On holiday ....Will my babies survive!!!

[fishlings]

HI All

I am going away for a week - my babies are all fat and healthy and I have someone to feed and keep an eye on them :clap:


The water is perfect and I have a filter and pump --- Do I need to still do a 20% water change every day??? Or could I leave it a week until my return?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lornek8]

There is nothing that requires you to do daily water changes excpt your tank conditions. Maybe before going see what happens if you don't do daily water changes. Monitor your tank for a couple of days & see what the water does.

Also, cut back on the feeding while you're gone. Instruct the caretaker to feed every other day or so while you're gone. The tendancy is for those that don't know better to feed to much. They're always afraid the fish'll starve but the typical killer is overfeeding leading to pollution or poor water conditions. Adults can go in excess of a week without food if in good condition, fry shold be able to go at least a couple of days. It'll also help a bit if you've got some driftwood for them to browse off of if necessary.

 

[D-MAC]

If they don't overfeed the tank should last a week until you are back...The best thing to do is feed a bit less than normal for that week... Is the person that's feeding them a fish keeper? If not, its best to leave carefully measured amounts for the 7 days so they can't get it wrong.

 

[bigbird]

Agree, would cut the feeding by half while you are away. We all or most of us overfeed even now. Also agree with the issue of the water change. Dont do one for 2-3days before you go and then you can see what happens and this can then indicate how it will be over 7days. you do not state how big your babies are, but I would also add another airstone to the tank as well.
If water changes are needed, I would give specific advise to your fish sitter. IE Use a 10gal bucket, add x amount of drops of conditioner etc etc. And also leave you 24hr number with them. havea good holiday cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[Irene0100]

should be fine for a week if not too over crowded. I would worry more about filters clogging than water. yes reduce feed, babies will graze on algae and plants. (add plants if dont have any.)
i find plants are a good backup-food and dont rot like too much food does! -plus they help reduce nitrates etc.
air stone or venturi a good idea too.