Just Wondering - Vacations?

[reefallen]

I was wondering what people did with their tanks when they went on vacation. For example. In a larger tank, the evaporation is not as much % wise, so it may not affect the tank as much, but in a smaller tank like a 75 or smaller water must be added just about every day.

How do you handle feedings? Do you entrust others to do so? With freshwater tanks, it's a little easier. I would like to prepare myself for the future! Thanks!

[porky]

How long are you going to be gone?
You would be surprised how much evaporation affects even larger tanks.
I would not leave my tank for an extended period of time w/out some type of auto top off device, I use and like this one (http://www.autotopoff.com/)
With regards to your fish, let them go, they can for the most part, forrage for themselves for a week or longer. If you have a fish that HAS to be fed I would look into an auto feeder. You can find these at most local fish stores.

[digitaldego77]

I have an auto top off system while I'm gone - It's called "Porky" :cool:

Get someone you can trust to check up on it.

[porky]

Yep! Yep!
Digital make a VERY good point!
We both look after each others tanks, so when he is gone I'll top him off and check on things and make sure his tank is okay and he does the same for me. And even though I have auto top off method I still get great peace of mind knowing that a fellow reefer (who knows my system) is checking in on my tank. Nothing like being on vacation and talking to someone who is standing there looking at your tank telling you everything is cool :cool:
Take Digital's advice and develop a buddy system with someone, it will go a long way...

[DONALDUGLYDUCK]

yes its a great idea. i have a auto topoff which i had shut off and forgot about, smoked the impeller of a mag 12 sent it back they sent me a new 1 works find no losses. but the buddy system would have been safer fire etc.

[reiverix]

Early last month I had to leave the country in an emergency. I only had 3 hours until the plane took off. Trying to show the kids how to manage 6 tanks was not easy. So I was gone 12 days and came back to a disaster. Dying coral. Dying fish. Evaporation was at silly levels. Red slime everywhere. And that was just the reef. My planted tanks were worse.

So I guess be prepared always.

[hystrix]

yes have someone reliable watch your tank while you are gone with instructions and even a walk through with them before you leave. I have auto top offs on most of my systems and I don't worry about feeding the fish for 2 weeks plenty of food in the systems. My tank watcher for next month has backed out thanks (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!!!) SO I am trying to find another more reliable person LOL. When I go on 3 or 4 day vacations I just make sure all systems are topped off and I don't tweak anything days before I leave.