on vacation for a week, what to do?

[newguy]

I am going on vacation for a week, I can get somebody to feed my fish, however I am concerned that they may overfeed. Are there any vacation feeders on the market much like for freswater tanks? If so is it a good idea? Do they need to be fed everyday while I am away, or maybe once or twice to reduce the risk of overfeeding? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[kev]

Need more info.. What kinds of fish? How many fish? How big of a tank? How much LR/LS? All of those factors play a role in deciding what to do. If you have a fair amount of live rock, and not to many big fish they SHOULD be alright going a week with no food. I've never tried one of the automatic feeders.. maybe someone else could help you with that one.. My clownfish have gone a week before with no food and they did fine.

 

[newguy]

6 gallon tank, 1 clown, 1 pj cardinal, and 1 cleaner shrimp. No lr or sand, just cc.

 

[kev]

With a 6 gallon tank, I would be more worried about all the water that is going to evaporate. Letting a 6 gallon go for a week with no top offs will throw your salinity off bad, which isnt good for your fish. Your fish COULD go a week with no food, but since your tank is soo small you need to have someone come by and do top offs, and mine as well feed the fish too.

 

[cb]

Put what you feed each day in a small ziplock and label the feeding for each day and I agree with the topoff. Show whoever is going to be taking care of the tank while your gone how to top off the tank and the bags that you have marked for each day that way if there are any questions they can be answered before you leave

 

[leigh]

Heck, a 6 gal is light enough can't you just bring it to your LFS and ask them to take care of it for you for the week?

 

[lesleybird]

Hi, When I go on vacation I pay my mom to come over and feed the fish. I buy these little bags at the container store and put the correct amount of dry fish food for each day. I also put the days of the week on each bag so that she will not feed them twice....she has to take care of my five parrots also. I don't want her to forget and feed them twice as she stays for a couple hours to let my birds out to play. It has worked out well. Lesley

 

[lesleybird]

Also, for top off water....put the correct amount in several clean plastic coke (or other) bottles with a lid and label them with the day that they need to be added for top off. Hopefully you know about how much this should be. Lesley

 

[lesleybird]

One more though....If you want to move it to the other person's house I would remove about three gallons into another container and transport it with critters in it on the floor of the car and then refill the same water taken out when you get there. Be careful to support the bottom of the tank when you move it. Maybe a board under it would help support the bottom. I always read where the tank companies tell you not to move the tanks with water in them due to stress on the bottom....probably not as much of a problem with a tiny tank. Same for the way back....a pain, but how far would someone have to travel to go your house daily? Make sure that you do a recent water and filter change before you leave. Good luck and happy trip. Lesley

 

[mightyoxjuice]

I'm going on vacation too, but I am training someone to take care of my fish and then will leave written instructions.

 

[newguy]

Thanks, I like the idea of small plastic bags, with the correct amount measured out and marked with the corresponding day. That should work. Top off should make it until I get back. Great advice you guys.