Holidays How to feed fish

[Tazman12]

Need some input from guys with experience in this matter.

I'm going on Holidays for 17 days in July how do I feed my fish while I'm gone.

I'll be doing a water change the day before I leave so they will be fine as far as nitrates go.

I don't really have anyone to take care of them.

Thanks

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

you can buy feeder blocks from your lfs...im not sure how good they are....but ive used them before and had mixed results.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Hmmmm

I thnk fish are fine for up to as much as 2 weeks without food but I am not sure about that long.

What about an automatic feeder? Or could you get someone to come in just once for you. Just put the right amount of food in a little cup (hiding the rest) to prevent overfeeding.

I strongly advise againt any kin of block feeder

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Tazman12

There are other things to think about too, when you plan to be away for an extended period of time. There is more to fishkeeping than just feeding.

You do not state where you live, but what will the climate be like? If it's very hot, will your fish be alright in a closed up house or apartment?

What happens if there is a power failure? If possible, have someone available to check that your filters have restarted and all is well.

What about if a fish gets sick? If you have someone check on them periodically, even if they don't know how to care for them, you have friends here who do. You can leave instructions to contact us for advice.

 

[carrcn]

I've heard two weeks without food isn't a bad thing for your fish. I don't think the extra 3 days is going to hurt them. I'd leave them alone and not get a block feeder. They make one heck of a mess. But there were some other important points brought up by other posts, so it would be a good idea to have someone periodically check on them. At the least, have someone set up to check it if the power goes out.

 

[waterwatereverywhere]

Yes, I'd agree - don't worry so much about feeding but do try and find someone who can pop in from time to time. And it might be an idea if you have a friendly lfs to arrange to give their number to whoever comes in to check, so they can ring up if there's an emergency.