Going on a trip

[Acemann]

Hey so I’m going on a 12 day trip and I have a 100 gallon reef tank with a couple of clownfish, some invertebrates, and some coral and my cousin comes to help with pets and I always have to tell her not to over feed and “feed less then what she would think” but somehow she finds a way to over feed them. I have a 120 gallon protein skimmer along with a 50 gallon sump. When I come back the nitrates and phosphate levels are crazy high. Any advice what I should do or tell her?

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Hey so I’m going on a 12 day trip and I have a 100 gallon reef tank with a couple of clownfish, some invertebrates, and some coral and my cousin comes to help with pets and I always have to tell her not to over feed and “feed less then what she would think” but somehow she finds a way to over feed them. I have a 120 gallon protein skimmer along with a 50 gallon sump. When I come back the nitrates and phosphate levels are crazy high. Any advice what I should do or tell her?

Maybe explain how the extra food leads to extra waste, which in turn could harm the tank. And also make daily portions in small containers, and say to only feed that per day.

 

[exnisstech]

Auto feeder if feeding dry. Otherwise portion the food out in some type of containers for individual feeding. Most folks that don't keep fish tend to over feed

 

[Propane]

I went and got a pill dispenser and was able to portion it out with the days of the week. I did it for frozen as well. Pop it open and feed.

 

[exnisstech]

I went and got a pill dispenser and was able to portion it out with the days of the week. I did it for frozen as well. Pop it open and feed.

That's an awesome suggestion. I used Dixie cups that last time I left town lol

 

[Acemann]

Auto feeder if feeding dry. Otherwise portion the food out in some type of containers for individual feeding. Most folks that don't keep fish tend to over feed

How do I portion it out if I feed frozen food do I just cut up the cube?

 

[exnisstech]

How do I portion it out if I feed frozen food do I just cut up the cube?

If you feed less than a cube then yes just cut what would be your normal portion.

 

[kzenoni]

I have three tanks so when I go on vacation I will get enough small containers with lids to make up with the foods for each tank . I will make all containers as if I’m getting ready to feed and put them in the fridge. Whoever is tending my tanks can easily grab and pour daily. Works like a charm.

 

[Dom]

Hey so I’m going on a 12 day trip and I have a 100 gallon reef tank with a couple of clownfish, some invertebrates, and some coral and my cousin comes to help with pets and I always have to tell her not to over feed and “feed less then what she would think” but somehow she finds a way to over feed them. I have a 120 gallon protein skimmer along with a 50 gallon sump. When I come back the nitrates and phosphate levels are crazy high. Any advice what I should do or tell her?

Pre-measure servings of food into small plastic cups and have her dump one cup per day.