Summer Break

[sawickib]

So this summer my family is thinking about going to Michigan for about 5 weeks, at first I was really excited... then I realized something. MY PETS!!!

I have 4 fish tanks that need daily feedings and weekly water changes! I also have a snake that needs a rat pup every week! I don't know what to do, I don't want someone I don't know living in my house for 5 weeks and my friends can't do it either. I'm thinking about just staying home somehow

 

[Gruntle]

You can get automatic fish feeders (in Australia they're about $30 so I'd assume like with all things America would be cheaper). I had mine running for 3 weeks once on a twice-daily feed, have since learned that once a day would have been enough.
 
If the food runs out and you have plants in your tank, the fish will survive by having a nibble.
 
If you do a water change before you go, things shouldn't get bad enough before you get back, so I wouldn't be too concerned.
 
As for the snake, I have no clue.
 
Of course you have another option which is to find someone with 4 spare tanks who could mind your fish while you're away, but I can't see you having much luck there.

 

[Ryan10]

What part of Michigan are you traveling to?

 

[sawickib]

Well the problems with the auto feeder is I have oddballs and predators that can't survive off straight pellets and flakes for 5 weeks, I feed frozen salad shrimp and bloodworms to my fish tanks, and the predator poop a lot and would make a lot of ammonia in 5 weeks. I have no idea anyone with tanks large enough to take care of all my fish and I only have a few java fern and mosses in my 55 gallon all other tanks don't have anything and again their all predators for the most part.

Im going to I think Makcainaw Island, and all over the top thumb of michigan, the rest idk lol

 

[Ryan10]

I was just there last October.  If you cross the bridge into upper Michigan, there is a cool little zoo called the Garlyn Zoo about 45 minutes away.

What type of predator fish do you have?

 

[DreamertK]

What about getting a neighbor to feed your fish for you? Just tell 'em it'll take 5 minutes every day or so, and watch them do a feeding before they go.
 
You could also get a crap ton of plants. A CRAP TON. It may not significantly remove NH3, but they'll at least somewhat prevent very drastic changes. 

 

[sawickib]

Thx I'll look into the zoo

I have bichirs, a BGK, and a fire eel.

The problem is I have one neighbor that we know around here and I hate him, so yea. I have LEDS on 75 gallon and the tannins made it very dark, so can't put plants in.

 

[DreamertK]

Hmm well there are plants that grow in low light, but they also don't uptake the NH3 as quickly. The java family, marimo balls, anubais...

 

[Ninjouzata]

Is the neighbor you hate the only one nearby? If not, I'd be making some new friends! Perhaps start looking for someone on craigslist that could possibly help?

 

[sawickib]

Ugh none of the other neighbors like us because of our loud music

 

[haleem8777]

I think the best option would be to have someone take the fish for the 5 weeks. I dont think you should not go on the holiday. Why dont you ask your local pet store if there is one if they would take the fish for 5 weeks or so.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Are there any professional pet sitting services in your area? Where I live you can get someone to come in and look after your pets while you're on holiday. 

 

[AeonMapa]

5 weeks is a really long time to be away but it can be done. First of all try and condition your fish by giving them lots of rich food. Also do 50 daily water changes for maybe a week before you leave. This will give you very clean water that should be alright for 5 weeks. If you can get someone to pop in twice during your absence and feed a tiny amount they should be good

 

[sawickib]

Being fed once every two weeks? I don't really like th sound of that, ima see what professional services are around or if my LFS can help me out, thanks for all the help, I think staying or getting a sitter is my only option.

 

[haleem8777]

There is some time until the holiday, i guess so take your time and decide what to do. Hopefully it all goes well for you.