Cycle Finished - Help!

[DreFish]

Hi all,

My cycle finished about 6 days ago and since then I have been topping up my tank with ammonia and both this and nitrates are processed within 10 hrs....so everything is looking good.

Now the problem. I need to go abroad for a week (next Thursday) and hence will not be around, what shall I do -

Fully stock this weekend and get an automatic feeder.
Over ammonia (i.e. 7 times what I put in daily) just before I go
Just leave it - will that mean I have to start the cycle again (it's taken 8 weeks to get here!!)

Thanks...any advice will help my quandary!

 

[KittyKat]

I would do the following: get some stock and plants, feed them well till Thursday and just leave them for a week. Most tropical fish can survive without food for two weeks or more, but any moderately healthy fish should manage a week. I used to regularly leave mine as they are for 3-7 days while travelling because of work. Luckly, I now have some considerate workmates/friends now who are willing to come in every other day and check on the equipment & fish.

p.s. If you do let someone check on the fish, it is usually best to leave them with strict instructions to not feed or pre-pack the food into small zip-lock bags so that they can't overfeed.

 

[DreFish]

Thanks Kitty...

What about use of an automatic feeder?

 

[KittyKat]

I'd pass on it, especially if your tank is under 200 litres: they can break quite easily or even fall into the tank. If you do feel you really should get one, then I recommend the new ones by Eheim, the model with the two individual compartments.

 

[DreFish]

Thanks for the advice, the tank is 250l I'll have a look at the eheim one but if not available at my lfs I'll pass.

 

[KittyKat]

If you do get it, you will need to test it for a few days before you leave, it is very easy to overfeed with them if you have never used one before.