Going on Vacation

I am concerned about my tank because I will be leaving on vacation in a few weeks. I have someone that can come once a day to feed the fish and coral, is that going to be enough? Should I have her double up on the food since it's once a day? Is it going to screw with my fishies schedule? I already let them fast one day a week, but I'm concerned about them. I will be gone for 10 days. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

i would not feed much more than you usually do in a feeding. If you double up the food they probably wont' be able to stomach it all resulting in more waste buildup.
I would have some RO water ready to handle evaporation as well as any supplements such as calcium ready if that is something you add often.
I typically use those daily medicine containers when i'm out of town so that I can put what foods and how much into the day of the week in order to make it easier on the people fish sitting.

 

Cool

Thank you. Good suggestions!

 

Yes definitly make sure the person is set up for top offs. 10 days is a long time to go without adding water. Also make sure they keep an eye on the protein skimmer collection cup and any other things that you check on a regular basis. Maybe make a list and leave near the tank just so they can make sure they aren't forgetting anything. Extra food isn't a good idea. Better to be a little light on the food than too much.

 

I only feed every 2-3 days. In the wild fish don't eat everyday, they eat when there is food, and don't eat when there isn't. Most people over feed their fish. Never feed more then they can eat in 5-8 mins IMO.

 

Feeding once a day or every other day, is ENOUGH! Having your lights on a timer, adding of water for evaporation are essential! Skimmer working effectively and making sure that it doesn't overflow(skimmate cup)..is also very important!
Have fun on vacation...good luck with your tank and make sure that the person RESPONSIBLE FOR WACHING OVER YOUR TANK WHILE YOU ARE GONE is informed about your tank and the needs of your livestock!

 

I feed mine twice daily...but never more then they will eat in 3-4 minutes. I personally would be much less concerned with overfeeding then underfeeding.

I have hermit crabs, shrimp and a good skimmer to soak up any excess.

I am not running a concentration camp (tank) where everything is just getting minimum enough to survive on.

I want my tank inhabitants thriving and "happy!"

 

My tank inhabitants are happy, growing and the tank alone is doing better since I only feed every other day and that's once on that day. Over feeding your fish causes more poop and high nitrates. Also marine fishes metabolism is slower so they don't need to eat daily.

 

I would agree with all the above statements. Try to keep everything the same as you've always have done.

 

I concur.