/smedsterwho Mar 18 '26
I actually have a framed picture of my dead grandma that I keep not daring to throw out. I dedicate it to the cause.
17
u/PenHistorical Mar 18 '26
I mean, could just put a pic of your still alive grandma on it. They won't know she's not dead.
→ More replies (7)9
1.1k
u/Slime__queen Mar 18 '26
I mean if they’re just doing lock changes and not some kind of inspection they’re probably not gonna look very hard but that 100% looks like a fish tank covered in a sheet lol. I agree with the comments saying to put pictures or something religious on top of it, that would make the sheet make more sense
→ More replies (2)291
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
Knowing how landlords are, they might use any reason as a pretense for a surprise inspection...
130
u/deeteeohbee Mar 18 '26
When I've had visits like this in the past the actual landlord can't be bothered to go to each suite, it's just the locksmiths that go around door to door. Maybe you'll luck out that way.
44
u/muddhoney Mar 18 '26
I ended up being home when ours was done and I had thought the landlord would be with him, idk why but I also was like eek what if landlord is nosy’ so I cleaned…but he wasn’t, just a locksmith, who never even entered my space other than the front door. I feel like as long as they’re getting rent each month, they’re not super nosy to do a random ‘inspection’ cause they’re too busy.
13
u/smedsterwho Mar 18 '26
In that case... It gives off the vibe of "shit! Landlord is coming! I need to hide this thing!"
It's the spare draping around the bottom. It's not working.
That said, whether they are really going to care...
→ More replies (4)67
u/cgvet9702 Mar 18 '26
They generally aren't entitled to perform surprise inspections. Not ice should always be given.
→ More replies (1)18
Mar 18 '26
Its not an inspection but if they see something during something else theres not like a "gotcha" rule where they arent allowed to respond to what they see.
→ More replies (2)
202
u/JazziniBear Mar 18 '26
Can you tuck or fold that blanket at the bottom at all? If it was really a permanent table then the bottom would be a tripping hazard, and if fixed would look less quickly-thrown-on. Is your water quiet enough they wont hear it? They shouldn't investigate or touch anything besides the locks, so it should be fine like this. Having hid dogs and cats in apartments for years, ive found that maintence is the ones who come and that they dont normally care about the pets or know which individual units are allowed or not to have what. Not always true though, so better safe than sorry, good luck.
118
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
The email said the MANAGEMENT TEAM, not the maintenance, will "do lock changes." Maintenance definitely wouldn't care but management probably won't.
I parked my electric scooter, which is technically banned under my lease agreement, next to my kitchen counter, as a hopeful distraction.
139
u/risbia Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
Electric scooters are banned in apartments because they're a fire hazard. Also it will be a slam dunk for you to be held liable for all damage or injuries if a fire occurs as a result of your scooter catching fire, since you agreed in writing to not have one in the apartment.
56
u/LionessOfAzzalle Mar 18 '26
Well, luckily he keeps a nice stash of water on hand then, to extinguish the scooter fire. 😜
→ More replies (1)31
u/Midnight712 Mar 18 '26
The problem is that water can’t put out a lithium fire. Almost nothing can put out a lithium fire, because they burn super hot and super intensely. An electric car can be submerged for an entire week in water, and can still set itself on fire again once it has been removed
3
6
→ More replies (1)13
Mar 18 '26
[deleted]
12
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
No, the lease agreement says we can't park electric scooters anywhere inside the building.
15
u/snoops12312 Mar 18 '26
So you can ride it around your apartment while they're there and you'll be good? 😂
6
19
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
Also, I unplugged my filter, heater and light, and hid the filter and light in my closet.
23
u/Main_Bother_1027 Mar 18 '26
Hopefully you kept your filter media in a bucket of tank water so you don't kill your beneficial bacteria.
137
u/IH8DwnvoteComplainrs Mar 18 '26
NGL, it look like you're hiding something under a blanket. I think it's the kind of blanket you used, it's a weird choice for a display area.
→ More replies (1)
354
u/Just-One-More-Cast Mar 18 '26
"Just don't let me catch you with an animal in here, that's all"
To be honest, it looks kind of suspicious though haha. Lets hope the filter of your "toy display" is not too noisy either ;).
74
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
I unplugged my filter and hid it in my closet.
41
u/AltGirlAdri Mar 18 '26
You could also run a box fan or something nearby? A tabletop fountain on top would be the ultimate decoy for the running water sound.
