First Time Leaving Tank For Vacation!!

Just looking for some advice and tips on what to do and not to do when going on vacation.

I’ll be gone for a week and this is the first time being away from my tank. Incase It matters I have a 100 gallon African cichlid tank. Just wondering on what to do for food, lighting, etc..

Any and all advice helps! Thanks in advance.

 

Hello!

first thing to do is not freak out lol. Either two days or the day before, feed them well. And right before you leave (or as soon as you get the time before you leave) do a big water change (about 70%) and you're good to go. I'm guessing your not keeping plants with a African tank, so lighting shouldn't be too big of an issue. Double check EVERYTHING. Hoses, rinse your filter media (in old tank water), plugs, etc. If something is to go wrong, it'll be when your not there, so you want to minimize the opportunity.

Don't bother wit automatic feeders; I've seen too many horror stories of them failing and dumping too much food.

After that, enjoy your trip .

 

Awesome! Thanks so much, really appreciate it!

 

Oh and IF by chance you have a suspicious fish (as in sick) I'd remove them to a QT just in case if they pass; you don't want an ammonia spike.

But I'm guessing your fish are healthy so you're okay, but it's still a good thing to keep in mind haha

And when you come back. Do another large water change after feeding

 

Yup, KinsKicks has it right. The less you change the better. I travel for work for weeks at a time. I never do anything except a water change. I don't even do a "Big" feeding. I just feed as normal because again, the less change the better. I do my water change the day before I leave just to make sure everything goes smoothly afterwards.

 

Sounds good thanks guys!