Going on Vacation for almost an entire month

Hi, I will be going on vacation for a little over 3 weeks and don’t know if my fish will survive. We bought them an automatic feeder, but I’m not sure if it would last long enough. It feeds up to 14 meals and I don’t know how many meals it feeds each day, but it says up to 4. My fish should survive through without water changes. I once went a month without water changes (Not on purpose, was very busy) and no fish died. I also add tetra easy balance plus, which says reduces water changes. I don’t know if not dosing over vacation will affect that. Before I leave I’m also going to do a bigger than normal water change. My tank has platies and swordtails in it but no real plants. Also, my light is not automatic so they’d be left in the dark most of the time, but there is two windows nearby so they may get light, but not a lot, so no algae will be growing for them to eat. Any suggestions on how I could keep my fish alive over vacation?

 

If it is possible to set it to feed 2-3 times a week that should be enough.

 

When I'm away I have someone feed a pre measured amount once every 3-4 days. I've gone longer than 3 weeks without feeding with no problem, but no longer do that.

I wouldn't trust someone else to feed without my guidence (pre measuring the food for them). I wouldn't rely on a vacation feeder either, but that's just me.

 

If it is possible to set it to feed 2-3 times a week that should be enough.

I don’t think you can, it feeds at a specific time every day, but I’m looking into another one that feeds more and can feed every other day.

 

You don't need to feed more at once.
Less food = less pollution.
Platies and Swordtails are hardy and will even chew on algae etc...
I'd buy a timer for the light and try to feed every other day or so.

 

Rather feed less than more while you are away I agree. Better yet if you can get someone to visit your house once a week to see that everything is ok and update you..

Having an airpump/sponge filter that has battery run backup is great in case of any power failures to keep the water moving.

 

Ok, Thank You!