![]() |
Vacations?
I am considering setting up a reef tank in the not too distant future.
However, my wife and I will be spending 3 weeks in the UK next summer. How do you reef keepers maintain your tanks over lengthy vacations? Any tips to prevent coming home to a dying "cesspool"? If I cannot figure something out, my build will likely be cancelled (for the sake of my marriage and my health). Lol. |
Two things that would come right off the mind: ATO with enough reserve for double the time you will be out. And a controller so that you can look at the tank's condition through internet. And maybe a wifi camera just to add a bit of relaxation :D
For food: maybe ask someone to come every three/four days to drop off some food into the tank. To me, asking someone to dump food everyday is a bad idea. Also don't keep any anthias. |
ATO and a automatic feed with someone coming by once a week to refill the feeder.
|
Spend the money on good automation with lots of fail safe, backup, webcam and text alerts....Its possible if you plan right. Or maybe you would want to wait. Personally I always thought if I couldnt go on vacation with a reef tank I wouldnt have one. So I just go on vacation and I've always had good luck pretty much. Of course my trips are usually only a week long (no one watches the tank), not 3.
|
I also typically go for a week at a time, leaving the tank on it's own. For three weeks, I'd arrange a sitter to feed the tank. Everything else is fine on it's own.
I did once go to SE Asia for 6 weeks, I sold my tank before going :) Bought a bigger one when I got back! |
3 weeks a bit long to stay away from your tank without having someone with good knowledge for what your system will be.
I would look into getting someone in the hobby to watch over the system not just any joe from any LFS. |
I should add that my 3 sons will be staying behind so the tank can be monitored daily (just not by someone necessarily knowledgeable).
My 14-year old is very responsible and has a real interest in aquariums. I would likely task him with some very simple tasks such as pre-portioned feedings every 3-4 days, topping up my ATO container and ensuring that all pumps are running. I am also hoping that I could ask a reefer in my area to act as "emergency" contact. I kinda feel like if something is going to fail during that 3 weeks, it will fail whether I am home or not. Thanks for your feedback so far. Any additional thoughts? |
Get a tank sitter! There are businesses / LFS that will do this.
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
I've never used a commercial service but have friends that do. There are reputable services in town. |
All times are GMT. The time now is 03:11 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.