To Stock, Or Not To Stock!

[Sp00nman]

After enduring a seemingly never ending fishless cycle my tank is now processing approx. 3ppm of ammonia in 24 hours.  Only problem is I'm going away for a week in 10 days!!
 
This is my first tank for about 20 years and I'm going for a peaceful community tank so should I stock it now or wait till I return from my break? I would be able to get a trusted family member to feed the fish once in the middle of the break but that's all.
 
My head says to wait till I return but if I do this will the bacteria be OK for a week without any ammonia being added or will I be back to square one when I return?
 
Any advice would be appreciated. 

 

[fluttermoth]

I would wait until you get back.
 
Adding fish is the riskiest bit; you want to be there to rectify any issues as soon as possible for the first few days.
 
If you could get your family member to give the tank a dose of ammonia for you, instead of feeding fish (measure it out for them?) and maybe add a pinch of fish food (in a piece of clean sock or tight) before you go, you shouldn't have to start from scratch.

 

[Sp00nman]

Thanks fluttermoth. That sounds like a good idea.  I guess the fish food will be better as it will be a continuous source of ammonia instead of a single big lump.
 
I've got a syringe with a cap on as well so I'll measure it out and leave for adding midweek and keep my fingers crossed I'll be able to stock the tank when I get back.