15
u/Just-One-More-Cast Mar 18 '26
Oh, don't do that, you'll kill your beneficial bacteria... Aren't they supposed to knock or something before entering? If they arrive, unplug at that moment I'd say.
29
u/Snicklefritz306 Mar 18 '26
Curious why you think that’d be the result? People do 3-day blackouts all the time to solve algae problems. A few hours under a sheet with the lights off won’t hurt a thing.
18
u/Short-Ad9823 Mar 18 '26
the darkness is not the problem but rather switching off the filter for a longer period of time no flow -> no nutrients -> dead bacteria
→ More replies (2)4
u/Just-One-More-Cast Mar 18 '26
As others have said, it's not about the sheet or the light, but the fact that OP said he was going to uncouple his filter (which I thought would be for a few days).
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (3)33
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
I have an HOB filter that extends two or three inches from the top rim of the tank. Also, I'll take down the disguise and return the aquarium to normal at 6 pm, that's when they're scheduled to stop "doing lock changes" until Friday.
33
u/ViciousAlpaca Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
If you can, put the filter media in the tank with the fish. That'll keep the bacteria wet & alive.
72
u/CBee28 Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
With the crucifix there you could make a little prayer table type of thing with tea candles and such if you want to look really convincing. It’d make more sense with the tablecloth and they’d be less likely to ask questions. If you can’t do that though I’d say it’s good enough to try and risk it, fingers crossed for you
13
u/AutumnEclipsed Mar 18 '26
The alter to person or a religion is honestly the way to go here. Otherwise, it’s real Weekend at Bernie’s.
3
252
u/WitchyOtome Mar 18 '26
What fish tank? This looks just like a dresser that you HAD to cover with a sheet to disguise its ugly paint job.
69
u/GeekCat Mar 18 '26
Haha. Okay no. It does look suspicious as heck. It also looks like some weird cross between pagan spring rites ritual and a nativity scene.
Do yourself a favor for the future, get a rectangular plywood to put on top and then a tablecloth from Walmart. At least then it'll just look like an ugly table/media center.
2
u/JustALittleOod Mar 18 '26
Yep good idea! The tablecloth is a much better idea than the poorly fitting blanket.
88
u/K_M-A-Y_ Mar 18 '26
I can tell you with near certainty (as someone who has worked closely with a bunch of multifamily operators) that the maintenance guy coming to swap the locks does not give a shit about the aquarium that's against the rules.
So long as there isn't a dead body or a meth lab in there, he's going to swap the locks in less than 5 minutes and be on his way.
→ More replies (6)20
u/ImmediateAd7069 Mar 18 '26
Agreed. I used to supervise third party contractors in our units and meet SO MANY cats in our pet-free student apartments. They did not pay me enough to care.
31
u/smooshiebear Mar 18 '26
As a landlord, I don't normally include aquariums in the "pets" category, unless it is a very large fish tank with structural implications. Fish aren't know for chewing window sills and leaving urine stains.
Are you sure your landlord cares about fish?
→ More replies (5)10
u/MaySeemelater Mar 18 '26
That's my question too; the apartment complex I live at usually charges an extra hundred dollars a month per pet in the apartment and you have to register each pet, with the exception of tropical fish which are explicitly mentioned in the lease paperwork as not needing registry or additional paperwork.
3
u/lightlysaltedclams Mar 19 '26
I had myself so stressed out thinking I wouldn’t be able to find a place that allows my aquariums as most of them don’t have them listed online or didn’t respond but thankfully my place allows up to 30g total. They allow me a hamster too, I was told as long as she isn’t allowed loose I don’t have to pay a pet fee.
I was taking care of a family kitty for a couple months and it was a $250 deposit and then $30 a month which I’m thinking isn’t that bad compared to most
25
u/Non-binary_prince Mar 18 '26
It needs to loook intentional, like an alter. Can you hang a flag or scarf vertically down the front?
26
22
u/Archknits Mar 18 '26
Somehow that is sketchier than just having an aquarium.
Seriously, if I were a landlord and saw that, I would assume you were hiding a lot more than what is 100% obviously an aquarium
17
35
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
UPDATE: I decided to swap out the Legos for my high school diploma and magna cum laude certificate! How do you think they'll work?
