Many people travel a lot to relieve the fatigue of their daily lives, but what about their pet fish? For example, fish in the aquariums of dogs and cats. If you wish, you can take your dog or cat with you or keep them in a boarding facility, but you cannot take your aquarium with you or leave it in the boarding facility. How to feed fish while on vacation?
When I travel with my family for more than 5-7 days to relieve the fatigue of daily life, here are some tips on how to take care of my aquarium. I hope these tips will be useful for those who travel with aquarium fish at home.
Clean the Tank
First, I deep-clean the tank. I turn off all tank equipment, such as lights, filters, and heaters, before cleaning. Next, I remove about 20%-30% of the water with a gravel vacuum. After that, I use a fish tank cleaning brush to remove visible algae and gently clean all four sides of the glass and the bottom of the tank. I remove fish waste. After everything is done, I replace the water carefully and slowly. Before returning everything to the aquarium, I clean all rocks and decorations in warm or boiling water by scrubbing them with a toothbrush. It’s important to know the correct method of tank cleaning. More details
Ensure Proper Water Temperature
During the holidays, it is important to ensure that the temperature of the aquarium remains stable to keep the fish comfortable. Maintain a water temperature of 72°F – 82°F for freshwater fish and 75°F – 80°F for saltwater fish. I use a reliable smart thermostat to maintain the ideal temperature range for specific fish species, which can be controlled from anywhere in the world, making it easy to monitor the water temperature. I tend to adjust the temperature according to the needs of the fish.
Ensure Water Quality
pH levels measure the balance of acidity and alkalinity in my aquarium water. Freshwater fish typically thrive in pH levels ranging from 6.6 to 7.8, and saltwater fish from 7.6 to 8.4. I keep the nitrite level in my tank at 0.75 ppm.
How to feed fish while on vacation
Set Up an Auto-feeder
Set up an automatic fish food feeder. Load the feeder with pellets, program how often you want it to feed each day, and mount it to the aquarium rim. I check the feeder several days before my departure to make sure it is dispensing the right amount of food at the right time. I set up auto feeders when I travel with my family for more than 5-7 days. If it is less than 5-7 days, there is no need to set up the auto feeder, as it usually takes about 8-10 days for fish to starve to death.
Feed Less Than Usual
Fish can easily survive about 8-10 days without food, so I cut back on feeding a bit while I’m away. I program the auto feeder to feed a few times less than usual. Feeding less food helps keep nitrates, pH, and fish waste levels low in my tank.
Use a Smart Thermostat
To make sure the temperature is right while I’m away, I use a wireless smart thermostat. These can be controlled from anywhere in the world, making it easy to monitor the water temperature. I can easily adjust the temperature according to the fish’s needs with it.
Use a Timer for Lighting
I use timers to control my aquarium lights so that they turn on and off automatically. I set the timer to provide as much light as the fish needed. Lighting is not a major concern since I’m traveling anyway.
Install an Automatic Water Change System
I use an automatic water change system that allows me to maintain my weekly water change schedule with the push of a button while I’m away. With this system, I can easily change the water.
Install an Automatic Battery-Operated Air Pump
This battery-powered air pump helps oxygenate my aquarium. When it senses a power loss, it automatically turns on the battery and starts pumping oxygen into the aquarium water
Clean the aquarium filter
Be sure to thoroughly clean any algae, especially bubble algae, from your tank pump before you leave.
Change Filter Floss/Socks the Day Before Departure
Sometimes changing filter floss or socks can cause your protein skimmer to act up. If this happens, it is best to change your floss or socks the day before you leave.
Install a Roller Mat/Fleece Filter
If your aquarium goes through floss and socks very quickly, you can install a roller mat, also known as a fleece filter. This new smart device will give you weeks of service without needing to change your mechanical filter media.
Do Not Add New Fish Before Leaving
I don’t add new fish to my aquarium before I go on vacation because I need to quarantine the fish before adding them. Additionally, adding a new fish to the tank just a few days before leaving can cause problems, so it’s best not to add new fish before a trip.
Do Not Add New Equipment Before Going Away
Adding new equipment just before leaving can cause a lot of problems. Many times, new equipment is not set up properly or cannot be used correctly. If this happens, other arrangements need to be made, but that’s not possible while you’re away. Therefore, it’s not advisable to add new equipment just before leaving.
Set Up an Aquarium Controller
Just like a webcam, an aquarium controller will reduce my stress significantly. It is a device that constantly monitors and controls the equipment, and if there is a problem, it alerts me immediately via my phone or email so that I can take action.
Set Up a Wi-Fi Camera
I use a Wi-Fi camera set up to view the aquarium, which I can access through an app on my phone. These cameras are very easy to set up, and the real-time image quality is great. They even have two-way voice communication, so I can talk to a tank-sitter if needed.
Use a Backup Power Source
To protect against any power outage, I keep an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system to supply power to my electrical appliances.
Do a Final Check of All Plugs, Switches, Valves, and Connections
At least a day before departure, I thoroughly check all plugs, switches, valves, and connections to ensure there are no problems before leaving.
Strengthen Security
Close any openings or gaps in the lid of the aquarium so that the fish cannot jump out. Additionally, secure tanks and equipment to avoid accidental damage or tipping.
Emergency Contact
Provide a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor with detailed instructions on how to care for my aquarium in an emergency. Contact a local aquarium professional to help if needed.
