Going away for 3weeks

[Beesboer]

I'm going on holiday in December for 3weeks. I showed my mother how and how much to feed them. What I want to know is, for how long can the fish not be fed until it became dangerous? What are the maximum nitrate levels the fish can tolerate before I (my mother) change the water? I currently change every other week 25% and the week in between 12%.

Thanks!

 

[aquarius]

i believe that fish can be safely without food for two to three weeks, as long as they have plants to nibble on. not sure about nitrates though. is your mom going to be changing water while you're gone?

 

[rsz]

if you got your mum to feed the fish once every 3 or so days, then there won't be so much ammonia or nitrite or nitrate so you wouldn't need to worry about that so much . also, maybe you could get her to do 1 waterchange, in week 2, so she doesn't need to do so much. i think that would be ok (although someone is probably gong to say it isn't, so make sure other people say it sounds ok before doing what i suggested )

 

[Mogo]

Here's something I do when I go on vacation, as my mom still thinks that just because the fish swim up to glass when you walk by "they must be hungry"....dump half the can in Get a couple of those 2 week pill boxes and put the right amount of food in the days you want the fish to be fed. This way you won't have to worry about over feeding while you're away

 

[sharkbait]

I lost my four beloved clown loaches due to going on holiday. All four were fatally infected with ich.
leave instructions on what to watch for and treatment if necessary. normally I stop ich within one or two spots.
When I returned they looked like donuts covered in sugar.
it was really horrible.

 

[Inchworm]

Mogo's idea is a good one, Beesboer

Also, make a list of things that can go wrong and what to do about it. For example, what to do if the heater breaks, or the filter clogs up---that kind of thing. And, if she can use a computer, be sure to show her how to reach us on the forum.

You never know, by the time you get back she might know more about fish than you do!

______
But seriously, if she pm'ed me, I'd be happy to help her out and so would many others here, I'm sure.

 

[AttackKoala]

If you are worried at all that your mother might overfeed your fish, just leave them without feeding or have her feed the ONCE midway through the 3 weeks. There will not be any significant nitrate build up and they will NOT starve (I've done it)

 

[Beesboer]

Thanks for all your help! Unfortunately my mother doesn’t have Internet access so she won't be able to contact you guys.
Do you think the following will be OK? Let her feed the fish twice a week and let her do a 25% water change half way through the 3weeks. I will also show her how to test the water (weekly) to determine if another water change is necessary.

I love my fish very much and don't want anything to happen to them. I'm sorry to here about your Clowns Sharkbait!

You guys / girls are the best!!! Thanks!!!

 

[Lateral Line]

Frankly, I'd get her to feed just a couple of times, overfeeding will cause far more problems then under feeding with the fish you are carrying. Similaly, with the reduced food, the waste produced levels will drop, so the bacteria will not be producing as much nitrate - the dangers of letting an amateur loose on a water change I think outweigh the benefits.

For two week periods, I would just leave them completely, three..... maybe batter with a couple of SMALL feeds. Use Mogo's suggestion.

When you get back and start feeding normally, keep an eye on your nitrogen levels as the sudden resumption of feeding may spike your tank, be ready to change some water, but at least you'll know what your doing!

Have a good holiday by the way.