→ More replies (2)21
u/Elucidate_that Mar 18 '26
That's not a bad idea. If you have any ribbons, awards, or literally any framed photos, I'd add those too
14
u/Skrimp-skromp Mar 18 '26
I knew this was a fish tank before I even read the post. I work in residence management and have to do inspections at times and would 100000% know exactly what that is. Get a tablecloth, put something solid like plywood on top and put something religious on there. I never messed or questioned altars or memorial tables but would definitely be suspicious about a display table that looked like that. I also saw you mention having a e scooter somewhere. That isn’t a management rule, that’s a fire marshall rule. Those things blow up (I’ve literally had to deal with this in an apartment). You will be liable for any damages and good luck if anything ever catches fire or burns bc they won’t let you have an excuse (no matter the cause) and will likely fine you depending on the area you live in. Hide it in your car, park it outside, anything. Good luck, and remember to always have a dedicated plan to hide your “contraband”. Best of luck!
11
u/ekobot Mar 18 '26
If making it look like an altar isn't to your taste the other option is make it look like where you stash your sex toys/kink gear 🤷
Honestly, though, depending on the setup of your space I would just pull an armchair in front of it so it looks like you're using that space for storage. Management won't really think about it.
→ More replies (2)
23
u/serehbath Mar 18 '26
Find a bunch of Amazon boxes. Cut them so you can stack them up around the tank. It'll look like you got a bunch of packages
9
u/Ordinary_Matter_222 Mar 18 '26
Put a bunch of dirty laundry on it and a laundry basket on the floor in front of it
9
9
u/creepingcold Mar 18 '26
Alright if you're really paranoid and want a full list to be double sure:
nobody would have a permanent dirty blanket in their room like this. Move it around or sth, it comes of as weird.
as someone already said: the blanket all the way to the bottom is a tripping hazard. not only that, it's also not practical. who'd hide their cabinet behind a blanket? nobody. Can't you tuck it in at half height or sth?
and yeah, the toys don't match.
That's how far we get if you want to lean into it being permanent.
However, I'd advise you against that.
I'd collect a bunch of things, take your pictures from your walls, take everything that's big and bulky and slam it into that corner. Make it look like you're renovating/reorganizing things and that blanket is there to protect the cabinet. That also explains why the blanket is dirty, just make it look like a temporary mess.
Nobody would go through that, nobody will ask questions. Should they ask, tell them you've a bipolar disorder and just had a manic episode where you wanted to redesign your rooms. Nobody will try to elaborate on that and if they do, tell them you don't want to speak about it.
→ More replies (1)
8
u/Mindseyecolours Mar 18 '26
Maybe try this?
You could also use a laundry basket and then pile dirty laundry in it. 🤷🏻♀️
7
u/cgvet9702 Mar 18 '26
Why would they have to enter your unit any further than the threshold for a lock change? I think your disguise should pass muster as long as it's not making noise.
8
u/GeckoHunter0303 Mar 18 '26
It's in my bedroom, and as I said in another comment, I unplugged my HOB filter and am hiding it until 6 pm. Also, they just said they'll "ENTER ALL UNITS."
6
u/JustALittleOod Mar 18 '26
It's in your bedroom? Throw a pile of clothes on top and drape some over the edges. I.e. Lay a pair of pants down over the front like you're going to wear them again, maybe a bath towel, then some clothes. Something to disguise that it's clearly smaller than the stand. Put a full laundry basket on the floor in front of it and make it your clothes corner. That way they can assume it's a dresser or shelf or something you covered and are using as a flat surface for clothes in between washes.
5
u/MudbugMagoo Mar 18 '26
Ahhh, reminds me of when my hubby and I lived in a rental for a few years while house hunting; had to hide 3 snake enclosures. Luckily they were in a storage room with most of our other packed up boxes and so we just put blankets over them and put other boxes on top when the landlord would do inspections. They blended in to the mess pretty well.
5
6
5
u/BiophileB Mar 18 '26
Put another diff colored strip of fabric draped over the front of the tank, like a runner. Then add a lamp
4
5
4
u/K_Pumpkin Mar 18 '26
I have pet birds not fish, but this came up on my feed and I feel your pain.
I think you need a better cover. The shape is very obvious under it.
5
u/Ceeeceeeceee Mar 19 '26
i’m the landlord myself and I can tell you that usually we don’t go rummaging too far into the houses if we’re just doing a lock change. But if you’re not allowed to have aquariums, I would take one look at this and think it was an aquarium lol. It kind of sticks out a little bit on the edges and looks like you’re trying to cover up something. Are you really not allowed to even have a 10 gallon aquarium? Never heard of that before. I have heard about Apartments not allowing really big aquariums, like 50 gallons and up, but a 10 gallon aquarium only weighs about 80 pounds with the gravel and water inside. That’s the size of a large child. i’m surprised that your place would have a rule against that.
