Keeping a tank safe while I'm away?

[Quin]

I have a 10 gallon tank with a single male betta and I'm going to be gone for maybe three weeks some time july/august. Feeding won't be an issue as I've heard fish can go for a week without food and my mom will be back to take care of the other two weeks, but water changes are a huge concern. I'm not sure my mom can lift a bucket with more than 4 inches of water (arthritis, back and hip problems) and I don't think anyone else will be willing to do it. Is there anything I can do to reduce the likelihood of ammonia or nitrite/ate buildup while I'm gone? I can emphasize getting the tank fully planted and stabilized before-hand if it will help.

I'm asking way in advance because if there's anything I can do long term I'd like to get it done asap. Anything helps!

 

[JuiceBox52]

Right before you go do a thorough gravel vacuum and a 90% water change. Leave him for about 2 of the weeks without food and only have your mum feed like twice the third week. Then when you get back do another big water change.

 

[Quin]

Right before you go do a thorough gravel vacuum and a 90% water change. Leave him for about 2 of the weeks without food and only have your mum feed like twice the third week. Then when you get back do another big water change.

Thank you thank you! I'll have to make sure my mom understands about how to feed him. She accuses me of spoiling him and yet she keeps sneaking in my room to feed him because "he looks so hungry"

He will definitely make it that long without food right? Should I feed him a little more beforehand so he has more reserves, or keep it normal until it's time to leave? I feed him two pellets twice a day (without mom interference)

 

[JuiceBox52]

Keep it normal if your mom feels the need she can feed him once every other day (1 pellet) while she's there. Make sure she understands that if she feeds him too much while you cant do water changes he will create ammonia that could kill him

 

[Barry Tetra]

Just feed them twice a week, the water will be fine.

 

[Colin_T]

Measure out the food into separate containers (a couple of pellets or whatever you normally use) and tell your mom to give him one container of food twice a week. That's it, nothing else for food.
*NB* Hide the remaining food so she doesn't feed him more.

Do the big water change and gravel clean before you go (as suggested by others). Don't bother getting your mom to water change the tank.

Have some live plants in the tank (floating plants if possible) and let them deal with the water. Water Sprite is the best floating plant to use and can also be grown in the substrate.

Increase the lighting time by a couple of hours per day to encourage plant and algae growth. They will help keep the water cleaner while you are gone.