What do you do with aquariums while on vacation? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter northern_reefs
- Start date
Xavier
Senior Member
Where do you live? I'm Sure someone on here could get bribed into stopping by 
Xavier
Xavier
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Sent you a text.
infinityends
Senior Member
Aquarium controllers are a plus, but generally someone who can check on your tank every couple days is a best
I'm in SLP off Minnetonka. Send me a PM if you can't find anybody.
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a1t2o
Senior Member
Pray.
A tank sitter and lots of prayers. lol
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Reefer Sutherland
Too Muddy...
Pray for the best, but ideally have someone check on it...
I go on quite a few weekend trips, and the occasional week or more long vacation - here's what I do:
I open up my sump gate valve all the way (so it's at max drainage), remove any filter socks or anything else that could overflow or fail if not managed, get my return pipe as high as possible without causing surface splashing (so the display stays full in the case of a power-outage siphon back into the sump), fill up the gravity fed auto-top off and go hoping for the best.
If possible, I try to have someone come feed the fish every two days (and these aren't people that know anything at all about aquariums), or set up an automatic feeder to just deliver flake into the tank. This is assuming you have a controller to automate lights/heater/pumps etc.
Do some test runs before you go by yanking the power on your whole setup, and seeing if it overflows or gets close to it. If so, you know you have some adjustments to make. Finicky fish are more of a problem if they don't accept simpler foods fed by an inexperienced handler.
I open up my sump gate valve all the way (so it's at max drainage), remove any filter socks or anything else that could overflow or fail if not managed, get my return pipe as high as possible without causing surface splashing (so the display stays full in the case of a power-outage siphon back into the sump), fill up the gravity fed auto-top off and go hoping for the best.
If possible, I try to have someone come feed the fish every two days (and these aren't people that know anything at all about aquariums), or set up an automatic feeder to just deliver flake into the tank. This is assuming you have a controller to automate lights/heater/pumps etc.
Do some test runs before you go by yanking the power on your whole setup, and seeing if it overflows or gets close to it. If so, you know you have some adjustments to make. Finicky fish are more of a problem if they don't accept simpler foods fed by an inexperienced handler.
I'm a heavy traveler and can tell you that automation is your friend (and enemy )
I have purposely made my tank light bioload, so when things do happen, you have more time before things go South (O2 demand)
The basics:
Controller- I have been very happy with my Apex. The alert function is particularly helpful.
ATO- a requirement for piece of mind. Having your return pump run dry would not be good for anyone.
Dosing pumps- enough said
IP Camera- There is a lot to be said for being able to see your tank. It helps with understanding weird numbers, plus you can look at your fishies whenever you want.
I run a skimmer and an ATS. When my skimmer cup gets full, I shut it off and rely on the ATS. I have the supplies for getting an external cup with a float valve, but I actually have to be home to work on it
I have gotten all the fish to eat flake and pellet and use an auto feeder. I want to upgrade to an Apex one...its nice to have control.
If you have someone that can check in...that would be ideal if something does go awry. Frankly though, unless they are a reefer, even the best "trained" person tends to overfeed and under analyze
Hope that helps.
) I have purposely made my tank light bioload, so when things do happen, you have more time before things go South (O2 demand)
The basics:
Controller- I have been very happy with my Apex. The alert function is particularly helpful.
ATO- a requirement for piece of mind. Having your return pump run dry would not be good for anyone.
Dosing pumps- enough said
IP Camera- There is a lot to be said for being able to see your tank. It helps with understanding weird numbers, plus you can look at your fishies whenever you want.
I run a skimmer and an ATS. When my skimmer cup gets full, I shut it off and rely on the ATS. I have the supplies for getting an external cup with a float valve, but I actually have to be home to work on it
I have gotten all the fish to eat flake and pellet and use an auto feeder. I want to upgrade to an Apex one...its nice to have control.
If you have someone that can check in...that would be ideal if something does go awry. Frankly though, unless they are a reefer, even the best "trained" person tends to overfeed and under analyze
Hope that helps.
I usually do a Big water change about the day before then get a tank sitter. Do a couple test runs in case of power outage? When u get back do another HUGE water change. It's expensive but works for me. Yes, praying helps! LOL!
Also if needed I work in SLP almost everyday.if needed
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