How To Maintain My Fish Tank When I Am "out Of Town?"

[barb-e]

I have had my 10 gallon tank for a few years now and during my first year of college I left it at home because there was only one fish in there. My mom took care of him. When I can back home for summer break, I realized that he looked really lonely so I added 6 more fish to keep him company. I go back to school next week and I was planning to leave them but I kind of want to take them with me. I don't want to leave it up to my mom to take care of them and they would be great company. My school allows up to a 10 gallon sized tank (yay). My issue is, what should I do during breaks (particularly Christmas break which is 3 weeks). During this break, the school makes us unplug everything. However when I looked at their guidelines, it does not say that we have to take the fish home, just that we have to maintain the fish and tank. So how can I do that with no power for the heater or filter? Is it possible or should I just take the tank home with me (I am afraid to keep moving it back and forth)? Should I take my fish with me to school at all?

 

[CrystalClear16]

You can't unplug the filter for 3 weeks. They MIGHT be ok without a heater (depending what the room temp is) and they could handle going that long without food, but you can't get away with the filter being off.

However if the guidelines say you are allowed to keep fish I imagine they have had this issue before. Why not ask whether you can leave the essentials on? Surely other students who kept fish tanks were in the same situation.

If you absolutely have to switch everything off, I would say it is best to leave them at home. When I went to uni my parents took care of my tank for 3 years, I only moved them when I graduated and got my own place.

 

[Biulu]

With an automatic feeder you would be fine for 3 weeks, but the problem is the filter. As crystalclear says, ask before taking them.

 

[chrisrm]

leave it pluged in and dont tell anyone!

 

[barb-e]

@ chrisrm they actually come in every students room over the break to check on...stuff. I guess I will just leave them at home and hope that they are ok. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm looking forward to moving them with me when I get my own place.