Going on vacation

I'm going away for 10 days and I'm totally freaked out something bad is going to happen while away. I have my roommate "taking care" of everything but to be honest, that isn't enough for me to rest easy since something always dies when I'm away.

Time for a beer!

 

its alright i know how you feel im leaving for hawaii in 2 weeks and ill be gone for 19 days and im trying to teach my brother everything about the tank so nothing bad happens

 

The best thing to do is to inform your roommate of the ins and outs of your tank. Jot down all pertinent info regarding your tank from feeding to top-off procedure.
Also it is a good idea to prepare food rations in separate plastic bags so their is no guessing for your roomate. Preparing both fresh water and saltwater for top-off and water changes if you plan on having your roomate do this is a great idea. Setting up equipment to a timer is another key concept that reduces the amount of hands on by your roomate that could potentially cause problems.
Try not to freak out, just be prepared and inform your roomate. Communication with the roomate while your gone can also be very helpful regarding your tank.
Good luck and have fun on vacation/work related leave.

 

I'd leave clear written instructions, and maybe even add in some digital pics, or a diagram, of your equipment area if it is complicated so that your roommate has a reference point.

I don't see the harm in going ten days without a water change, so maybe do one right before you leave if you like to do them frequently. The more pleasant/easy you make the tasks that you are asking your roommate to do, the better chance that they will actually get done, and done properly.

Maybe make the occassional phone call/e-mail to your roommate if you can as well. Just checking in to see how things are going will jog their memory if they have forgotten any tasks.

If you are going to travel a lot in the future, or you find that you really worry about your tank too much while away, start to invest in items that automate routine maintainance as much as possible (ATO, calcium reactor/auto doser, etc).

I'm going away next week, so I picked up an auto feeder. All that the person watching my tank has to do for the week that I am away is top up my ATO resevoir once.

Depending upon your financial situation, length of absence, and the value of your tank.... paying a professional to come in while you are away might be a good idea. I may be gone for a month in the winter, so I'm considering this option.