going out of town soon

[bignick]

Hi,

I'm going to be getting married in May and i will be away from my tank for 16 days but my brother is going to take care of the tank for 12 of those 16 days. My question is that for the four days that no one will be monitoring the tank, can my fish survive that long without food? Baby bamboo sharks included. I was thinking about investing in one of those automated fish feeders but i don't think that they hold enough food to feed all of my fish. Is there anything else? I was thinking about keeping them at my LFS while i'm gone but i don't know if he'll be up for that idea.

Do any of you know of anything i can do to keep all of my fish healthy? When i use to have a freshwater tank i use to throw in one of those feeder blocks and call it a day but i don't think i can do that anymore.

Please help

[I like Triggers]

What else are you keeping? I would say it should be ok, but I personally wouldnt do it if you have any fish that are very active. If you have live rock there is stuff in there fish can pick at. Before I had tangs I went 4 days a couple times without feeding. Not saying my fish arnt fed well, because they are all round. Here is how thick all my fish are:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b139/murderyoudied/225%20Running/DSCN0709.jpg

[Petstorejunkie]

ask one of the local fish dudes to come in and help you on those 4 days, baby anything cannot go long without nourishment.

[roadracer]

Stress the importance to your brother not to over-feed. That's a concern if he has no fishkeeping experience.

[flfirefighter13]

this is the easiest solve in RC history...... Make sure you have LOTS of fun at the bachelor party and then you will get to come home early and not have to worry about the whole wedding thing:)

Ok fine maybe thats not an option, get a tackle box or similiar organizer with dividers and portion exactly how much to feed with specific instructions, there are hundreds of post on the net about well intentioned helpers WAY over feeding even afterbeing told the dangers. For the 4 days you should find a local reefer or a maintence company to come feed and check the tank for you. Might cost a few bucks but at least you wont be worried while gone. If it where me I would also make sure to have enough water on hand for a 50% change already mixed. That way if something odd happens the waters ready and you wont have to talk someone through how to mix the water and all that jazz. Anyone can use a bucket:) Also remeber to have them check things like the fact that pumps are running or water flowing etc. with planning you will be able to elave with no fear!

[bignick]

Well thanks for the tips but do any of you know about the automated feeders? As for having somebody come into my house while i'm out of town to check on the tank...That is out of the question. I don't want strangers in my house while i'm not there.

I am going to talk to my LFS and ask him about it and see if i can keep my big fish at his place all my tangs should be okay.

[johno4]

For four days I think you would be fine with an automated feeder.

[cougarguy]

I go visit my sister and nephew in Tennessee about 3-4 times a year and am usually gone for 3-4 days at a time. When I go I just give my fish a little extra food and lots of vitamins/selcon the last few times before I go and it is not a problem.

Also like was previously stated there are a ton of critters in the rock/sand that they can live off of if they need to, I find this also helps keep my puffers teeth at a very nice length since he chomps on the rock and sand constantly.

I have a 5" pinktail trigger, 3.5" niger trigger, 6" emperor angel, 7" S&S puffer, 3.5-4" clown, 5" lawnmower blenny.

[bignick]

Thanks everybody.