Tank Babysitter?

[saltwaterjunki]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this..

We have 1 125g reef and a 24g reef and will be going on vacation starting the 23rd of June until the 30th of June. We live in Chapel HIll, NC and are looking for someone that could come take care of the tanks while we're gone. We also have 2 dogs that I have someone helping with unless whoever is taking care of the tanks wanted to do that as well.
Not sure if anyone on here is in the area but thought I'd give it a shot!
Thanks in advacne!!

 

[trainfever]

Buy yourself an ATO, automatic top off unit and forget about feeding. Fish will be fine for one week without feeding.

 

[eggs]

I'm going through the same dilemma, and after doing some research it seems an ATO and automatic feeder should be ok (I will be gone for 12 days).
If you have someone checking on your dogs, just have them check to make sure nothing major is happening with your tanks (like a leak).
I'm going to have someone do some additional feeding every 2 or 3 days.

 

[reefforbrains]

Post a note at your local shop and I am sure you can work a trade.
In NC, I bet there is someone here that can meet you for an interview for the task.
Everyone should have at least 1 or two buddies that can watch thier tank in a pinch as a trade off.

 

[saltwaterjunki]

Thanks for the replys everyone!
So, we've been looking at building our own ATO - does anyone have good schematics for one?
I'll check over at the DIY forum also -
thanks again!!!

 

[gregghia]

Originally Posted by saltwaterjunki
Thanks for the replys everyone!
So, we've been looking at building our own ATO - does anyone have good schematics for one?
I'll check over at the DIY forum also -
thanks again!!!

There is a shop in Durham on Garrett Road. Why don't you just call them. They do daily maintenance. Owner's name is pronounced "Tawn"

 

[timdaddie]

cost of room at beach for one week $1500
cost to eat at beach for one week $ 500
cost of gift for family members $ 500
cost of coming home to an empty house because you allowed a stranger to watch your fish, and they empty your house PRICELESS

 

[ric maniac]

Originally Posted by TimDaddie
cost of room at beach for one week $1500
cost to eat at beach for one week $ 500
cost of gift for family members $ 500
cost of coming home to an empty house because you allowed a stranger to watch your fish, and they empty your house PRICELESS

i was just thinking the same thing. but, if you have a local family member just mix water for top offs. then teach them how to do top offs and how to feed your fish, thats what i did.

 

[trainfever]

I just bought the JBJ ATO automatic top off unit. It works great and is well worth the money. You should look into that. You could also buy a timed feeder but the fish will be fine without being fed for one week. Just feed them some meaty frozen foods before you leave.

 

[saltfish123]

would u have to worry about the lights needing to be turned on/off

 

[trainfever]

I would hope that if he has spent money on a tank of that size that he has already bought timers for the lights.