Away from home - What to do??

[Lucas815]

Hi,

I'm in the process of getting ready for my 1st reef tank.

One concern that I have is that due to my job, I will sometimes have to be away from home a couple days a week, or even the whole week sometimes.
My partner is not very interested in taking care of the tank while i'm away, and since we have kids that she'll have to take care of, i'm pretty sure i'm on my own.

Also, we like to go on vacation for a week to a week and a half during summer.

I'm pretty sure i'm not the only one in this situation, so how to you deal with this?


Also, please take a look at my build thread, i'm very interested in comments and advices.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-to-reef-keeping-and-tank-setup.708837/#post-7325806

Thank you !

 

[Travis Stewart]

You are not alone. Anyone around you that you know in the hobby that could come check on the tank?

I would make sure to get all necessary equipment needed for your tank to pretty much run on auto pilot. ATO, Auto feeder etc.

some also use a live camera to check in on tank from time to time.

 

[Cstar_BC]

With technology today there are a lot of reef monitor controllers that can automate and track most things - also let you know if anything is amiss

Autofish feeders, alkatronic , trident etc .

I normally get a house sitter for extended vacations - a Younger cousin who is payed in a full fridge , and unlimited streaming channels. Also a detailed list of if x happens do y

 

[mrlavalamp]

If you go places that have internet, then an apex or other controller can give you serious peace of mind. Not cheap though.

Otherwise, best solution I have is to pay someone to babysit the tank (come check in once a day or so).

I go camping/hiking a lot with no internet so I just roll the dice and hope my babysitter doesn't over feed too badly.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Livestock can go well over a week without food, just get an ato for fresh water and you’ll be fine while away.

 

[Lucas815]

The main issue that i'm thinking about is feeding.
I've read mostly that frozen food should be the staple food given in the tank, and that pellets are not as readily eaten by fish.

Could the fish still thrive with up to 5 days a week on pellets from an autofeeder?
Note that this situation would not be every week...

 

[dopey]

Tank size depends.

I've only had relatively small tanks 37L and now 220L.

We go on vacation max 10 or so days. We also have a cat, so require someone to catsit him anyway.

I ask the person to feed the fish, and if they are willing to check the top off.

It's not been a problem.


If I were to have a an actual problem (pump dead, or something super odd) with the tank I'd either bribe that friend with beer to help or ask my LFS for help.


If you like gadgets then the suggestion of apex/webcams are an option but I wouldnt say they are required..

 

[tehmadreefer]

The main issue that i'm thinking about is feeding.
I've read mostly that frozen food should be the staple food given in the tank, and that pellets are not as readily eaten by fish.

Could the fish still thrive with up to 5 days a week on pellets from an autofeeder?
Note that this situation would not be every week...

The fish will be fine... When there in no food given by humans they forage the pods and algae, etc.

 

[dopey]

The main issue that i'm thinking about is feeding.
I've read mostly that frozen food should be the staple food given in the tank, and that pellets are not as readily eaten by fish.

Could the fish still thrive with up to 5 days a week on pellets from an autofeeder?
Note that this situation would not be every week...

I'd say yes.. but I also find asking someone to put in x cubes from the freezer easier than explaining how many pellets

 

[piranhaman00]

Just need a good ato (Tunze). Fish can go over a week no problem.

 

[Cristy17]

Automation is key in MHO. Up until the Covid-19 started I was taking monthly trips to Md from Fl. for 5-8 days. I have been doing this for over 2 years. I have everything automated including aminos, ato and pellet food. I rely on the fish poop feeding most of my corals. I have two cameras set up. Now if you decided to get some non-photosynthetic corals, like suncorals, you have to being someone in 2-3 times a week. Lucky for me I have a neighbor/friend in the hobby and she helps me out.