Your fish need care even when you go on vacation. There are several things you can do to make sure they are well and stay healthy while you are not around, based on the length of time you will be away.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for Departure
Step 1. Determine how long you will be away
If you're only out for a couple of days, most fish will be fine even without food. If you go on a month-long trip, your fish will need to be fed.
Step 2. Understand the risks
When you leave your fish alone for a trip there are always risks. If you have rare and expensive fish, make sure you have carefully planned the necessary care and that your plan is as comprehensive as possible.
Step 3. Plan according to the type of fish you own
Different fish have different food needs. Make sure you know exactly what kind of fish you own.
- Carnivores need live prey and / or carnivore pellets;
- Omnivores: A large number of fish fall into this category. Most fish in this group can be fed blocks of food (available from pet stores / aquariums). Food blocks are created by coating food with a mineral block that gradually dissolves in water over the course of several days. For omnivores who only feed on pellets and dried food, use an automatic food dispenser, as described below.
- Herbivores: are the fish that feed on vegetables and plants. If you can feed them with dried seaweed or vegetables, you can use the automatic food dispenser. If they have to eat fresh vegetables instead, it would be better to hire someone who can go and feed them.
Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Appropriate Care Solutions
Step 1. Find out the options available
There are many ways to feed fish while you are away. The length of your vacation will affect your choice, but it's always a good idea to find someone to take a look at the fish from time to time, particularly if there tend to be blackouts in the area you live in (which only a neighbor will be aware).
- Get an automatic food dispenser and fill the compartments with the appropriate food for your fish. The dispenser will automatically release the food into the water according to the programmed times. This method is only suitable for fish that feed on pellets and flake food, because the dispenser is not suitable for holding worms and other live foods. You can buy frozen dried worms.
- Put different sized prey in the aquarium. It is crucial to put different sized prey in the tank, because predators will eat some first and others later based on the size. Do not put live worms in the aquarium as they will spoil the quality of the water.
- Use food blocks. At pet or aquarium stores, you can purchase food blocks that are suitable for your fish. It is best to give it a try before you go, as some fish reject certain types of blocks. Put the block on the bottom of the aquarium on the day of departure. If you are going to be away for a long time, make arrangements with someone who can go and put a new block every 5-7 days.
- Find someone to go feed your fish. This is the best method, particularly if your fish are picky and picky, but make sure this person has enough time to care for them and knows how, when and what to feed them.
Step 2. Place live plants or vegetables in the aquarium
With some fish it is possible to put a large piece of vegetables attached to a weight into the tank - the fish will eat it over the course of a few days. Even if you don't like zucchini, it's possible your fish will like them.
Step 3. Combine these methods if you have various types of fish
It is possible to satisfy the needs of two groups of fish, because omnivores can eat both carnivore and herbivore food.
Step 4. However, if there are groups of fish with different eating habits in your aquarium, each with their own specific type of food, it will be best to find someone who can spend sufficient time with the fish to ensure that each group is fed properly. proper way
Step 5. Seal the aquarium securely
Fish such as Polypteridae and Mastacembelidae tend to burrow holes in the aquarium, so make sure there are no escape points they can escape from. If you have a pond and need to prepare it for winter, this is not a good time to leave.
Part 3 of 4: Finding Someone to Handle Fish
Step 1. Find someone to take care of your fish
Ask around. Pet shops sometimes offer paid services to go and look after the fish.
A stranger will have full access to your home. Therefore, it is important to carefully examine the person you choose or to contact someone you know. If you don't feel comfortable letting a stranger into your home, ask friends and family. Alternatively, you can go to a certified pet-sitting service, even if it will be more expensive
Step 2. Talk to the person who will take care of the fish before you leave
Tell him everything he needs to know, especially how much food to give, and also leave him written instructions to refer to. If you just can't find anyone to take care of the fish, you better not go. If you do this, the risk will be very high and it is very likely that the fish will not survive.
Part 4 of 4: Ensuring Water Hygiene
Step 1. Keep the aquarium clean
You don't have to worry too much about this aspect. Make a water change within a week of departure. If someone comes to look after your fish, make sure they know how much food to feed so they don't pollute the water. Clean the aquarium immediately upon your return.
Step 2. Test the water when you get back
It is desirable that nothing went wrong during your absence, but check for any ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate spikes. You may have to make several water changes to get the parameters back to normal.
Advice
- Test the vending machine and food blocks while you are still at home, to check and correct the problems. This way you can leave with peace of mind because you will know that everything has worked out.
- When you instruct someone to feed your fish, it is a good idea to leave them a small container with the daily allowance of food for all the days you are away - this way you know that they will not overdose.
- Understand the needs of your fish. Some fish have very specific needs: they require special foods, differentiated care, etc. If you have such fish, it would be best to find someone to take care of them.
- If you have ponds, make sure they are well protected. Predators and hunters could kill your fish in your absence.
- Before buying fish, you need to think about how you will handle them during the holidays. It is good to plan ahead.
- Get a timer and set it so that the aquarium lights are on during the day and off at night. Change old light bulbs before you leave.
- If you have a pond, you need to pay attention to the weather as well. Depending on the type of pond and the time of year, you may need someone to take care of it.
Warnings
- Remember: the longer your vacation, the more risky it will be for your fish. Owners of expensive and picky fish should not be away for more than a week, two at the most.
- If you decide to have someone come to look after the fish, make sure they are 100% trustworthy before giving them the house keys. A few dead fish are preferable to a robbed house.
- A single block of food will not be enough to feed the entire aquarium if this is large. In tanks with many fish you will need to put more than one.
