You're going on holiday...

[Def]

Was chatting to my LFS today, and we got round to discussing what to do about maintenance while on holiday. In my case, I regularly go abroad for 1, 2 or 3 weeks at a time. After I get the tank next year after Cuba, I'll probably be in the country for 6 months (time to get the tank settled in) then after that perhaps go away for 1 week, maximum 2 on occasion.

The LFS guy thought this could be a major issue, especially if I went with a full reef system.

I'd appreciate answers to the following scenarios, assuming you have a reef and you *might* be able to get someone to come round once a week and follow basic instructions, no fish knowledge at all.

1. You're going away for a long weekend (4 days), what do you do?

2. You're away for 1 week (7 days), what do you do?

3. You're away for 2 weeks (15 days), what do you do?

If you could give me opinions with the following points:

- Regular adding of RO water due to evaporation
- Normal tank maintenance
- Parameter monitoring
- Feeding

Much appreciated. I want to see exactly what issues I need to think about here, and maybe if I can even get a marine tank at all

Thanks.

 

[ostrow]

Auto topoff with float switches controlling my RO/DI unit (spectrapure liquid level controller).

Peristaltic pump dosing b-ionic to maintain calcium and alkalinity.

Only thing I add for vacation is a timed feeder and someone to come to the house to empty the skimmer cup.

 

[Def]

So um, was that a "you'll be ok with a marine tank, you just need to buy a couple of gadgets"? I can't fit an RO unit here but I guess the same principle applies to pumping it from a bucket.

 

[ostrow]

You really don't want to use tap water.

But yes, some gadgets and someone to keep an eye on things.

 

[smithrc]

how lond does 'pre mixed' slat water keep for in a barrel?

just wondering as an auto top off system sounds a very nice idea.

 

[Def]

You really don't want to use tap water

Sorry, wasn't clear. I meant a bucket of R/O from my shop, I know tapwater is a bad idea

I'd like to know the answer to the premixed saltwater age question too please.

 

[Navarre]

It depends how long you want to keep it. Pre mixed salt water will not age if its kept sealed airtight and dark.

 

[ostrow]

But pH may change, for sure.

You don't use saltwater for topoff though.

 

[smithrc]

But pH may change, for sure.

You don't use saltwater for topoff though.

realised that just after posting