What Happens To Your Planted Tank When You Go On Vacation?

[Evad]

I will be leaving for 10 days vacation this summer and my tank will only be checked once in that time. I am dosing several liquid ferts daily - including excel - and so I am trying to figure out what the one dose should be in the middle of the vacation and also if I should expect any issues. Should I decrease my photo period?

* 180 gal tank heavily planted
* using all seachem ferts and excel
* also using pressurized CO2
* Lights are on 10 hours per day

 

[lyotim88]

well your co2 is automated i assume? I dont think you'll have a problem skipping excel for 10 days. Thats a big planted tank, i'd like to see some pics of it!

 

[aaronnorth]

decrease the photoperiod to 6hours, and if possible half the lighting as this will lower nutrient demand.

 

[Evad]

decrease the photoperiod to 6hours, and if possible half the lighting as this will lower nutrient demand.

Everything is automated on timers and so I can easily reduce the photoperiod and the number of lights. I am using 4 6' VHO Flourescent bulbs and I usually start with two on, then four on, then two off again so they don't go from bright sunlight to pitch dark

I will shorten the whole day - thanks this help.