3 months away from tank.. What do I do??

savetheocean · Apr 13, 2018

Over the summer, I will be away from my reef tank. I did this last year when I JUST set up the tank which ended badly. I really don't want to have to come back every week or two to clean. Ill spend money if I have to because I feel like I could lose all the progress I have made in the last couple months. Suggestions? Anything I can add thats automatic? Ive also heard of a professional team coming in and cleaning it for you? Ideas?

rich nyc · Apr 13, 2018

depends where you on. Your lfs probably does tank maintenance

killr66tb · Apr 13, 2018

Lfs should help

milkman754 · Apr 13, 2018

Where are you located?

savetheocean · Apr 14, 2018

Outside Philadelphia

mtraylor · Apr 14, 2018

I would ensure I had a controller on my system where I could monitor it, feed it, etc. Then as everyone has stated you can use a LFS maintenance crew to service the tank every week or couple weeks as needed. you can also check your fellow reefers that can help in the area as well.

Breadman03 · Apr 14, 2018

savetheocean said:
Outside Philadelphia

There are a few guys down there that do tank maintenance. Look into Mini Reef, ASR-Aquarium Specialties and Research, and TSM Corals. Are you on Facebook? If so, look at the local FB group, Southeastern PA Saltwater Reef Aquarium Classifieds and Discussions.

savetheocean · Apr 14, 2018

Im only worried because I won't be at the house.

Breadman03 · Apr 14, 2018

That’s understandable. Only you can decide what you are comfortable with.

Maddlesrain · Apr 14, 2018

Do you have a neighbor, friend, or family member that can look after the tank for you while you’re away? I’m also leaving my tank for three months over the summer, but it’ll be in the care of my family.

Even if someone could come in a couple times a week and add water to your top-off system, etc.

savetheocean · Apr 15, 2018

Maddlesrain said:
Do you have a neighbor, friend, or family member that can look after the tank for you while you’re away? I’m also leaving my tank for three months over the summer, but it’ll be in the care of my family.

Even if someone could come in a couple times a week and add water to your top-off system, etc.

I actually did find a trusted friend who enjoys aquariums too (Freshwater though). I have a 75g reef and a 10g reef and I wrote up a huge detailed list for them to follow. Im also going to come back down every once in a while just to make sure everything is okay.

HB AL · Apr 15, 2018

3 months is a pretty long time, If you dont have a really knowledgeable friend that can take care of the tank i would find someone who takes care of tanks for a living and pay them to do whats necessary. Depending on your livestock and setup they are gonna need to be there multiple times a week and its probably not gonna be cheap. A good reefer friend would be ideal.

DesertReefT4r · Apr 15, 2018

First off you need to spend the money and get an Apex. Automate ATO, dosing, lighting, temp control, add flood sensors, skimmer and sump high level sensors, web cam,setup email alerts. Contact a good LFS and setup weekly sevice visits for adding top off water, 2 or 3 part refills, test water, do water changes, ect and put eyes on the tank. Have the Apex email you and your service company with issues so you and they know and it can be resolved quickly.

Mr.Rocc · Apr 15, 2018

Start your neighbor early so you can show them and slowly ease off the help until he can do it alone.

timrocks311 · Apr 16, 2018

I'd suggest talking to an LFS. I'm just west of Philly near Mini Reef. I want to talk with him about checking on the tank while I'm on vacation this summer. It's only a week, but I'd rather them check it than friends who don't know anything. Since you're gone for a few months, I'd look into that.

TheEngineer · Apr 16, 2018

Armco Aquatics in Wilmington, DE services that area. They’re a professional maintenance company. Tell them Adam from the Delaware Reef Club referred you.

savetheocean · Apr 16, 2018

My plan now, is to come down every other week at least and do a deep clean over the weekend. I have water changes and top offs under control I THINK. I have controlled lighting and temperature. I think I am going to get an apex but I have SBReefLights so that might be annoying.

I wonder if there is some sort of webcam I can attach in the water or right outside the glass so I can look at the tank whenever I want.

mdrobc13 · Apr 17, 2018

Best to get a service set up...I did the same in 2013-2014 when I was deployed overseas for 6 mos. My wife doesn't speak Marine Fish tank...and will not touch it. My son can feed the fish but that's about it...so I bought and Apex unit and set it up and then have my LFS come by twice a month to do maintenance. Cost was around $120 for my tank 2 visits a month for a 125g but I will say it was worth it. I didn't lose any fish and my water was pristine and all my live rock/fake coral were cleaned and scrubbed and the whole set up was in great condition when I returned. If gone for a long period of time I would do it again...worth the investment especially when you think of cost of fish, rock, equipment, etc.

Emerson · Apr 17, 2018

I left my 75 gal tank for a month last summer. I swapped my normal ATO reservoir out for a 20 gal Brute garbage can, and has a neighbor fill it up after 2 weeks. I also monitored using an Apex and a NetGear Arlo web cam. I filled up an auto feeder with Hikari pellets, and had my LFS number ready for a call if something looked bad..everything turned out fine