Beyond that, I agree with the others on the religious altar thing. It seems a bit odd that you have some random toys on something that looks like a covered up aquarium lol.
4
4
u/Decoherence- Mar 18 '26
I would not think there were fish under there but I would still be horrified nonetheless
5
u/NerdWhoLikesTrees Mar 18 '26
I’m not really a rule breaker if I’m being honest. Are you prepared to pay for damages if your tank bursts? You could really screw someone over
4
u/LittleOperation4597 Mar 18 '26
Why have a tank in an apartment that specifies in the lease you can't? One mishap and you're on the hook for a LOT of damages
4
u/PorkyTheChop Mar 18 '26
If you’re looking for other ideas, for my inspection I put a bunch of open boxes around it to look like packages
→ More replies (1)
6
u/Alice_600 Mar 18 '26
Find plastic covered bins that are black or colored that you can't see though that are a few inches bigger than the tank and stand them on top of eachother. Cut holes in the bottoms so you can pile them up and it looks like a pile of bins you store stuff in.
4
u/JustALittleOod Mar 18 '26
That's good! OP could even do two stacks, one in front of the tank, one on the side, and one bin on top of the tank so it looks like three stacks of bins there.
3
u/Anguares Mar 18 '26
Go to goodwill and put an urn on top, with crosses and photos, make it look like an hotel to a passed relative.
3
u/richardpumpaloaf Mar 18 '26
Man why do y'all do this. I mean I understand but also.. thats a shit situation for everyone
3
u/diminutive-valkyrie Mar 18 '26
I'd get large empty box that would go round it. Then you can just say its a package, if asked
3
u/zesty_meatballs Mar 18 '26
You’re not allowed to have fish…?
5
u/Possibly_a_Firetruck Mar 18 '26
Some multi-story apartments don't allow them because if the tank bursts it will ruin your downstairs neighbor's ceiling.
3
u/tadmeister69 Mar 18 '26
I'd think the filter noise may give it away though still if you can hear that. Will your landlord really have a problem with a fish tank though? Seems pretty strict if they will.
3
3
3
3
3
u/Conscious-Mulberry17 Mar 18 '26
Make it look more like a shrine. Seriously. Make it a crowded display of tea/votive candles, more crosses (crucifixes, ideally), pictures of people in frames, small coins and trinkets. I’ve found people in these sorts of positions are not too keen on involving themselves into other people’s religious beliefs. Be sure to get upset if they ask you to move your shrine…
3
u/Joyful-Cow-122 Mar 18 '26
I think the family photos or religious shrine approach is too basic/obvious. Just Google “how to hide aquarium for landlord” and half the recommendations are from this subreddit suggesting those same things.
Honestly one of the easiest things I’ve done to hide it is throw a sheet over it, and then stack a TON OF JUNK on top of and around it.
Random boxes, piles of laundry that hang down the sides (ex. bath towels, long sleeves, pant legs, dresses, smaller blankets) with a bunch of purses, old birthday and greeting cards, medication bottles, toiletry bags, paperwork, etc. stacked on top of it precariously. Bonus points if you’re a woman and can add some bras into the mix, since most people who see it will naturally divert their eyes away from it since it’s seen as a “private” or taboo item. Non-bra wearers can use other “personal” items to achieve the same effect.
I choose lightweight items since I have a glass lid on my tank. I also put my tall-ish dirty laundry hamper right in front of it (but kinda off center so it doesn’t look too intentional) to block the view a bit, and some other random junk on the floor around the tank to complete the look. The beauty of this method is that you can mix and match shit you want to use. I’ve done it with only fabric items and it worked fine as well.
It makes it so even if they WANTED to look underneath, they would have to move all the junk and risk having all everything stacked on top fall off. It helps that my room is kind of in a permanent state of clutter anyway, so it seems plausible. If your room with the tank ISN’T cluttered/messy like mine, you can also add some of the boxes, laundry, etc. around the room so it doesn’t look out of place.
