What Would Happen If I Left It?

[youngfisher]

Ok - Im planning a planted tank and im going for some things like HC Cuba (or somthing like that, carpet wise), and some others. (Hopefully all low matinence)

Im just wondering what would happen if I left it for a week when I go on holiday in july? - If it will cause bad algea problems or cause my plants to die as I wouldnt be able to feed them etc. then I will wait till after july, if not then I will start doing it soon

 

[bagu]

my plants do fine with no ferts or anything, just homemade Co2 =)

if you are going away just buy a timer mains plug so lights come on at a certain time and off at a certain time

is there gonna be anything in the tank?

id just do a large water change before i leave and cut lighting down a bit incase algae did come =)

 

[youngfisher]

Bagu - talk on msn mate ill go on it now, because i need your help

Hmmm, I think I might have to leave it - because I wont of finished cycling by the time I go away, so there will be nothing to feed the bacteria or anything, so my plants will properly die. I just need to plan it very good lol

 

[RadaR]

All tanks are different. What might work for one tank may not work for another. Why? Because the conditions are different. What's important about this question is the amount of light you have. The more light there is over the tank, the more nutrients and CO2 is demanded. Therefore after a day or so, this will run out and the plant will starve. Their structure starts to break down leaching ammonia and algae will emerge.
I presume with HC you do have good lighting. Therefore leaving it for a week won't be great, especially because HC is CO2 and nutrient hungry in any conditions.

 

[youngfisher]

I have 11w lighting, but have all the planting substraite, co2 cannisters, tablets, liquid ferts etc.

 

[aaronnorth]

half the lighting (if possible) and run a 6hr photperiod to slow growth. Not much more you can do really.

 

[youngfisher]

What do you mean?

 

[aaronnorth]

if you have 2 tubes, then only run 1 tube and have it on a timer for 6hrs per day.

 

[degsod]

What do you mean?

Put your lights on a timeswitch, you can adjust the photoperiod by setting the on/off time, you can pick them up from tesco for about £4.

 

[lljdma06]

What do you mean?

Put your lights on a timeswitch, you can adjust the photoperiod by setting the on/off time, you can pick them up from tesco for about £4.

Put your lighting on timer, with a lowered photo period (6 hours)
Don't feed your fish for that time period (so no timed feeders or weekend tablets or anything). They will be fine, trust me and you don't want to risk the extra ammonia from uneaten food.
Do a good water change before you leave
Do a good water change when you get back

I doubt your tank will explode when you get back, and your lighting level is rather low IMO, so you should be fine. If a tank is in good shape, it should stand a good week or two with minimal effort without any major mishaps. The worst that can happen is that you get a bit of algae when you get back, unless your power shuts down completely. Just get back on your normal maintenance when you return and the algae should go away. A little algae never killed anyone and it isn't the end of the world.

Have a great holiday!