Away for 1 month

[big_vard]

Hey folks,

I am going to be away from home for 1 month. I have housemates who can look after my tank, but they literally know NOTHING about saltwater. I could potentially move my livestock to my dad's tank for that time, but would prefer not to.

I currently am running a 20g with HOB refugium/skimmer. I have 1 yellow tail damsel, 1 false perc., 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 ricordia and lots of LR.

Any thoughts?

Steve

 

[blue_eyes53813]

Who do you trust more ? Your dad or housemates..

 

[kimoy]

exactly. who do you trust more?

 

[goldenmean]

Time to teach the housemate who has shown the most interest in your tank how to take care of it for a month
Feeding
Top off
dosig?
water change
look for signs of trouble

Maybe offer to pay (cash or chores)
or take em out to a nice dinner when you get back

 

[Snelly40]

yeah thats tough, your bio load is good though and u should be able to get by with minimal maintenance for the time you are gone.

As much as it pains me to say, cuz i know id be scaaaaared, you could just teach them to pur in fresh water for the top offs and do a major water change when u get home. Feeding should be easy for them, or buy an auto feeder and tell them to just fill it up every 2 weeks

 

[big_vard]

Interesting thoughts.

My dad has an established aquarium, but the hastle of driving 2 hrs and moving the livestock might not be worth it, especially considering the stress to the fish.

I was thinking:

1. Big water change a few days before I leave, and another one when I get back.
2. Have the housemates doing only top-ups as far as water is concerned (I'd have DI/RO water ready for them).
3. They can take care of feeding, I'll have portions pre-prepared.
4. Get them to just watch and make sure things look ok. I'll try to make a list of "warning signs"
5. Leave them my dad's phone number incase of emergencies.

Make sense?

Steve

 

[Snelly40]

i think thats best, i dont trust anyone to do water changes or anything that can go really wrong...to much to risk

i would do exactly what u just wrote and i think it will be ok, lots of live rock in there will really help u too and u have some hardy fish that i think will be fine for a month without a water change, much better than a 2 hour trip

 

[murkywaters]

your idea sounds good. too bad you don't know anyone that can come and check on it once in a while. Are your roomates responsible?

 

[big_vard]

Yes they are very responsible, just not knowledgeable LOL.

I'll teach them what I can... just worried, as I am finally seeing my setup getting into a nice groove with happy inhabitants

Thanks for the input.

Steve

 

[SueT]

could you phone them to check on things maybe after a couple of weeks. Check in and see how things look. You have things very well thought out from your previous post. I think things will be fine for you.

The only other thing would be meds for the nerves.

 

[mps9506]

If you are really worried, maybe someone in the local reefclub could help ya out?
I had watched tanks for a few local reefclub members when they went on extended vacations. Just topped off, fed and made sure everything stayed normal.

 

[lcstorc]

Sounds like you have a good plan.
You can also tell them about RS and we can help out if they can't reach you for some reason.

 

[sasquatch]

Lynn, great idea!
Steve, If your friends are nervous about coming in start a list of members for them to PM with questions, Id be happy to help.
I would try to portion the food to minimum amounts if possible, oh yeah lol Have a GREAT trip. Steve

 

[DaBird]

Have fun and Good Luck, a month is a long time and I know that I'd be worried but you have it well thought out and now you have more good ideas to help...

 

[murkywaters]

get them to send you photos everyday thru email and then when you see something going down hill you can beg Dad to go fix it.