Worried about fish if we go on holidays

HI everyone,

I am new to the forum and thinking about setting up a tropical fish tank.  I have many questions, but one of the first I need to know is what does everyone do when/if they go on holidays?  Are your fish and tank easily cared for by other people or do you use automatic feeders?  I know when I used to have goldfish I used to put in feeding blocks if I was going away for a few days - can you do this with tropical fish too?

We go to the in-laws usually twice a year, for 1 week at a time.

-Catherine

 

Unless you have babies or sick fish, a week is fine to be away without feeding your fish. You can also get an automatic feeder.

 

I am no expert, but with the trips being a week or less, I wouldn't see why you couldn't just use an auto feeder. Those are good for up to two weeks. Just clean the tank and change water the day before you leave, and do it again the day or so after you get home.  Just be sure to test the water also when you get back and make sure everything is in order.  It wouldn't hurt to have someone check on them once or twice, either.  You should be fine.

 

I am planning on picking up an auto feeder for when we go on vacation. They don't seem to be terribly expensive, and would offer some peace of mind while you're away. Then again...I have some tiger barbs that are getting a little large around the middle. It might do them some good to go a while with no food!

Sean

 

hI catherine, welcome to fishlore. what is your tank size? I don't think you will need a auto feeder if u go on vacs for 1 week for a 10 gallon or smaller tank. auto feeders can be used in bigger tanks. what kind of fish do u have?

 

Thanks so much everyone for your replies. That's great to know that it wouldn't be a problem leaving a tropical aquarium for a week.

Neville - I don't actually have a tank setup yet, just thinking about it at this stage. I do have a 10 gallon tank that I used to have goldfish in, but I don't think this is big enough for what I want to do.

I'm still doing my research on what fish I'd like to keep. I've always liked discus, but I believe these are more suited to advanced fishkeepers.

- Catherine

 

hI catherine,
yeah u have to study a lot before you buy any fish, like discus, they r called the king of aquarium, u will need at least a 30 gallon tank to keep them, they require higher temperature than any other tropical fish, they r very beautiful, didn't keep one because of the temperature requirement.