Feeding on Vacation

[Skylar]

I am going to Newfoundland, Canada for a couple of weeks some time in July, I do believe, for a family reunion. We are boarding our dog, so no troubles there, but how on earth am I going to take care of the fish? I trust NO ONE with my fish, not even my closest friend.

I really don't want to spend all this money on an automatic feeder. Could I just buy one of those Vacation feeding tablets and get the person who will check the house and bring in the mail to drop one in every once in awhile.

My dad suggested film canisters or something with a bit of food in each but I know my friends will add more 'because it just doesn't look like enough!'

Any ideas? I don't want my fish to starve!!!!!!


Skylar

 

[Mr Miagi]

No, dont use those vacation food blocks. They are the worst thing you can use.

I would recomend using medicine containers. The ones with a compartment for your tablets daily. Add the amount of food you want added and tell the person you are leaving to feed your fish to use only the amount u put in the container and you should be fine!

If you dont trust anyone with your fish u may have to eventually buy an automated fish feeder. Try ebay for the cheapest price!

 

[freddyk]

I would turn the temperature of the tank down to about 72-74, and then I'd let the fish go without eating till I got back.

 

[Skylar]

Oh, medicine containers might work, although I will have to make sure I leave STRICT instructions not to feed any more. Thanks. Almost like film canisters but this way, there would be a number on each compartment from 1-7 so they would know this one for monday, this for tuesday.

I could even plan out their diet. Hmm..Brown food on Monday, Pellets on Tuesday, dried bloodworms on wednesday..Yum.

Skylar. Thanks!

 

[Mr Miagi]

NO way, over a couple of weeks with no food, i dont think that would be very wise. Just my opinion though!

 

[freddyk]

It's about knowing how the fish metabolism and body works.

 

[ccg]

A few weeks is a pretty long time with no food. A week might be alright, but anymore and I would think thats pushing it.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Even a fish with a reasonably slow metabolic rate would suffer not eating food for a fortnight. U give it a try! Id suggest no more than four days. Fish in the wild are brought up finding food and sometimes missing out etc for days. But whilst your aquarium fish get fed evryday, and high protein foods, i would definately feed them attleast twice a week.

 

[Macracantha]

I would turn the temperature of the tank down to about 72-74, and then I'd let the fish go without eating till I got back.

I agree!!!

If you are not comfortable with this, the best thing to do is make little 1 day packs in individual tinfoil parcels...and only enough to last the week...friends don't give more than 1 days amount per day 'cos they know the food would run out before the end of the hols...this does usually work but make sure you hide all other foods!!!

Good luck!

 

[Skylar]

Thanks for all the ideas! Not too sure about turning down the temp and leave them without eating. I mean..it's almost 2 weeks and could be more if the planes are delayed.

 

[Def]

Don't turn the temp down. Low temps are a cause of whitespot.

When you say "all this money" on an autofeeder... You should be able to get one for $30 USD. More than worthwhile purchase.

 

[isu_guy]

Train a friend to the point that you trust them. Don't have them come every day- this will really let it sink in that fish don't need to eat like we do. Hide your other food.

Overall don't worry too much about it though, everything should be fine.

 

[Skylar]

Def, I have one small fish tank. $30 USD is about $35-40 Canadian. There is really no point in buying one as I rarely leave my city except for weekends to the nearest large city (Edmonton) so I don't have a reason to go out and buy one that I'll only use once or twice.

 

[Nik_boyd]

I quite regually leave my fish without food for 2/3 days, and they don't seem to suffer at all for it, just more inclined to eat all the food at their next feeding, saves on cleaning up after them

 

[freddyk]

Don't turn the temp down. Low temps are a cause of whitespot.

No, sudden drops in temp are contribute to ich, low temps in itself does not.