Trojan

I will be gone for an 8 day vacation coming up. Just established my 12 gallon tank with 4 male platy's, 1 male molly, 1 dwarf frog. Do the 7 day pyramid feeders work? Am I better off with a 3 day pyramid feeder. Don't take many trips, so I odn't want to splurge on a autoamtic feeder + I enjoy feeding my fish. It's been hard finding reviews on the products. I am new in my neighborhood and don't want people entering my house to feed my fish. Any suggestions?

agabr123

how soon is it coming up? if it's just for eight days, i would consider "super feeding" your fish for however many days/weeks are left until you leave, feeding them frozen bloodworms (to prevent bloating from flakes) 3-4 times a day and then just fasting them for the time that you're gone

namehater

wow, thats an awesome idea id never thought of, thanks alex!

shadowavenger

They have some larger 5 - 7 day feeder blocks too.

Trojan

That's my question do the feeder blocks work? I may consider trying the super feeding, but won't that lead to alot of poop while I am away?

cerianthus

Try 3 day block now to see if it works well that is if you want to use them.
I would rather feed them well before you leave and do pwc couple of days before you leave(usual amt is good). I've seen those blocks melt down fast causing problems.
Perhaps should try feeding block when you get back if blocks actually last as long as they claim and if fishes do enjoy them.
Like I said, fasting them for 8 days should be OK with lights off, even fish room should be dark. Less activities, less energy needed.

shadowavenger

Feeder blocks generally work fine. They have pellets enbedded into a plaster stone. The stone dissolves and the pellets are released and float to the top.

I would go ahead and do a super feeding as well because the amount of food in the feeder blocks is dismal but they will keep the fish from starving.

They also have a gel type which uses flakes instead. Sometimes the pellets from a block may be too big for the fishes mouth so the flake type may be better if you have smaller fish.

I wouldn't worry about the poop too much. I would just do a gravel vacuum and water change when you get back. That would also remove the dissolved plaster from the water as well.

cerianthus

That is my worry, "Generally". If it happens melt down (perhaps pH dependent, check the instruction), could cause major problem. I've seen it melt down before its time.
Also had occassion where fish did not even touched the blocks.
For long trips, I depend on Auto Feeder (always hook up weeks before the trip to make sure all are working properly). Even Auto Feeders will fail due to moisture from tank can cake up the flakes to a point mold/fungus grow. Will talk about how to modify Auto Feeder next time.
For 8 days, fasting would be better/safer choice.

Trojan

Got back from a week long vacation and used a 3 day pyramid vacation block. Got back and all my fish were alive.

Lucy

Thanks for the update, I'm glad everyone is safe.

hssea

When I went on a 10 day trip had a neighbor feed my fish. I put food in two 7 day pill boxes and hid the rest of the fish food (so she wouldn't get tempted to feed them more). I don't know if thats an option for you. She came over once a day and just feed them a days worth. Normally my trips are just few days , in that case I just dont feed them until I get back