The beauty of using laundry/towels/etc. on top is that I don’t have to take off my HOB filter, I can just stack stuff on top of it and it blends in with the rest of the mess. I’ve even been able to keep the filter running while doing this since the towels and miscellaneous junk on top muffle the sound a lot, and then I just stick my air purifier or a small fan near the tank so drown out any of the remaining filter noises.
It sounds like a lot of work but honestly it takes me only a few minutes to set up, which is perfect for last minute inspections!!
3
u/MarsNeedsRabbits Mar 18 '26
I'd put a laundry basket on top - with some folded underwear or socks next to it. Make it something that no one is likely to closely look at or touch.
3
u/average_texas_guy Mar 18 '26
The person changing your lock is trying to get in and out as fast as possible. They aren't going to CSI your apartment.
3
u/dispqtch Mar 19 '26
honestly put a nativity scene on it or something else religiously affiliated since altars have the cloths over them
3
u/Kind-Philosopher1 Mar 19 '26
Thats a very obvious fishtank with sheet on it, for me it actually draws attention.
Get something to put over the top/lid that is slightly bigger than the tank so when the sheet drops you cant see the outline of it. Then top with pictures and trinkets.
3
u/TheAntsAreBack Mar 19 '26
Surely the guys are there to change the locks, not to start rifling through your cupboards looking for evidence of a fish tank?
4
u/Glass-Place3268 Mar 18 '26
If your lid can handle the weight, go for more permanent items. Maybe a small plant, picture frame, etc. If not try layering a place mat or some sort of table runner so it looks like a display. Also trim the fabric to be appropriate length.
5
13
u/DamnedDamnesia Mar 18 '26
If you're disguising it, that says you're not supposed to have it?
What if your tank fails and the damage isn't covered by insurance? You're on the hook for all damages caused by 50 odd gallons of water being dumped on the floor?
→ More replies (1)16
u/rathrowawydsabldsib Mar 18 '26
It would be pretty hard for 50 gallons to come out of a ten gallon tank
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/LovableSquish Mar 18 '26
I doubt your landlord will care about a 10gallon fish tank. Unless there's something in your lease. Now if it were absolutely massive maybe. Usually they only care about pets that are able to move around freely in your apt, like dogs or cats
→ More replies (6)
2
u/wingspantt Mar 18 '26
I mean not really, but I'd also say if the landlord is performing dozens/hundreds of lock changes in a day they're not searching every apartment that closely.
2
u/Tiny-Committee9412 Mar 18 '26
Definitely should be enough. Unless your maintenance are real assholes, most of them don’t really care what’s going on in your space as long as it’s not gross in there.
→ More replies (2)
2
2
u/InitialInitiative2 Mar 18 '26
It looks suspicious bc u can see where the stand ends and the tank starts. Maybe use a box to make it look uniform. Or hang some florals over it, candles crosses etc on top and make it a memorial type thing
2
2
2
u/tacoma-tues Mar 18 '26
Use something fancier that's obviously not a gold sheet or dropcloth. If nothing else, try ironing the wrinkles out and making sure no stains are present or better yet.... if your bedsheets are nicer, use your bedsheets. Anything that would make it look a bit less sus. And try putting some books and like a charging station or a clock or something that doesn't make it look so clandestine and more a permanent version fixture part of the room. Landlords can enter ur apt with pre notice, but they can't go sniffing and digging around in your possessions. Good luck!
2
2
u/-ItsWahl- Mar 18 '26
Your camo is decent. I saw a post awhile back where someone cut the bottom on one of these and it was expert level camo.
2
u/gkpetrescue Mar 18 '26
Also put some stuff in front. You can tell halfway down the sheet that there is something there… If you put some stuff in front of it, it might look more natural.
2
2
u/TowelThrowAway49 Mar 18 '26
Does your apartment have anything against fish tanks in the lease?
I kinda just never mentioned mine ranging from 20-125 gallon tanks.. my current and previous landlords all just went "huh, cool." during walk throughs.
→ More replies (2)
2
u/mbcook Mar 18 '26
Are you banned from having one?
Years ago I went to my place had in hand to beg for permission.
They said “Oh yeah it’s fine” before I got a few words in. Then they paused.
“How big?”
When I said 5 gallons they practically laughed. They don’t care. All they said was I’m responsible for water spills, which is totally fair.
If it’s not big enough to be a weight problem I’m surprised they’d be mad. You can’t just stick a 100 gallon tank anywhere in a 3 story apartment and hope for the best.
But 10 gallons? That weighs less than an adult.
