KonaBoy

Hey all,

Heading home for the weekend, and was wondering if it would be okay if I left my fish alone? I plan on doing a water change before I leave, and I'll be gone Friday night - Sunday night. Should I see if I can get someone to watch them, or should they be okay? I have a school of Danio's, 1 swordtail, 1 betta and some White Cloud Minnow (if that matters). Thanks,


Cory

Dino

They should be fine.
Feed them normally on Friday.
I would reccommend turning the lights out on the tank while you are gone.

KonaBoy

Ok, I thought they'd be okay, the people at PetSmart said they would be, but you know how that is...

COBettaCouple

Yea, that's not too long of a time for them to go without food. Really, just Saturday would be a fasting day if you fed them a little Friday and a little Sunday when you get back.

Blub

primerowan

What is this fasting you speak of? Is it healthier for fish to go without for a couple days a week?

COBettaCouple

Fasting is them going for a period without food. It's not necessarily healthier for them to go without food a couple days per week, but they're capable of going without food for a time if they have to.

primerowan

Ah, ok. HatchetHaven's comment made me think that perhaps fasting was something that everyone should do - I guess it just means that it's something that *can* be done. Thanks! : )

Blub

Dino

This is incorrect.
Weither a fish poops or not, it is still adding waste to the tank.
Fecal matter is not the only waste a fish produces.

Not feeding for a few days DOSE NOT reduce the bioload.

The main reason most folks do it is to allow the fish time to empty out their digestive system.
It also helps to cut down on microfauna, as the fish will eat that, if no prepared food is precent.

Blub