BC29 vacation questions

TikiBird · Jun 15, 2018

I’ve been planning on taking down my (older, non LED) BioCube 29 for a while, but haven’t done it yet. I was originally hoping to have it down before we leave on a two-week trip, but at this point I think maybe I should leave it up and mess with it when I get back. (I would rather find a good home for my corals and giant gorilla crab, if anyone wants them. And also clean up the GHA and make sure it’s gone for a while again so someone might want my rocks.)

I don’t have my (stock) lights on a timer (I’m not sure how to even do that!). The tank does get hit with sunlight for a couple of hours a day.

Do you guys think that my clove polyps and toadstool leather would survive without the lights for two weeks? I’m not sure if the sunlight is enough. If not, can someone perhaps link me to how to set up a timer for the BC lights?

Also, other than some snails, the only inhabitant now is a big gorilla crab. If I feed him well before we leave, will he be OK for two weeks? Or do I need some sort of automatic food feeding timer for him?

Thank you guys for your help!

OriginalUserName · Jun 15, 2018

Two weeks is probably a bit much. I don't think the polyps would die, but they would be unhappy. Never had leathers so can't comment there.

Just pick up a simple appliance timer from the hardware store and plug your light in. If you plan on keeping a tank long term spring the extra few bucks for a digital one so you don't have to reset the time when you lose power.

TikiBird · Jun 15, 2018

OriginalUserName said:
Two weeks is probably a bit much. I don't think the polyps would die, but they would be unhappy. Never had leathers so can't comment there.

Just pick up a simple appliance timer from the hardware store and plug your light in. If you plan on keeping a tank long term spring the extra few bucks for a digital one so you don't have to reset the time when you lose power.

Thank you @OriginalUserName! [emoji106]

Anyone have thoughts on the food situation?

OriginalUserName · Jun 16, 2018

I've left healthy/fat fish without food for a week with zero problems. I'm not terribly familiar with gorilla crabs but don't they occasionally snack on coral? An auto feeder probably wouldn't hurt or maybe a friend could pop in and toss in a few pellets once or twice? Another option might be placing some fresh greens or something it would eat on a clip to get him by for the bit. Do you have an ATO? Evaporation will likely be an issue after two weeks. I had softies and lps do fine after a week but I wouldn't have pushed it much more without an ATO.

dbl · Jun 16, 2018

A pretty good read to prep for vacation. Might be worth taking a look. I agree with @OriginalUserName about the ATO.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/vacation-time.67/

TikiBird · Jun 16, 2018

OriginalUserName said:
I've left healthy/fat fish without food for a week with zero problems. I'm not terribly familiar with gorilla crabs but don't they occasionally snack on coral? An auto feeder probably wouldn't hurt or maybe a friend could pop in and toss in a few pellets once or twice? Another option might be placing some fresh greens or something it would eat on a clip to get him by for the bit. Do you have an ATO? Evaporation will likely be an issue after two weeks. I had softies and lps do fine after a week but I wouldn't have pushed it much more without an ATO.

Yes, I think you’re right, the crab might turn to the coral or my snails to snack on! I’ll get that guy an auto feeder.

I do have an ATO! Thank you again

TikiBird · Jun 16, 2018

dbl said:
A pretty good read to prep for vacation. Might be worth taking a look. I agree with @OriginalUserName about the ATO.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/vacation-time.67/

Thank you, @dbl! Great article. I have an ATO fortunately!

dbl · Jun 16, 2018

TikiBird said:
Yes, I think you’re right, the crab might turn to the coral or my snails to snack on! I’ll get that guy an auto feeder.

I do have an ATO! Thank you again

The Ehiem Everyday Feeder is a solid little device, and not overly expensive.