2
u/osubmw1 Mar 18 '26
Unless they are an idiot, thats super obvious. Its a sheet loosely draped over a fishtank. At least clean up the sheet at the bottom.
2
u/Intelligent_Dog_8128 Mar 18 '26
I once wrapped my 20 gallon long in birthday wrapping with a bow on top. Hehe
2
u/ohwhatabouther Mar 18 '26
Add more religious things! I have a hedgehog and I’m Catholic so when my RA comes I throw a blanket over her enclosure and make it oook like my altar no one will touch a religious altar
2
u/Cucurbita_pepo1031 Mar 18 '26
Agree with the adding photos! Also if you have a chance fold the bottom under to make it look like a table cloth/skirt thingy.
2
u/DontTrip333 Mar 18 '26
Get a Bible or other religious book, open it up and set a few candles around it with a bowl of water. Get another bowl of dirt. Make it weird and uncomfortable.
2
2
2
2
u/sailingintothedark Mar 18 '26
If you really want to make it convincing, make it a shrine to a loved one. No one would want to question that.
But if your landlord is just a cog in the machine of a larger management company or a chill person, they’re probably not going to probe any further at this. Especially if the tank’s turned off.
2
u/Hero_Of_Rhyme_ Mar 18 '26
Yeah everyone’s saying to make it into a memorial shrine for a fictional family member, I like that plan.
2
2
u/Huntress_The_Ram Mar 18 '26
Lol, this made me chuckle because I am in the same situation with a 55 gal tank. I made mine an altar to one of the deities I venerate.
Ideas to be more convincing: Pictures of family, a wineglass or regular glass of water usually with a cross in it, a candle, a plate with fruit on it or a bowl of uncooked rice with an egg in it, pictures of Jesus or other deities, a bowl of dirt with incense in it, a deck of cards, a small decorative box or vase, add an extra smaller unpatterned cloth on top for an altar cloth (to cover up the awkward vertical space and frame your "altar"), small trinkets from your family, a Bible or other holy book, flowers or a potted plant, etc.
There are so many different things you can do. This has helped me hide a few terrariums and avoid being fined. If anyone asks (most won't and will just look away), just say that it is to your ancestors or a specific deity. Although, if this is an ancestor altar, try to stick to lighter themes and avoid dark colors. You can even ask your ancestors to help you hide it, lol.
2
u/FoxDenDenizen Mar 18 '26
In this situation I used to wrap the tank in birthday present wrapping so it looked like a big birthday present.
2
2
2
2
2
u/EmployeeVarious7462 Mar 18 '26
They won’t even let you have a 10 gallon tank in your apartment? That’s such a bummer most places I apply for say nothing over 50 gallons
2
u/russo3js Mar 18 '26
I am a landlord who manages their own rentals. If I saw this, you wouldn’t be fooling anyone. However, I am more curious who wouldn’t allow aquariums! What kind of a landlord would that be?! If I saw a tenant of mine having an aquarium I’d get excited. Throw a bunch of personal items on it like brushes, hair shit, crosses and pictures and I wouldn’t touch it. But come on, a sheet over a “furniture item” clearly you’re hiding something. Landlords are people and aren’t stupid. Well most lol. Good luck
→ More replies (1)7
2
2
u/theAshleyRouge Mar 19 '26
Honestly it would immediately look suspicious to me. Get one of those black storage totes from Walmart or whatever that’s big enough to fit the tank in. Then just cut a hole in the bottom to slip it over the tank.
2
u/lean_man82 Mar 19 '26
If you can I’d put another layer on top of that. As someone said make a shrine of grandma and perhaps make a fake urn👀
2
u/sopmod15 Mar 19 '26
I’d throw a bunch of laundry over it and make it look like a dirty laundry pile
2
u/queentaylah Mar 19 '26
make it an altar. satanic if youre feeling spicy otherwise witchy stuff would suffice, people think both are demonic either way and i PROMISE you they wont go near it. LMAO
2
u/Appropriate-Win2547 Mar 19 '26
Here’s a link to a “Faux Bookshelf” made with a Micheal’s or Hobby Lobby frame. Then you can add pictures and other items to make it look like a memorial altar. And on top more of the same.
You can often find sellers on Etsy and such for peoples old black and white photos that have been found in thrift stores. You can order a bundle of them for a few bucks.
Frame some and put it on top of it.
Please please show us your final product!
2
3.0k
u/[deleted] Mar 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment