Keeping Fish Alive Over Vacation

So I've been working really hard through months of constant illness from ick to fin rot to keep these fish alive and I think I've finally got a stable population. I have 2 angelfish, 4 red wag platies, 5 bronze cories, 1 common pleco (until I switch him out for my bristlenose once he gets bigger), 1 rainbow shark, 1 GBR cichlid, 2 olive nerite snails, and one mystery snail. They're currently in a 40 gallon, which I know is too small for them, but they're young and its temporary. I'll be moving them up once they get bigger. Everyone is peaceful towards one another. Anyway, Thanksgiving is approaching and I will be going home for a week and have to leave the fish behind. I really don't want to lose them, especially because an ammonia spike from a death would surely end up killing others.
What is the best way to keep them alive during the nine days I'll be away? Back when I had goldfish I used these pyramid feeders that dissolved and released food over time but I'm unsure if those would work especially since I have so many different types of fish. Also one of my angelfish is a picky eater and really only likes protein-rich foods like bloodworms. I also have mulled over getting an automatic feeder. Unfortunately asking someone to feed them for me is also off the table since everyone around will also be gone for the holiday. What is the best way to make sure they're fed while I'm gone?
By the way I do have a timer for the lights so its just the food problem.

 

I would go with an automatic feeder I think. If you could get them fed just once in the middle of that timespan I think they would be perfectly alright (though aggression from hunger could become an issue I suppose). If there is definitely no way of having someone come in to feed then I would go with a automatic feeder

 

Do you have a buddy who can come over a few times during the vacation and feed a small amount of flake food to the tank - ideally a portion you set out beforehand? Feeding lightly on vacation would minimize the chances of an ammonia spike...most fish do not use the energy they derive from food to maintain their body temperature like mammals and birds do, so even small fish can usually go several days without food and many fish can go several weeks without food. Not saying you should skip feeding for a week...just saying a few feedings during your absence will work.

 

If it’s only a week you can leave them be. I’ve done it several times before with no casualties. The only thing I’d worry about is the rainbow shark who may get aggressive when it’s hungry.

Also, if you don’t have live plants just keep the lights off, it should hopefully keep them less active so they won’t be going after each other.

 

If it’s only a week you can leave them be. I’ve done it several times before with no casualties. The only thing I’d worry about is the rainbow shark who may get aggressive when it’s hungry.

Also, if you don’t have live plants just keep the lights off, it should hopefully keep them less active so they won’t be going after each other.

I had not thought about the light bit! Not surprising in retrospect...just hadn't thought of it thanks.

 

Even if you do have plants you can keep the lights off for a week and they would be fine. Make sure you have something breaking the water surface for gas exchange. I too wouldn't worry about feeding them. I have left tanks for a week without feeding and everything was fine.

In a cycled tank one or even two fish deaths won't cause an ammonia spike. When the occasional fish dies in my tank, I rarely find the bodies. Granted my tank is 110 gallons so there is more room for error.